What Other Medications Are Used to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Blood-Pressure Medicine as a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

A form of low blood pressure called neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) is common in people with ME/CFS. It's caused by an abnormal interaction between the heart and the brain, even though both organs are normal and healthy. Also called the fainting reflex, NMH can cause dizziness and fainting and is sometimes diagnosed by what's called a tilt table test.

Some people with diagnosed NMH take a low blood-pressure medication called Florinef (fludrocortisone), while others take the high blood-pressure medication Tenormin (atenolol). If you're on Tenormin, you'll probably need to be watched for low blood pressure and may be advised to increase your salt and water intake.

Experimental Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments

Several treatments are in the experimental stages for ME/CFS, meaning they have not been proven effective in treating your symptoms. Some experimental treatments are:

• Dehydroepinandrosterone (DHEA):
  Preliminary studies on the steroid hormone DHEA, which is made by the adrenal glands, indicate improved symptoms in some patients, but the finding has not yet been confirmed. In people with lupus, DHEA has helped reduce fatigue, improve thinking and raise the quality of life. You can find DHEA in many stores, but health professionals recommend a blood test to check your current level of the hormone before you start taking it, then regular tests to determine when you're on the right dosage for your body.

• Gammar (gamma globulin):
  The immune regulator Gammar in the same class as Ampligen. It contains antibodies that fight a host of common infections and is typically used to boost compromised immune systems. Although it was one of the first drugs used to treat ME/CFS, it's still not proven effective in clinical trials. As with many treatments, it appears to help some people and not others.

Experimental Protocols & Alternative Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments

Some researchers also have experimental treatment protocols in use that are unproven, but somewhat popular. Many people with ME/CFS also use alternative treatments such as massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, either in addition to or instead of medications. Supplements are another popular treatment option.

Potential Side Effects

Be sure to know the potential side effects of any drugs you're taking and report them to your doctor.

• To see lists of side effects and check drug interactions, visit the About.com Drug Finder.
• If you adverse reactions to a medication, be sure to report it through the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

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