Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

by Augusta Goldner MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There's no specific medicine for treating ME/CFS, but medicine can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. Over-the-counter painkillers can help ease headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. A GP can prescribe stronger painkillers, although they should only be used on a short-term basis.

Medication

Jan 21, 2022 · Medical professionals often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment for CFS/ME. This recommendation can be controversial, since some give it out of the discredited belief that CFS/ME symptoms are largely perpetuated by a person’s fear and personal choices regarding their symptoms rather than a physical cause.

Therapy

Feb 01, 2017 · The widely‐used antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine) known as selective serotonin‐reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful for CFS/ME subjects who experience significant chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety/depression and …

Self-care

Aug 16, 2021 · There is no standard treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, there are many options for managing symptoms and improving quality of life, including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy, and medications.

Nutrition

Help for Your Joints If ME/CFS gives you muscle and joint pain, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. If these don’t help, your...

What helped you with chronic fatigue syndrome?

How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated? There is no cure for CFS; however, the following treatments may be considered to help relieve symptoms: Sleeping medications Stimulants Analgesics Antidepressants Other medications. Drugs used to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What are some natural remedies for chronic fatigue?

Sep 30, 2021 · The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome will help to relieve the symptoms. The treatment is given according to the problems the disease is causing. Treatment measures include: Cognitive behavioral therapy Graded exercise therapy (programmed exercise) Medication to control pain, sleeping issues and nausea

What is the best medicine for chronic fatigue?

May 29, 2021 · Some of the more commonly proposed chronic fatigue syndrome treatment plans via conventional medicine include: ( 2) Antivirals Pain killers (analgesics) Antidepressants Steroids Antivirals It has long been thought that a previous …

Did probiotics cure my chronic fatigue syndrome?

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How do you get rid of chronic fatigue?

12 Diet Hacks to Reduce Chronic FatigueDitch inflammatory foods. ... Stay hydrated. ... Keep a food and symptom journal. ... Don't cut it all out. ... But do experiment with your diet. ... Limit your caffeine intake. ... Try smaller, more frequent meals. ... Pay attention to sugar.More items...

What is the most effective intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Cognitive behavioral therapy and an exercise program appear to be the best treatments to improve function and symptoms of fatigue in patients with CFS.

Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. The most disruptive or disabling symptoms should be addressed first.Sep 24, 2020

What supplements are good for chronic fatigue?

SupplementsEnergy: Carnitine, CoQ10, creatine, D-ribose, magnesium malate, NADH, SAM-e, vitamin B12.Immune function: Carnitine, CoQ10, DHEA, lysine, Rhodiola, theanine.Pain and tenderness: Lysine. ... Sleep: Melatonin, valerian.Mood problems: DHEA, folic acid, lysine.More items...•Aug 16, 2021

Do vitamins help chronic fatigue syndrome?

Oxidative stress in CFS is due to diminished antioxidant capacity and/or decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with a vitamin and mineral supplement could be a safe and easy way to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with CFS.Jan 14, 2014

What mimics chronic fatigue syndrome?

Similar Medical Conditions A number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis.

Are there any new treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?

There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

What triggers chronic fatigue syndrome?

ME/CFS is a complex illness and we do not know the cause. For some people, the condition may be triggered suddenly by a viral infection, toxic exposure, anaesthetic, immunisation, gastroenteritis or trauma. In other people, ME/CFS may develop slowly over months or years.

Is chronic fatigue syndrome a mental illness?

In 1991 UK psychiatrists redefined ME as chronic fatigue syndrome, under the Oxford Criteria, a somatoform psychiatric mental health disorder (4).May 24, 2012

Does zinc help with fatigue?

Results: Zinc supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (mean difference: -10.41 vs 1.37, P < . 001) and increased serum zinc level (mean difference: 14.22, vs -0.57, P < . 001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Consumption of zinc supplements for the elderly is recommended to overcome fatigue.May 19, 2021

Does CoQ10 help with fatigue?

Conclusion: It seems CoQ10 has better therapeutic effects in statin-related fatigue and fibromyalgia patients compared with the other disease related fatigue. Finally, in order to draw a firm link between CoQ10 and fatigue, more clinical trials with adequate sample size and with sufficient follow-up periods are needed.

Is magnesium good for chronic fatigue?

Magnesium malate, a combination of magnesium and malic acid (which is found in apples), is one such salt formulation. This particular formulation of magnesium may be helpful for conditions related to over-excitation of the neuromuscular system, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.Jul 20, 2020

How to help a patient with chronic illness?

