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14: PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME 
The search for a precise and complete pharmacological treatment to chronic fatigue 
syndrome (CFS) has led experts to recurrently conduct controlled experiments, scientific 
research, and clinical trials with the hope that these studies will lead to a plausible answer which 
can be deemed as a medical breakthrough. Since there is the need to streamline the diagnosis of 
CFS and its causes, the demand for a universal solution to this disorder becomes even more 
insistent. Several medications were tested. Still, there is the paucity of medical findings that will 
provide absolute resolution to this condition.1 
Despite several attempts, no particular drug for the cure of CFS has ever been qualified 
for the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).2 At present, scientists are still 
in the trial phase and FDA has yet to find a drug that will pass it standards without reservation. In 
spite of the lack of pharmacological treatment for CFS, medications are still prescribed to 
patients; not to combat CFS, but to deal with its symptoms, such as fatigue, low blood pressure, 
sleep disorder, depression, pain, and other abnormalities brought about by the syndrome. 
In a study conducted among CFS patients, results showed that the use of medication 
among these patients was high even when the effectiveness of such pharmacological drugs to 
treat CFS overall was not yet determined. A number of patients who turned to prescription 
treatment reported that after their intake, they experienced lesser somatic symptoms that are 
linked to CFS.3 
In Georgia, a survey denoted that over 90% of the subjects who have CFS were taking at 
least one medication in the two-week period before the study was run.4 The findings implied 
that the use of medication was beneficial in relieving CFS patients, even on a temporary basis,
from the discomforts of the symptoms that they had been suffering due to the syndrome. 
Similarly, a survey held in Kansas revealed that participants with CFS used 316 several drugs, 
often multiple treatments, vis-à-vis the 157 medications used by non-fatigued individuals.5 
Benefits and Pitfalls on the Use of Pharmacological Treatment 
Even with the availability of other forms of treatment, there is the advantage of adopting 
pharmaceutical approaches in dealing with the symptoms of CFS because these medical agents 
were subjected to laboratory tests and protocols. Prescribed medicines went through a rigid 
process of research and controlled experimentation to ensure that these products would yield 
positive results to the wellbeing of the patient. Scientists who are honed in the medical discipline 
carefully studied the creation, processes, and validities of pharmacological drugs, which are 
substantiated by a body of experts, before they are released to the public. 
It cannot be ruled out that as no complete cure to CFS has been identified yet, 
pharmacological treatment of its symptoms is still limited and even subject to error. There are 
some shortfalls to the studies of these treatments. Among these constraints are the unique 
responses of CFS patients to certain drugs; the length of time before patients can respond to a 
particular treatment; varying reactions to these treatments that can alter over a period of time; 
and a variety of results that may not be connected to the substance that is being taken by the 
patient.6 Other drugs can produce a yo-yo effect to patients while withdrawal can be more 
arduous than expected. In other randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there are drugs prescribed 
to CFS patients that showed no significant effect after the treatment and does not lead to any 
progress to altogether eradicate CFS or its symptoms.7
Another important note on prescription medicines is the possibility of patients to be 
dependent on the prescribed drugs. Symptoms of CFS can wane even without the aid of 
medications, which makes it necessary for patients to constantly observe and record their 
symptoms and consult experts for possible shift of treatment strategies. 
The downside of taking prescription medicines is the possible adverse effects of these 
medications on some patients as their bodies react differently to these drugs. Continued use may 
cause new symptoms to arise or complicate existing ones. Physicians, including patients and 
their family members, need to be vigilant and discerning on the right solutions to the various 
symptoms and update themselves on clinical data as new research results emerge from time to 
time. Other drugs, which may appear beneficial to patients on the onset, can also be perilous in 
the long run. Past experiments, when repeated, may later on reveal serious consequence to the 
condition of CFS patients that can jeopardize their health rather than lead to full recovery. 
An additional stumbling block of using pharmacological medications is the cost of the 
treatments. Worst of all, these expenses may be unnecessary if no relevant benefit can be derived 
from them. A number of these pharmaceutical approaches are quite exorbitant, and the financial 
burden can generate added stress to the patients and their families. 
In a study conducted among 630 patients in the University of Washington Chronic 
Fatigue Clinic, the evaluation revealed that due to their affliction, those suffering from CFS and 
fibromyalgia generated several losses, including cars, possessions, jobs, recreational 
undertakings, and support of family and friends.8 Since no medical agent has gained the approval 
of the FDA as a specific cure to CFS, insurance companies refusing coverage of expenditures on 
these medications is an unfortunate likelihood.
Agents prescribed to CFS patients 
There is a need to take a closer look at the medications prescribed for the treatment of 
CFS symptoms and the mechanisms of their outcomes on the patient’s condition, as they may 
generate side effects that can trigger further complications.9 
Some of these pharmaceutical agents are emphasized in many medical books and journals 
as a guide to patients and clinicians. There are medications that constantly surface in medical 
documents concerning CFS while there are others that sporadically appear as antidote to selected 
symptoms or to related illnesses, such as fibromyalgia. Others are being subjected to clinical trial 
repetitively to ensure that results produce positive stimulus to the body. 
Prescribed medications are administered by a physician, who underwent training and 
education regarding remedies and scientific solutions to various maladies. It is vital for CFS 
patients to see a doctor not only for diagnosis but also, and more importantly, for treatment. 
