Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition that is increasingly being seen in recent times due to changes in lifestyles and living in stressful times. An individual who has been experiencing unexplained fatigue for at least 6 months, that just does not seem to go away by resting, is said to be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The exact causes of this condition are difficult to ascertain, but many factors such as stress, depression, infections, diseases, etc. are said to contribute to it.
Constant muscle pain, sore throat, joint pain, lack of sleep, general discomfort and weakness, loss of memory or concentration and headaches are some of the commonly observed symptoms. There is no known cure for CFS, and medications are given to patients to provide relief from the symptoms. Given here are some of the popularly used drugs and medications for CFS.
Drugs And Medications To Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen can be used to provide relief from pain due to headache, muscle ache and joint pains in people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. This medication is commonly available as Tylenol, which is an over-the-counter medication.
It should be taken along with food as it can upset your stomach. It is generally safe to take, but may have side effects like nausea, vomiting and rashes in some individuals. Overuse can cause acute liver or kidney failure.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
These medications are used to treat depression in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Even if they are not suffering from depression, these drugs can be beneficial for the patient. Some of the commonly prescribed drugs include Celexa, Luvox, Profac and Zoloft.
Four to six weeks of treatment brings about good amount of improvement in patients. Side effects like nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, weight gain and headache are observed in some people.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
These are prescription medications and are commonly available as Doxepin, Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Nortriptyline and Imipramine. Lose dose medications can be taken to improve sleep quality and get relief from mild generalized pain.
Two to six weeks of treatment shows improvement in the condition of the patient. Some of the side effects of these drugs can be dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, etc.
Atypical Antidepressants
These are prescription medications and include drugs like Desyrel, Effexor and Wellbutrin which are prescribed to patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Atypical antidepressants are helpful in treating depression in people with CFS and a marked improvement is seen in their condition after four to six weeks of treatment.
Possible side effects include nausea, mood swings, behaviour changes, nervousness and diminished sex drive. These can be habit forming drugs and should only be taken with constant consultation from your doctor.
Benzodiazepines
Some of the commonly prescribed used drugs that contain this medication include Halcion, Tranxene, Restoril, Valium, Dalmane and Ativan. Benzodiazepines help to reduce anxiety in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. It also helps them sleep better.
These drugs can be habit forming, so they should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor, and withdrawal should be gradual over a period of few weeks. Some of the possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, lack of co-ordination and slow reaction time.
