Q: Is there a medication for the horrible tireness and brain fog?
I do not normally treat fatigue by itself, but I do treat drowsiness and fatigue as side effects to pain medications. Over the years, I have prescribed Provigil (modafinil) or Dexedrine ER. Provigil seems to work best (lasts all day when taken in the morning) and one patient actually considers it his "miracle" drug because he no longer sleeps his life away. Anyone with a heart condition should try to avoid these medications because they can speed the heart rate up. Common side effects include headaches, nervousness, dizzines, dry mouth, and of course insomnia.
The major problem with Provigil is cost because it is brandname only. Thus, some of my patients use Dexedrine, but have to take it twice daily. Talk to your doctor because that is the best way to find a medication that might work for you.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
It sounds like you have chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia? These are complicated diseases and treating them is often complicated and requires persistence and experimentation.
One common cause of fatigue in these disorders is poor sleep and there are a variety of medications as well as sleep management techniques that can help you get better sleep.
http://phoenix-cfs.org/TrtSleepIntro.htm
Physicians also use a variety of prescription drugs to attack the fatigue. Some work for some patients and don't work for others. You can find information on these and alternative energy treatments at the below URL.
http://phoenix-cfs.org/TRTEnergyIntro.htm
Lifestyle management - getting enough rest, doing enough but not too much exercise, relaxation and meditation type exercises, etc. can also be very helpful in these disorders.
Good luck!
I have had the best luck with Dextroamhetamine (Adderal) after trying Provigil and Ritalin. All 3 meds have only minimally helped, but any gain in function is worth it to me!
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