Since some of these medications address only a particular symptom, doctors often combine 
different treatment strategies to alleviate patients from various symptoms, making the treatment 
more individualized. 
Ampligen 
Ampligen, or rintatolimod, is a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) that 
contains antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Ampligen incites the production of 
interferon, a protein in the body that helps immune systems adapt to changes in order to 
combat infections. Ampligen is a delicate drug given to patients by intravenous means. 
Although studies showed that a number of CFS patients experienced improved conditions 
after taking Ampligen, there is still the threat of danger to the liver.10
Initially tried in 1987 on individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 
(AIDS), Dr. Daniel Peterson was the first doctor to apply Ampligen on a critical CFS 
patient when the physician received FDA approval for its use under this peculiar 
condition. Dr. Peterson administered it to more patients with CFS. The findings generated 
positive outcomes and registered no toxicity among the patients. 
This led to more expanded studies on Ampligen and its effectiveness among CFS 
patients. It even came close to obtaining authorization from FDA as the absolute cure to 
the syndrome, which still has to be realized. Treatment protocols for Ampligen continue 
to evolve because it remains in its trial phase even when it is already in existence for 
more than two decades. Physicians are still wary of prescribing Ampligen to persons with 
CFS as there are reports that patients experienced fever, dizziness, bowel problems, 
weakness, and muscle pains.11 
Antibiotics 
Antibiotics, which are used to prevent bacterial infections, are given to CFS 
patients because many of the symptoms of CFS share similarities with that of an 
infectious disease. Certain observations were noted that majority of the CFS patients 
being studied started to develop the syndrome from conditions comparable to flu.12 A 
clinical analysis was performed that disclosed the evidence of multiple general bacterial 
and viral infections in a majority of CFS patients.13 Another study also revealed that a 
large margin of CFS patients were positive of mycoplasmal infections. There is an 
indication that the extent of infection can be stifled with the use of antibiotics bringing 
about steady improvement from numerous clinical signs.14
Hydrophobic tetracyclines, floxacins, clindamycin, erythromycin, Zithromax, and 
Biaxin are some of the antibiotics that were found to be effective treatment against 
several strains of mycoplasma. There are some antibiotics that are being studied as 
possible precautionary medicines against migraine, a common symptom among 
individuals afflicted with CFS.15 
There are other studies, on the other hand, which suggested that long-term use of 
antibiotics can develop strains that make bacteria resistant to the drug.16 Also, there are 
the usual side effects disclosed by CFS patients. These are nausea, mental fog, and 
gastrointestinal disturbances.17 
Anticonvulsants 
Anticonvulsants or antiepileptics are primarily prescribed for epilepsy. Lately, 
they are recommended to relieve acute and prolonged pain, sleeping disorders, and 
anxiety.18 Traditional anticonvulsants, namely Dilantin, Tegretol, and Depakene, appear 
to be toxic while newer brands, such as Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topamax, tend to be 
safer. Patients have to watch out for dizziness, renal problems, and weight gain, as 
possible side effects.19 
Antidepressants 
Since certain experiments revealed that patients with fibromyalgia, which shares 
several similarities with CFS, reacted positively to antidepressants administered in low 
doses, physicians also prescribed these drugs to CFS patients. Antidepressants were also 
found to help ease pain or ameliorate sleep quality.20 A three-year study that compared 
the health of CFS patients who were given antidepressants from those who were not
treated denoted that the former experienced a decline on somatic symptoms in contrast to 
the experience of the latter.21 
Antidepressants that are tricyclics help in coping with pain as they impinge on 
chemicals in the brain. Tricyclic amitriptyline or Elavil, a type of a tricyclic 
antidepressant, mitigates several symptoms of CFS, such as sleeping disturbances and 
tiredness. If taken in doses lower than that applied to patients with depression, tricyclic 
antidepressants appear to be received well by CFS patients. More than the required 
dosage may pose threat in the life of patients.22 
Some patients also claimed that when given in full, antidepressants aggravate 
their fatigue. As doses progress into higher amounts, tricyclic antidepressants may lead to 
constipation, drowsiness, and dryness of mouth.23 Antidepressants also increase the heart 
rate to a certain extent, reduce sex drive, and cause restlessness. One major consideration 
when taking antidepressants are their interaction with other medications, which could 
often pose critical effects.24 
A clinical trial was conducted in Australia that indicated the lack of substantial 
confirmation of antidepressants having benefits on CFS patients. Since depression is a 
common symptom among persons with CFS, it is possible that antidepressants were 
given mainly to address such condition instead of treating CFS.25 Selective serotonin-reuptake 
inhibitors (SSRIs), another type of antidepressant, are recommended for CFS 
patients undergoing substantial depression as these drugs work on the neurotransmitters 
in the body. Proper guidance is needed when other medications are taken with SSRIs
especially that it is not advisable for them to be taken with tricyclics because such 
combination could lead to perilous effects.26 
Apart from amitriptyline, other FDA-approved antidepressants that may be 
prescribed to CFS patients are fluoxetine HCI, sertraline HCI, mirtazapine, and 
citalopram hydrobromide. However, these drugs must never be taken together with 
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs). Although these medications treat the symptom 
of depression, they are not the remedy to CFS.27 
Antihistamines 
Antihistamines are anti-allergy drugs, which also treat colds and sinus ailments. 