Strategies that do not involve use of medications and might be helpful to some patients are: 1 Professional counseling: Talking with a therapist to help find strategies to cope with the illness and its impact on daily life and relationships. 2 Balanced diet. A balanced diet is important for everyone’s good health and would benefit a person with or without any chronic illness. 3 Nutritional supplements. Doctors might run tests to see if patients lack any important nutrients and might suggest supplements to try. Doctors and patients should talk about any risks and benefits of supplements, and consider any possible interactions that may occur with prescription medications. Follow-up tests to see if nutrient levels improve can help with treatment planning. 4 Complementary therapies. Therapies, like meditation, gentle massage, deep breathing, or relaxation therapy, might be helpful.

What are some ways to help with ME/CFS?

Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from trying techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation, massage, and movement therapies (such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi). These can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. Top of Page.

What should patients, families, and healthcare providers discuss?

Patients, families, and healthcare providers should discuss the possible benefits and harms of any treatment plans, including medicines and other therapies . Healthcare providers need to support their patients’ families as they come to understand how to live with this illness.

What are the problems that can be caused by ME/CFS?

Depression, Stress, and Anxiety. Adjusting to a chronic, debilitating illness sometimes leads to other problems, including depression, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with ME/CFS develop depression during their illness. When present, depression or anxiety should be treated.

What to do if you have chronic pain?

Doctors may first recommend trying over-the-counter pain-relievers, like aceta minophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If these do not provide enough pain relief, patients may need to see a pain specialist. People with chronic pain, including those with ME/CFS, can benefit from counseling to learn new ways to deal with pain.

What are some ways to help with memory problems?

Memory aids, like organizers and calendars, can help with memory problems. For people with ME/CFS who have concentration problems, some doctors have prescribed stimulant medications, like those typically used to treat Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Can ME/CFS patients do aerobic exercise?

Any activity or exercise plan for people with ME/CFS needs to be carefully designed with input from each patient. While vigorous aerobic exercise can be beneficial for many chronic illnesses, patients with ME/CFS do not tolerate such exercise routines.

What is group therapy for CFS?

Like CBT, group therapy offers the opportunity to share your experience with someone who cares. The difference is that you can listen to and learn from the experiences of others who are also suffering from CFS. This will help normalize the experience, and provide insight into other ways to deal with the illness.

How to overcome CFS?

1. Rebuild your ability to concentrate. A common characteristic of CFS is an inability to concentrate on verbal, written, or visual information. Following directions, multitasking, or performing an action which requires a series of steps may become difficult or impossible.

How many people have CFS?

CFS has a low diagnosis rate, but approximately 1 in 250 people are afflicted with it. Doctors without a thorough understanding of CFS may misdiagnose it as depression, general anxiety disorder, or a psychosomatic illness.

What is the condition that leaves you exhausted?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating condition which leaves the afflicted individual with an ongoing feeling of exhaustion. Persons with CFS may be unable to perform even mundane activities which under normal circumstances present no problem.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help you better cope with CFS. By talking through the experience, giving it meaning, and discovering what may have triggered your CFS, you may be able to mitigate or better manage your CFS symptoms.

What is the best medication for CFS?

Antidepressants have shown some promise in alleviating CFS. These medications can reduce pain and improve quality of sleep in addition to treating the depression that often accompanies CFS. [5] Klonopin, a prescription drug, can help concentration and remove the veil of “brain fog” often experienced by those with CFS.

How to treat a swollen thigh?

These can help relax muscles and ease pain. Cold treatments include applying ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables to areas causing pain. Do not apply cold treatments for more than 15–20 minutes to a single location.

What antidepressants are prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome?

The most common types of antidepressants prescribed for ME/CFS are SSRI/SNRIs and tricyclic agents. 8 .

What is the best way to reduce fatigue?

People also use it to attempt to reduce fatigue and increase energy. Massage, Reiki, and other bodywork: Gentle massage may help with relaxation, lowering anxiety and improving sleep. Qigong: This is a traditional Chinese practice to improve the movement of energy (qi or chi) through the body.

What is the best patch for pain?

Some of the common ones are Capzasin ( capsaicin ), Tiger Balm (camphor and menthol), Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate), BiOFREEZE (menthol USP), and Salonpas patches (camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate). Because they only work where you put them, rubs and patches are best used for localized pain. Always use them as directed.

What is it called when you push yourself on your good days?

Pushing yourself on your good days can result in crashing for the next few days, which is known as the "push-crash cycle ." 1  Learning to pace your activities may help you avoid this.

How to help someone with chronic illness?

You may benefit by seeking psychological counseling to help address the emotions and stress that come with having a chronic illness that greatly impacts your lifestyle. In addition to seeing a therapist, you may find attending a support group beneficial.

Can fatigue cause you to overheat?

