How to Choose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medicines

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that can be triggered by an infection, illness or severe emotional stress. Although there is no cure for CFS, choosing the right medicines can help alleviate symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Inquire about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Inflammation in the joints and glands is a characteristic of CFS; anti-inflammatory medications may reduce the inflammation as well as alleviate the pain.
2. Determine, with your doctor's help, whether you're suffering from depression. Since CFS affects the nervous system, patients often experience depression. Doctors often prescribe low-dose tricyclic antidepressants. These medications improve sleep and alleviate mild, generalized pain in some patients.
3. Take stimulants if you suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. Some doctors prescribe this type of drugs to treat lethargy.
4. Benefit from anti-allergy therapy. Some CFS sufferers also suffer from allergies. A physician may prescribe non-sedating antihistamines. Keep in mind that anti-allergy therapy doesn't treat CFS--only the allergies.
5. Consider alternative treatments. Many patients have benefited from massage therapy, acupuncture, cranial-sacral techniques and natural supplements. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding sugar and processed foods, may help. Taking supplemental magnesium for your muscles may be beneficial, as well.
6. Know your limitations and exercise moderately to improve circulation and your energy level. You don't want to increase the fatigue by overdoing it, but you don't want to be bed ridden either, as that can worsen your condition.