CFS patients take antihistamines to remedy allergies and colds as well as to aid them in 
their sleeping problems.28 The reason for the latter is that antihistamines can cause 
drowsiness. For CFS patients who are experiencing allergies, nonsedating antihistamines, 
such as are desloratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine, are recommended to be taken 
during the day.29 Terfenadine, astemizole, and loratadine are other nonsedating 
antihistamines that can also be tried.30 
Antivirals 
Antivirals address problems of viral infections. Scientists have earlier theorized 
that the Epstein-Barr virus and other viruses are possible causes of CFS. Valtrex, 
Cytovene, Zovirax, Famvir, Valcyte, Foscarnet, and Vistide are among the antiviral 
agents used for treatment.31
The antiviral prescription acyclovir was tested by researchers at the National 
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the results indicated that CFS 
patients experienced improvement when taking acyclovir the same as when they were 
taking a placebo, thus, reducing the curative function of the drug in CFS.32 
Benzodiazepines 
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to CFS patients because of their attributes to ease 
muscular pain. They address chronic pains and seizures. Oftentimes, benzodiazepines are 
paired with narcotic drugs to help patients with their sleeping problems.33 The 
undesirable consequence of taking these types of drugs is that they are addictive. They 
may also result to agitation, lightheadedness, and amnesia.34 
Gastrointestinal agents 
Gastrointestinal drugs are H2 blockers, simple acid reducers, and proton pump 
inhibitors. Indigestion or gas, heartburn and acid reflux are the main reasons why CFS 
patients take these medications. Minor reasons are to treat ulcer, to remedy gastritis or to 
counter a side effect of an NSAID on a troubled stomach condition.35 The survey 
conducted in Kansas also reported that CFS patients use gastrointestinal agents to address 
certain symptoms of CFS.36 
Neurally Mediated Hypotension Medications 
Neurally mediated hypotension is an irregularity in the control of blood pressure. 
Abnormally low blood pressure and lightheadedness are found to be common symptoms 
among CFS patients.
Fludrocortisone, or Florinef, and other pharmaceuticals are often prescribed as 
they help the kidney retain salt and water, resulting to enhanced blood levels. A study 
conducted in the John Hopkins Hospital, participants with CFS responded positively to 
fludrocortisone during a test on the tilt table. 37 Other examples are Pro-Amatine, DHEA, 
and vasoconstrictors that help constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. 
Epogen, based on preliminary studies, intensifies blood volume, which leads to 
heightened production of red blood cells.38 
Neuroprotective agents and Stimulants 
Stimulants and neoruprotective drugs, those that shield neurons from deterioration 
or damage, promote alertness and energy to CFS patients. There were experiments 
performed that divulged that a number of CFS patients suffer from cognitive inadequacy. 
The study among 78 participants used a case-control design, which revealed that 
recuperation of upper limb muscle function was a vital indicator of cognitive functioning 
among patients with CFS.39 
Apart from cognitive functioning, stimulants can also aid CFS patients in 
enhancing concentration and memory. Adderall, Dexamphetamine, methylphenidate 
(Ritalin) and other drugs that possess Ritalin-like qualities are examples of stimulants.40 
Other medications that are stimulants, neuroprotective agents, and cognitive 
functioning boosters are acetyl-L-carnitine, dimethylaminoethanol, nicotinamide adenine 
dinucleotide (NADH), caffeine, and phosphatidylserine. They increase energy, enhance 
cognition, and stimulate alertness. NADH, in particular, activates production of energy in 
the body as it generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), generating strength, endurance,
better energy levels, and lowered depression. Usage of these drugs must be cautiously 
considered as results of their effects vary.41 
NSAIDs and Pain Relievers 
In the Georgia survey, pain relievers, which included Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory 
Drugs (NSAIDs) and narcotic agents, surfaced as some of the treatments 
that were mostly taken by CFS patients. Physical pain, arthritis, and headache were the 
common reasons for taking such drugs. Ibuprofen, anti-migraine medicines, narcotic pain 
relievers, and drugs containing acetaminophen were widely used by the CFS group as 
compared to the usage of the other groups in the study.42 Acetaminophen, however, is an 
analgesic which can mitigate pain, but not swelling. This is the type of NSAID that do 
not severely affect the stomach and is administered to patients with ulcer. The 
consequence for taking acetaminophen and other analgesics is that they affect the liver 
when taken in high doses.43 
Other NSAIDs reduce swelling and pain, as well as fever. A selection of these 
pills are either prescribed by physicians or made available over-the-counter. If one type 
of NSAID is found ineffectual, patients can try other NSAIDs. Conversely, continued use 
of this agent may lead to ulcer and other gastrointestinal problems, as they can cause 
damage to the kidneys.44 NSAIDs can also cause stomach bleeding and heart problems. 
