Medications for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications only as recommended by your doctor, and according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Many people with CFS appear particularly sensitive to drugs, especially those that affect the central nervous system. For this reason, your doctor may begin with very low doses. The dose will be gradually increased as necessary.
The complex symptoms in CFS may require the use of different types of medication. Medication may also be given for anxiety and depression , pain control, and sleep disturbance.
Prescription Medications
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, Limbitrol, Triavil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Bayer Select, Motrin, Nuprin)
Prescription Medications
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Common names include:
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, Limbitrol, Triavil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
Your healthcare provider may prescribe low-dose tricyclic agents to help improve your sleep and relieve mild, generalized pain. Improvement is usually seen in two to six weeks after beginning treatment.
Possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Weight gain
- Low blood pressure
- Sexual dysfunction
- Rapid heart rate
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat the depression that may accompany CFS. They may also be beneficial for CFS even if you are not depressed. Improvement may be seen in four to six weeks after beginning treatment.
Common names include:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
***Please note FDA Public Health Advisory for Antidepressants:
The FDA advises that people taking antidepressants should be closely observed. For some, the medications have been linked to worsening symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These adverse effects are most common in young adults. The effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose. Although the warning is for all antidepressants, of most concern are the SSRI class such as:
- Prozac (fluoxetine ), Zoloft (sertraline ), Paxil (paroxetine ), Luvox (fluvoxamine ), Celexa (citalopram ), Lexapro(escitalopram )
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headache
Atypical Antidepressants
Common names include:
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Atypical antidepressants are used to treat depression that may accompany CFS. Improvement is usually seen in four to six weeks after beginning treatment.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Diminished sex drive
Benzodiazepines
Common names include:
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
Benzodiazepines are used to reduce anxiety and panic that may accompany CFS. They may also be used to promote sleep. Benzodiazepines are fast acting but can be habit-forming when used long-term or in excess. In such cases, withdrawal must be accomplished slowly, over a period of weeks or months.
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Incoordination
- Slow reaction time or impaired driving
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Common name: Tylenol
Acetaminophen may be used to relieve pain from headache, joint pains, or muscle pain. To avoid stomach upset, this medication should be taken with food. Acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as recommended.
Possible side effects include:
- Rashes
- Acute liver or kidney failure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to relieve pain and fever associated with CFS. These medicines should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. They are generally safe when taken as recommended.
Possible side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Nausea, heartburn , or vomiting
Special Considerations
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
- Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
- Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
- Do not share them.
- Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
- Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if you have any questions about your medication, any side effects that are troublesome, or if you feel that the medication is not working after the allotted time period.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .
Craig T, Kakumanu S. Chronic fatigue syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65:1083-1090.
Devanur LD, Kerr JR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. J Clin Virol. 2006;37:139-150.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
Prins JB, van der Meer JW, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet. 2006;367:346-355.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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