Heating and Cooling. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome experience temperature sensitivity and have a tendency to overheat and have trouble cooling down. There are many cooling products available, as well as heating products. You can take a warm or cool bath or just soak your feet.

Is there a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

There is no standard treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, there are many options for managing symptoms and improve quality of life, including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy, and medications. With the help of a doctor ...

Sleep Problems

Many people with ME/CFS have some kind of sleep disorder. Getting a good (or at least better) night’s sleep could help you feel less tired during the day.

Stimulants

Some people are prescribed stimulants, like the ones used to treat ADHD. These medicines help ease fatigue and problems with memory and concentration. But they are tricky for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Help for Your Joints

If ME/CFS gives you muscle and joint pain, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.

What are the drugs used for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Select drug class All drug classes CNS stimulants (3) adamantane antivirals (1) dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents (1) serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (1) Rx. OTC.

What is CFS fatigue?

This fatigue is so severe that it gets in the way of normal daily activities and is not improved by rest or sleep. Any kind of physical activity or exertion leads to extreme exhaustion (a condition known as post-exertional malaise). CFS may also be called systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

What are the best treatments for CFS?

There is no cure for CFS; however, the following treatments may be considered to help relieve symptoms: 1 Sleeping medications 2 Stimulants 3 Analgesics 4 Antidepressants 5 Other medications.

What are the symptoms of CFS?

The symptoms of CFS may vary from person to person but can include: Persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. Headaches. Poor concentration. Memory Loss. Sore throat. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits. Unexplained muscle or joint pain.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a long-term health condition with a plethora of symptoms. One of the most evident symptoms is extreme tiredness almost all the time.

How to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

There isn’t any particular chronic fatigue syndrome test to diagnose it. The diagnosis depends on your symptoms and by ruling out the other illnesses that could lead to those symptoms.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome will help to relieve the symptoms. The treatment is given according to the problems the disease is causing.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome

There isn’t any known cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but you do have several theories, for instance, it can be triggered by an infection, or special factors.

What is the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Some of the more commonly proposed chronic fatigue syndrome treatment plans via conventional medicine include: ( 2) Antivirals. Pain killers (analgesics)

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Steroids. It’s long been thought that chronic fatigue syndrome results from improper functioning of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. ( 18) You’re probably more familiar with HPA axis issues when they’re referenced as adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue describes a condition of lowered cortisol levels.

What is the unrefreshing sleep symptom?

Sleeping pills. What’s known as unrefreshing sleep is a common symptom in chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the other sleep-related symptoms tied to CFS include difficulty falling or staying asleep, extreme sleepiness, intense and vivid dreaming, restless legs, and nighttime muscle spasms.

What pain killers are used for chronic fatigue?

Pain killers (analgesics) Out of all the medications used in treating chronic fatigue, none are more popular than pain killers. ( 8) The most common which included acetaminophen and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and aspirin. Opiate-based pain killers like morphine and/or naloxone have not been shown to be effective in treating pain levels in CFS ...

Do antivirals help with fatigue?

Some studies have found that antivirals do not improve fatigue symptoms at all. ( 5) But more recent studies have shown that antivirals are, in fact, effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. ( 6, 7) Now let’s bear in mind that all three of these studies using antivirals were very small.

Does Cox-2 help with fatigue?

Cox-2 has been shown to be elevated during viral infections. ( 10, 11) If your chronic fatigue has a viral origin, taking a COX-2 inhibitor should improve your symptoms of both pain and fatigue. There are no current studies examining the effect COX-2 inhibitors have on CFS.

Can you take antiviral medication before fatigue?

Before signing up for antiviral therapy, ensure your practitioner takes a detailed health history. If your fatigue began after a flu-like infection, antivirals may be a worthwhile treatment option. But if you cannot remember an infection occurring before your fatigue, skip the antivirals.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
There is no cure for CFS. Treatment aims at providing relief from symptoms.
Medication

Antidepressants: They are given to treat depression, and improve sleep.

Amitriptyline . Doxepin


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): It is given for pain relief.

Naproxen . Ibuprofen


Anxiolytics: Used to treat anxiety.

Alprazolam . Lorazepam

Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy:A professional counselor helps you improve your daily activities and lifestyle.

Graded exercise program:Increasing the exercise intensity and time gradually to get used to long-time activities.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
  • Maintain a regular regimen for the suggested exercises.
  • Limit caffeine intake to prevent insomnia.
  • Create a sleep routine.
  • Learn to manage physical and emotional stress.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products

Foods to avoid:

  • Processed, refined carbohydrates: e.g. white bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, soda

Specialist to consult

Psychologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behaviour problems.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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