They must be taken in small doses and with extreme precaution. Skin rashes, dizziness, 
headaches, and ringing in the ears, as well as the possibility of depression, are other 
probable side effects of these drugs. NSAIDs also diminish blood coagulation; therefore, 
cessation of intake prior to surgery is advised.45
Other pharmacological agents 
As there is a study that hypothesized the lack of red blood cell magnesium 
amongst persons with CFS, magnesium is used as a treatment to enable these patients to 
recuperate and improve their welfare. In the clinical test, 32 participants with CFS were 
randomly given either placebo or intramuscular magnesium sulphate. Those administered 
with magnesium reported that their emotional conditions have improved, their energy 
levels were enhanced, and the pains they experienced were reduced. Their red blood cell 
magnesium count also reverted to normalcy.46 Magnesium helps produce cellular energy 
in the body and provides relief from pain. Forms of magnesium that can be easily 
absorbed are magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium lactate. Since 
magnesium blood levels sometimes do not manifest if the tissues have been depleted, it 
may appear normal, which is a bit misleading. There is the probability that diarrhea or 
nausea can take place during intake of magnesium. Once this happens, dosage must be 
lowered.47 As such, magnesium therapy is merely recommended only if the magnesium 
level of a CFS patient is abnormally low.48 
CFS patients are also found to have consumed muscle relaxants. These agents 
relieve patients of musculoskeletal-related pains, allowing the muscles to relax and 
decreasing muscle contractions. Examples of muscle relaxants are carisoprodol, lioresal, 
methocarbamol, and orphenadrine. Muscle relaxants that are nonsedating include 
dantrolene, metaxalone, and tizanadine.49 
Low dosage of hydrocortisone is also used in treating CFS patients because there 
are studies that linked CFS to hypocortisolemia as well as to an imbalance of the
hypothalamic–pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis due to depression, which is believed to 
surface through an activation of the HPA axis. Although recipients having CFS exhibited 
an improvement after intake of hydrocortisone, there were still reports of mild adverse 
reactions caused by this treatment, which include acne and weight gain.50 
Sleep medications are also commonly prescribed to persons with CFS to enable 
them to fall into sleep, maintain sleep, and awaken well-rested. Amitriptyline or 
cyclobenzaprine administered at night in small amounts are advantageous to CFS patients 
suffering from sleeping malady. Other medicines which are reported to be beneficial in 
having good sleeping conditions are clonazepam, doxepin, and trazodone.51 Further 
examples of sleep medications, or sometimes called “hypnotics”, are lorazepam, 
alprazolam, oxazepam, quazepam, and triazolam. Some of these agents must be taken in 
lesser doses. When taken continuously, these agents often become ineffective in 
combatting sleeping disorders. The side effects of a number of sleep medications are 
anxiety, restlessness, stomach problems, confusion, nightmares, dizziness, blurred vision, 
and morning “hangover.” Patients are advised to consult with a doctor prior to taking 
these pharmacological agents.52 
Vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are also administered to CFS patients. 
Antioxidants are often taken by patients as a way of lessening the detrimental influence 
of free radicals in the body when they trigger the decline of cells, which could produce 
several ailments. Some antioxidants are beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, ginkgo biloba, 
silymarin, ginseng, bioflavonoids, and proanthocyanidin. Vitamin B12 can help amend 
several abnormalities caused by CFS as it enhances stamina and energy, and boosts food 
absorption and digestion. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E lowers bad cholesterol
in the body. It preserves tissues and membranes as well as augments glutathione 
consumption.53 However, a different study revealed that Vitamin B12, liver extract, and 
folic acid were found to be almost the same as the effects of placebo in 15 participants 
with CFS.54 
Essential fatty acids (EFAs), those that are not produced organically by the body, 
have anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities that provide the body with linoleic acid and 
alpha-linoleic acid. When consumed, EFAs moderate the HPA axis, facilitate cytokine 
effects, and retain natural membrane structure and control of cell performance. 
Testimonials on the use of EFAs disclosed that these agents can address depression, 
fatigue, and pain. They may help the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems of 
the body, support brain performance, and reduce muscular lethargy.55 There are 
inconsistent outcomes in trials concerning the treatment of CFS patients with EFAs. One 
study showed that a mixture of fish oil and evening primrose oil yielded to positive 
results with 85% of participants experiencing better conditions after 15 weeks compared 
with those who took placebo. A different trial, on the other hand, revealed no variance 
with those administered with fatty acids than with those given with placebo.56 
Significance of knowing the side effects of pharmacological drugs 
Even though there are journals and literatures detailing the various treatments to 
symptoms of CFS, intake of such medications, even over-the-counter pills, must be cleared with 
clinicians and specialists. Self-medication is extremely warned as this may aggravate the 
patient’s condition. Other physicians often incorporate natural approaches, alternative medicines,
and other therapies to pharmacological approaches, based on how the patient reacts to the 
treatment. 
Given that there is no standard remedy to CFS, the use of different strategies in treating 
patients with this syndrome will need a certain amount of time to determine their result, whether 
they enable the body to respond encouragingly or pose further threat to the overall wellbeing of 
the patient. A particular pharmacological agent may be able to alleviate one symptom but may 
aggravate another. Doctors have to carefully weigh the pros of cons in prescribing a particular 
drug to a CFS patient and judiciously monitor its impact on the patient’s condition. It is advised 
that treatment must start on low doses to prevent the harmful effects of the drugs. Once the 
treatment exhibits unfavorable indication, it must immediately be stopped to avoid further 
fatality and be reviewed to resolve its adverse effects. 
Unfavorable properties of any pharmacological drug, no matter how small, have to be 
taken seriously as they may develop another disorder, worsen other symptoms, or lead to life-threatening 
conditions. Advance knowledge of the side effects of the different medications 
prescribed to CFS patients is advantageous in the proper management of such drugs, particularly 
when multiple treatments are applied. Such knowledge enables patients to better understand the 
medicines prescribed to them and immediately report harmful reactions that may surface during 
the period of their treatment. 
