Fatigue Information & Discounts

How can I manage chronic fatigue?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for chronic fatigue or for chronic fatigue syndrome, and treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome relies largely on treating symptoms. How to treat fatigue or chronic fatigue that is a symptom of other afflictions should be a part of treating those other disorders or diseases, whether physical or psychological.

Some methods of chronic fatigue syndrome treatment parallel recommendations for adrenal fatigue treatment. These are largely focused on lifestyle adjustments such as cutting out alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, slowly increasing regular physical activity, eating a healthier diet (lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables), and keeping structured sleep habits that provide enough sleep. However, proponents of adrenal fatigue treatment often dismiss medication or other medical advice and do not address symptoms from other known adrenal gland disorders.

Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome can also include some alternative therapies such as acupuncture or fluorescent-light treatments. There are also holistic options that utilize plants and herbs like maca or pau d'arco, or even some forms of plankton. In terms of medical chronic fatigue syndrome treatment, on the other hand, there are several types of medications doctor s may prescribe.

What are the different types of medications for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Antibiotics

Sometimes patients with CFS will show high levels of antibodies, especially for organisms like C. pneumoniae. While C. pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, even if the patient isn't exhibiting the symptoms of being ill, the fact that the body is fighting off this organism could be a big factor in their CFS. In these sorts of cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.

ADHD Medications

CFS causes a number of cognitive impairments (e.g., the inability to focus, concentrate, or recall information) and malaise. In many ADHD cases, the medication prescribed is a stimulant that assists with similar symptoms. While research into using these stimulants for CFS has not been completed, many doctors see a therapeutic value to utilizing methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine on a case by case basis.

Pain Relievers/Anti-inflammatories

Fevers, muscle and joint pain, and headaches are all symptoms of CFS. In some cases, over the counter medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen are enough to mitigate these disruptive problems. However, sometimes the symptoms can be much more severe, in which case doctors may prescribe serious medications like codeine. Be careful with these medications; codeine etc. can be addictive, and whether the medication is prescription or over the counter, overdose can be a serious issue.

Antidepressants

Depression and anxiety can be either causes or symptoms of CFS, and in either case, one will always make the other worse, creating a downward cycle that is exhausting both physically and emotionally. They can also assist greatly with energy and muscle pain, depending on the prescription the doctor chooses is best for you.

What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue?

Fatigue is a problem that can be hard to pin down. Its symptoms include excessive tiredness, it's true, but because it's ongoing (that is, chronic), fatigue extends to more than just lethargy. Fatigue is a sense of weariness that has continued into diminished capacity to work, productivity and/or efficiency, and has begun to interfere with your everyday life. Chronic fatigue may be accompanied by other symptoms that can be indicators of the root cause, such as anemia, COPD, thyroid disorders, and more, however, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder unto itself and is identified by fatigue lasting 6 months or more with no direct cause, accompanied by other symptoms like cognitive impairment, malaise after exercising, muscle pains or new types of headaches, or non-refreshing sleep. Some people may refer to this as adrenal fatigue, but there is no solid medical data to support any connection between CFS and the function or dysfunction of the adrenal glands.