- Learn More
Q: Is there any medication you can take to help or anything else you can do to help with cfs?
There are lots of things people try - some of which work for some and not for others. Pacing is kind of the universally effective therapy...it refers to not overdoing it and winding up in a crash and trying to keep within your 'energy envelope'.
Some people find that sleep enhancers such as Klonopin and Xyrem help. Others have found antivirals can be helpful. Some people use immunomodulators to good effect. Others have found hormonal supplementation can help. People who experience dizziness can be assisted by fludrocortizone and/or beta blockers. Some patients have found that heart-rate monitored exercise and activity levels can allow some recovery to occur. Others find that meditative exercises can be helpful. There is no magic bullet but there are lots of options.
You might want to check out this site http://forums.phoenixrising.me/ for the latest information on CFS and the Forum to discuss different treatments. Good luck!
Hi,
Cort gave you a lot of information. I'll give you some specifics from my experiences but remember we are ALL different. I had been seriously sleep deprived for 10 years. I tried Ambien first because the doctor I was going to thought my problems were mostly psychological. But I gave her a short description of the medication that I'd printed out for her and she consent to let me try and wrote a prescription for 5g. It worked but 10mg worked better.
That made a huge difference in how felt. Then years later when I finally saw a doctor who studies about ME/CFS, he got me on Ultram for my fibro pain (I have combo of ME/CFS & Fibro). That helped me as well. Then I later went to an ME/CFS specialist to prescribed klonopin since I had a history of anxiety attacks. Since take klonopin/clonazepam, I don't have to worry about anxiety attacks. It also stopped my restless leg syndrome.
I used to suffer from horrible stomach spasms and for that I was given an antispasmodic that worked beautifully.
And as Cort says, pacing is so VERY important. This is central in Dr. Lapp's practice (my doctor) that even thought we have options to help us feel better, we MUST pace ourselves otherwise, we will not be able to be as healthy otherwise.
One very important drug that only a few can afford - ampligen - seems to help a great deal in those who are severely afflicted with this disease. I don't take it but I know several people who do.
I have tried many of the medicines you have tried. I have not had any good results so far but I have many other medical problems also. I did not know that the stomach spasms and the restless leg syndrome was connected. I have RLS, CFS and IBS along with fibromyalgia. I also have psoriatic arthritis. I am so lost and frustrated. I do not even get 2 hours of sleep at night. RLS and pain is the worst thing for me at nights. Darvocet use to be a miracle drug but the ultram and ultracet do not work even with a double dose of what was prescribed. Thanks for giving me the information.
I just tried to reply but got an error. Check Dr. Lapp's web site at www.drlapp.net .
Is your doc cooperative and knowledgeable? Let me know what part of the country you are in.
Nancy
This is what Lapp tries with his patients:
klonopin, doxepin, trazadone, ambien.
N
I am in NC and I really don't know. He has never given me anything for cfs just my arthritis
in the sandhills
There's a topnotch ME/CFS specialist here in Charlotte. Is that too far for you to go? However, he can't take insurance. You have to pay upfront and then turn it in to your insurance.
If you're already on Medicare then you'd have to see one of our very few family docs who are somewhat knowledgeabe of ME/CFS.
Let me know if you are able to travel to Charlotte.
Nancy grannycfs@aol.com
I take Provigil which is a stimulant "AWAKE" medicine but it seems to help a lot with daytime fatigue and sleepiness, too. You'll probably have to tell your doctor that you have daytime sleepiness in order to get your insurance to pay for it, because just saying fatigue may not qualify (even though it works great for CFS). Try Googling Provigil and Fibromyalgia, or Provigil and CFS, and you'll get more information. Good Luck!!
I was discussing this very subject with my support group this morning, we have all been horrified at hearing of new members being put on some seriously strong drugs for this condition, those of us who have had cfs and fibro for years have found things that help are ensureing you get good sleep at night, gentle exercise when you can, a healthy diet and not pushing yourself or getting to stressed out about anything in your life, medications for us are limited to anti depressents and pain killers of various strengths as and when needed most of which are over the counter.
Unfortunately some who have ME (CFS) and Fibro need strong meds to give us relief from our symptoms. I need gabapentin for neuropathy, which my neurologist feels is due to having ME. I also need Ambien to be able to sleep although I am able to get by with a lower dosage since I've been on gabapentin (generic for Neurontin).
But some folks with FM, have severe pain and its very difficult to find help for them give the reluctance of some doctors to deal with the stronger pain meds like opiods. An article some years ago in the Fibromyalgia Network Newsletter said that some early research indicates that using lower doses of 2 separate pain meds seems to work better in some cases.
What we have is so complicated and differs from person to person.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
8 Things You Didn't Know About Restless Legs Syndrome 
Top 10 Things NOT to Say to a Fibromyalgia Patient 
7 Conditions Often Mistaken for Fibromyalgia 
7 Surprising Causes of Back Pain Featuring Content From:
- About Us |
- Contact Us |
- Privacy Policy |
- Terms of Use |
- Security Policy |
- Advertising Policy |
- Advertise With Us
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your time and help. I have tried most of these meds without much help. Darvocet was a miracle worker until it was recalled and stopped. The pain meds they give me know do not work. Vicodin works good but for some reason they do not prescribe it now. I have never abuse any medication but I guess it is a heavy drug. I no longer sleep more than 2 hours a night and that is a lucky night for me. My RLS, CFS AND IBS along with psoriatic arthritis is keeping me awake and in pain all the time. I don't know where to turn.