1 David R. McCluskey, “Pharmacological Approaches to the Therapy of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” in Symposium 
on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, eds. Gregory R. Bock and Julie Whelan (England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 1992), 280. 
2 “Drug Development for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME and CFS): Questions and 
Answers,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, accessed July 3, 2014, 
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm337759.htm. 
3 Dawn A. Marcus and Atul Deodhar, Fibromyalgia: A Practical Clinical Guide (New York: Springer Science+Business 
Media, 2011), 86.
4 Roumiana S. Boneva, Jin-Mann S. Lin, Elizabeth M. Maloney, James F. Jones and William C. Reeves, “Use of 
Medications by People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Persons: A Population-Based Study of Fatiguing 
Illness in Georgia,” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Journal (2009): 67, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 
10.1186/1477-7525-7-67. 
5 James F Jones, Rosane Nisenbaum, and William C Reeves “Medication Use by Persons with Chronic Fatigue 
Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Telephone Survey in Wichita, Kansas,” Health Quality Life Outcomes Journal 
(2003): 74, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-1-74. 
6 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 216. 
7 Anne-Marie Bagnall, Susanne Hempel, Duncan Chambers, Vickie Orton, and Carol Forbes, The Treatment And 
Management Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis(ME) In Adults And Children (York: 
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, 2007), 12. 
8 Nassim P. Assefi, Timothy V. Coy, Donald Uslan, Wayne R. Smith, and Dedra Buchwald, “Financial, Occupational, 
And Personal Consequences of Disability in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Compared to 
Other Fatiguing Conditions,” The Journal of Rheumatology Vol. 30 No. 4 (April 2003): 804-804, accessed July 10, 
2014, http://www.jrheum.org/content/30/4/804.abstract. 
9 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” PubMed Health, accessed July 4, 2014, 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002224/. 
10 Susan R. Lisman and Karla Dougherty, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 
Inc., 2007), 126. 
11 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 
12 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
13 Garth L. Nicolson, Marwan Y. Nasralla, Kenny De Meirleir, Robert Gan, and Joerg Haier, “Evidence for Bacterial 
(Mycoplasma, Chlamydia) and Viral (HHV-6) Co-Infections in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients,” Journal of 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 11:2 (2003): 1. 
14 G. L. Nicolson, R. Gan and J. Haier, “Multiple Co-Infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Human Herpes Virus-6) In 
Blood Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: Association With Signs And Symptoms,” APMIS 111: 557–66 (2003): 
557-558. 
15 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 246 and 252. 
16 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 252. 
17 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 
18 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 
19 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 257. 
20 Barry Leonard, ed., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Information for Physicians (Maryland: DIANE Publishing, 1997), 3. 
21 Dawn A. Marcus and Atul Deodhar, Fibromyalgia: A Practical Clinical Guide (New York: Springer 
Science+Business Media, 2011), 86. 
22 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
23 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 258. 
24 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
25 Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers, Ekua Weba Brenu, Sonya Marshall, Don Staines, and Mieke L Van Driel, “Treating 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study into the Scientific Evidence for Pharmacological Treatments,” Australian Family 
Physician Vol. 40, No. 11 (November 2011): 909. 
26 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.
27 Susan R. Lisman and Karla Dougherty, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 
Inc., 2007), 117-119. 
28 Roumiana S. Boneva, Jin-Mann S. Lin, Elizabeth M. Maloney, James F. Jones and William C. Reeves, “Use of 
Medications by People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Persons: A Population-Based Study of Fatiguing 
Illness in Georgia,” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Journal (2009): 67, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 
10.1186/1477-7525-7-67. 
29 Susan R. Lisman and Karla Dougherty, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 
Inc., 2007), 123. 
30 Keiji Fukuda and Nelson M. Gantz, “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Federal 
Practicitioner (July 1995): 24. 
31 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 252. 
32 Barry Leonard, ed., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Information for Physicians (Maryland: DIANE Publishing, 1997), 3. 
33 Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers, Ekua Weba Brenu, Sonya Marshall, Don Staines, and Mieke L Van Driel, “Treating 
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study into the Scientific Evidence for Pharmacological Treatments,” Australian Family 
Physician Vol. 40, No. 11 (November 2011): 911. 
34 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 266. 
35 Roumiana S. Boneva, Jin-Mann S. Lin, Elizabeth M. Maloney, James F. Jones and William C. Reeves, “Use of 
Medications by People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Persons: A Population-Based Study of Fatiguing 
Illness in Georgia,” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Journal (2009): 67, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 
10.1186/1477-7525-7-67. 
36 James F Jones, Rosane Nisenbaum, and William C Reeves “Medication Use by Persons with Chronic Fatigue 
Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Telephone Survey in Wichita, Kansas,” Health Quality Life Outcomes Journal 
(2003): 74, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-1-74. 
37 Barry Leonard, ed., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Information for Physicians (Maryland: DIANE Publishing, 1997), 5. 
38 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 254. 
39 K. Ickmans, M. Meeus, M. De Kooning, L. Lambrecht, N. Pattyn, and J. Nijs, “Can Recovery Of Peripheral Muscle 
Function Predict Cognitive Task Performance In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With And Without Fibromyalgia?” 
PubMed Health (April 2014): 511-22, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 10.2522/ptj.20130367. 
40 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
41 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 234-237. 
42 Roumiana S. Boneva, Jin-Mann S. Lin, Elizabeth M. Maloney, James F. Jones and William C. Reeves, “Use of 
Medications by People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Persons: A Population-Based Study of Fatiguing 
Illness in Georgia,” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Journal (2009): 67, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 
10.1186/1477-7525-7-67. 
43 Susan R. Lisman and Karla Dougherty, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 
Inc., 2007), 116. 
44 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 255. 
45 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
46 I.M. Cox, M.J. Campbell, and D. Dowson, “Red Blood Cell Magnesium and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” The Lancet 
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47 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 231. 
48 Keiji Fukuda and Nelson M. Gantz, “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Federal 
Practicitioner (July 1995): 24.
49 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 258. 
50 Robin McKenzie, Ann O'Fallon, Janet Dale, Mark Demitrack, Geetika Sharma, Maria Deloria, Diego Garcia- 
Borreguero, William Blackwelder, and Stephen E. Straus, “Low-Dose Hydrocortisone for Treatment of Chronic 
Fatigue Syndrome,” The Journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 280 No. 12 (September 1998): 1061- 
1066, accessed July 11, 2014, doi: 10.1001/jama.280.12.1061. 
51 Keiji Fukuda and Nelson M. Gantz, “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Federal 
Practicitioner (July 1995): 23. 
52 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 265. 
53 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 230-231. 
54 Keiji Fukuda and Nelson M. Gantz, “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Federal 
Practicitioner (July 1995): 24. 
55 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide 
(Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 232. 
56 Keiji Fukuda and Nelson M. Gantz, “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Federal 
Practicitioner (July 1995): 24. 
Bibliography: 
Berne, Katrina. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The 
Comprehensive Guide. Alameda: Hunter House, 2001. 
Fukuda, Keiji and Nelson M. Gantz. “Management Strategies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” 
Federal Practicitioner (July 1995): 23-24. 
Kreijkamp-Kaspers, Sanne, Ekua Weba Brenu, Sonya Marshall, Don Staines, and Mieke L Van 
Driel. “Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study into the Scientific Evidence for 
Pharmacological Treatments.” Australian Family Physician Vol. 40, No. 11 (November 
2011): 909-911. 
Lisman, Susan R. and Karla Dougherty. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies. Indianapolis: 
Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2007. 
University of Maryland Medical Center. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Accessed July 8, 2014. 
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 
Verrillo, Erica F., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition. 2012.

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Article 14-CFS

  • 1. 14: PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME The search for a precise and complete pharmacological treatment to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has led experts to recurrently conduct controlled experiments, scientific research, and clinical trials with the hope that these studies will lead to a plausible answer which can be deemed as a medical breakthrough. Since there is the need to streamline the diagnosis of CFS and its causes, the demand for a universal solution to this disorder becomes even more insistent. Several medications were tested. Still, there is the paucity of medical findings that will provide absolute resolution to this condition.1 Despite several attempts, no particular drug for the cure of CFS has ever been qualified for the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).2 At present, scientists are still in the trial phase and FDA has yet to find a drug that will pass it standards without reservation. In spite of the lack of pharmacological treatment for CFS, medications are still prescribed to patients; not to combat CFS, but to deal with its symptoms, such as fatigue, low blood pressure, sleep disorder, depression, pain, and other abnormalities brought about by the syndrome. In a study conducted among CFS patients, results showed that the use of medication among these patients was high even when the effectiveness of such pharmacological drugs to treat CFS overall was not yet determined. A number of patients who turned to prescription treatment reported that after their intake, they experienced lesser somatic symptoms that are linked to CFS.3 In Georgia, a survey denoted that over 90% of the subjects who have CFS were taking at least one medication in the two-week period before the study was run.4 The findings implied that the use of medication was beneficial in relieving CFS patients, even on a temporary basis,
  • 2. from the discomforts of the symptoms that they had been suffering due to the syndrome. Similarly, a survey held in Kansas revealed that participants with CFS used 316 several drugs, often multiple treatments, vis-à-vis the 157 medications used by non-fatigued individuals.5 Benefits and Pitfalls on the Use of Pharmacological Treatment Even with the availability of other forms of treatment, there is the advantage of adopting pharmaceutical approaches in dealing with the symptoms of CFS because these medical agents were subjected to laboratory tests and protocols. Prescribed medicines went through a rigid process of research and controlled experimentation to ensure that these products would yield positive results to the wellbeing of the patient. Scientists who are honed in the medical discipline carefully studied the creation, processes, and validities of pharmacological drugs, which are substantiated by a body of experts, before they are released to the public. It cannot be ruled out that as no complete cure to CFS has been identified yet, pharmacological treatment of its symptoms is still limited and even subject to error. There are some shortfalls to the studies of these treatments. Among these constraints are the unique responses of CFS patients to certain drugs; the length of time before patients can respond to a particular treatment; varying reactions to these treatments that can alter over a period of time; and a variety of results that may not be connected to the substance that is being taken by the patient.6 Other drugs can produce a yo-yo effect to patients while withdrawal can be more arduous than expected. In other randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there are drugs prescribed to CFS patients that showed no significant effect after the treatment and does not lead to any progress to altogether eradicate CFS or its symptoms.7
  • 3. Another important note on prescription medicines is the possibility of patients to be dependent on the prescribed drugs. Symptoms of CFS can wane even without the aid of medications, which makes it necessary for patients to constantly observe and record their symptoms and consult experts for possible shift of treatment strategies. The downside of taking prescription medicines is the possible adverse effects of these medications on some patients as their bodies react differently to these drugs. Continued use may cause new symptoms to arise or complicate existing ones. Physicians, including patients and their family members, need to be vigilant and discerning on the right solutions to the various symptoms and update themselves on clinical data as new research results emerge from time to time. Other drugs, which may appear beneficial to patients on the onset, can also be perilous in the long run. Past experiments, when repeated, may later on reveal serious consequence to the condition of CFS patients that can jeopardize their health rather than lead to full recovery. An additional stumbling block of using pharmacological medications is the cost of the treatments. Worst of all, these expenses may be unnecessary if no relevant benefit can be derived from them. A number of these pharmaceutical approaches are quite exorbitant, and the financial burden can generate added stress to the patients and their families. In a study conducted among 630 patients in the University of Washington Chronic Fatigue Clinic, the evaluation revealed that due to their affliction, those suffering from CFS and fibromyalgia generated several losses, including cars, possessions, jobs, recreational undertakings, and support of family and friends.8 Since no medical agent has gained the approval of the FDA as a specific cure to CFS, insurance companies refusing coverage of expenditures on these medications is an unfortunate likelihood.
  • 4. Agents prescribed to CFS patients There is a need to take a closer look at the medications prescribed for the treatment of CFS symptoms and the mechanisms of their outcomes on the patient’s condition, as they may generate side effects that can trigger further complications.9 Some of these pharmaceutical agents are emphasized in many medical books and journals as a guide to patients and clinicians. There are medications that constantly surface in medical documents concerning CFS while there are others that sporadically appear as antidote to selected symptoms or to related illnesses, such as fibromyalgia. Others are being subjected to clinical trial repetitively to ensure that results produce positive stimulus to the body. Prescribed medications are administered by a physician, who underwent training and education regarding remedies and scientific solutions to various maladies. It is vital for CFS patients to see a doctor not only for diagnosis but also, and more importantly, for treatment. Since some of these medications address only a particular symptom, doctors often combine different treatment strategies to alleviate patients from various symptoms, making the treatment more individualized. Ampligen Ampligen, or rintatolimod, is a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) that contains antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Ampligen incites the production of interferon, a protein in the body that helps immune systems adapt to changes in order to combat infections. Ampligen is a delicate drug given to patients by intravenous means. Although studies showed that a number of CFS patients experienced improved conditions after taking Ampligen, there is still the threat of danger to the liver.10
  • 5. Initially tried in 1987 on individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Dr. Daniel Peterson was the first doctor to apply Ampligen on a critical CFS patient when the physician received FDA approval for its use under this peculiar condition. Dr. Peterson administered it to more patients with CFS. The findings generated positive outcomes and registered no toxicity among the patients. This led to more expanded studies on Ampligen and its effectiveness among CFS patients. It even came close to obtaining authorization from FDA as the absolute cure to the syndrome, which still has to be realized. Treatment protocols for Ampligen continue to evolve because it remains in its trial phase even when it is already in existence for more than two decades. Physicians are still wary of prescribing Ampligen to persons with CFS as there are reports that patients experienced fever, dizziness, bowel problems, weakness, and muscle pains.11 Antibiotics Antibiotics, which are used to prevent bacterial infections, are given to CFS patients because many of the symptoms of CFS share similarities with that of an infectious disease. Certain observations were noted that majority of the CFS patients being studied started to develop the syndrome from conditions comparable to flu.12 A clinical analysis was performed that disclosed the evidence of multiple general bacterial and viral infections in a majority of CFS patients.13 Another study also revealed that a large margin of CFS patients were positive of mycoplasmal infections. There is an indication that the extent of infection can be stifled with the use of antibiotics bringing about steady improvement from numerous clinical signs.14
  • 6. Hydrophobic tetracyclines, floxacins, clindamycin, erythromycin, Zithromax, and Biaxin are some of the antibiotics that were found to be effective treatment against several strains of mycoplasma. There are some antibiotics that are being studied as possible precautionary medicines against migraine, a common symptom among individuals afflicted with CFS.15 There are other studies, on the other hand, which suggested that long-term use of antibiotics can develop strains that make bacteria resistant to the drug.16 Also, there are the usual side effects disclosed by CFS patients. These are nausea, mental fog, and gastrointestinal disturbances.17 Anticonvulsants Anticonvulsants or antiepileptics are primarily prescribed for epilepsy. Lately, they are recommended to relieve acute and prolonged pain, sleeping disorders, and anxiety.18 Traditional anticonvulsants, namely Dilantin, Tegretol, and Depakene, appear to be toxic while newer brands, such as Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topamax, tend to be safer. Patients have to watch out for dizziness, renal problems, and weight gain, as possible side effects.19 Antidepressants Since certain experiments revealed that patients with fibromyalgia, which shares several similarities with CFS, reacted positively to antidepressants administered in low doses, physicians also prescribed these drugs to CFS patients. Antidepressants were also found to help ease pain or ameliorate sleep quality.20 A three-year study that compared the health of CFS patients who were given antidepressants from those who were not
  • 7. treated denoted that the former experienced a decline on somatic symptoms in contrast to the experience of the latter.21 Antidepressants that are tricyclics help in coping with pain as they impinge on chemicals in the brain. Tricyclic amitriptyline or Elavil, a type of a tricyclic antidepressant, mitigates several symptoms of CFS, such as sleeping disturbances and tiredness. If taken in doses lower than that applied to patients with depression, tricyclic antidepressants appear to be received well by CFS patients. More than the required dosage may pose threat in the life of patients.22 Some patients also claimed that when given in full, antidepressants aggravate their fatigue. As doses progress into higher amounts, tricyclic antidepressants may lead to constipation, drowsiness, and dryness of mouth.23 Antidepressants also increase the heart rate to a certain extent, reduce sex drive, and cause restlessness. One major consideration when taking antidepressants are their interaction with other medications, which could often pose critical effects.24 A clinical trial was conducted in Australia that indicated the lack of substantial confirmation of antidepressants having benefits on CFS patients. Since depression is a common symptom among persons with CFS, it is possible that antidepressants were given mainly to address such condition instead of treating CFS.25 Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), another type of antidepressant, are recommended for CFS patients undergoing substantial depression as these drugs work on the neurotransmitters in the body. Proper guidance is needed when other medications are taken with SSRIs
  • 8. especially that it is not advisable for them to be taken with tricyclics because such combination could lead to perilous effects.26 Apart from amitriptyline, other FDA-approved antidepressants that may be prescribed to CFS patients are fluoxetine HCI, sertraline HCI, mirtazapine, and citalopram hydrobromide. However, these drugs must never be taken together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs). Although these medications treat the symptom of depression, they are not the remedy to CFS.27 Antihistamines Antihistamines are anti-allergy drugs, which also treat colds and sinus ailments. CFS patients take antihistamines to remedy allergies and colds as well as to aid them in their sleeping problems.28 The reason for the latter is that antihistamines can cause drowsiness. For CFS patients who are experiencing allergies, nonsedating antihistamines, such as are desloratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine, are recommended to be taken during the day.29 Terfenadine, astemizole, and loratadine are other nonsedating antihistamines that can also be tried.30 Antivirals Antivirals address problems of viral infections. Scientists have earlier theorized that the Epstein-Barr virus and other viruses are possible causes of CFS. Valtrex, Cytovene, Zovirax, Famvir, Valcyte, Foscarnet, and Vistide are among the antiviral agents used for treatment.31
  • 9. The antiviral prescription acyclovir was tested by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the results indicated that CFS patients experienced improvement when taking acyclovir the same as when they were taking a placebo, thus, reducing the curative function of the drug in CFS.32 Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are prescribed to CFS patients because of their attributes to ease muscular pain. They address chronic pains and seizures. Oftentimes, benzodiazepines are paired with narcotic drugs to help patients with their sleeping problems.33 The undesirable consequence of taking these types of drugs is that they are addictive. They may also result to agitation, lightheadedness, and amnesia.34 Gastrointestinal agents Gastrointestinal drugs are H2 blockers, simple acid reducers, and proton pump inhibitors. Indigestion or gas, heartburn and acid reflux are the main reasons why CFS patients take these medications. Minor reasons are to treat ulcer, to remedy gastritis or to counter a side effect of an NSAID on a troubled stomach condition.35 The survey conducted in Kansas also reported that CFS patients use gastrointestinal agents to address certain symptoms of CFS.36 Neurally Mediated Hypotension Medications Neurally mediated hypotension is an irregularity in the control of blood pressure. Abnormally low blood pressure and lightheadedness are found to be common symptoms among CFS patients.
  • 10. Fludrocortisone, or Florinef, and other pharmaceuticals are often prescribed as they help the kidney retain salt and water, resulting to enhanced blood levels. A study conducted in the John Hopkins Hospital, participants with CFS responded positively to fludrocortisone during a test on the tilt table. 37 Other examples are Pro-Amatine, DHEA, and vasoconstrictors that help constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Epogen, based on preliminary studies, intensifies blood volume, which leads to heightened production of red blood cells.38 Neuroprotective agents and Stimulants Stimulants and neoruprotective drugs, those that shield neurons from deterioration or damage, promote alertness and energy to CFS patients. There were experiments performed that divulged that a number of CFS patients suffer from cognitive inadequacy. The study among 78 participants used a case-control design, which revealed that recuperation of upper limb muscle function was a vital indicator of cognitive functioning among patients with CFS.39 Apart from cognitive functioning, stimulants can also aid CFS patients in enhancing concentration and memory. Adderall, Dexamphetamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin) and other drugs that possess Ritalin-like qualities are examples of stimulants.40 Other medications that are stimulants, neuroprotective agents, and cognitive functioning boosters are acetyl-L-carnitine, dimethylaminoethanol, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), caffeine, and phosphatidylserine. They increase energy, enhance cognition, and stimulate alertness. NADH, in particular, activates production of energy in the body as it generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), generating strength, endurance,
  • 11. better energy levels, and lowered depression. Usage of these drugs must be cautiously considered as results of their effects vary.41 NSAIDs and Pain Relievers In the Georgia survey, pain relievers, which included Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and narcotic agents, surfaced as some of the treatments that were mostly taken by CFS patients. Physical pain, arthritis, and headache were the common reasons for taking such drugs. Ibuprofen, anti-migraine medicines, narcotic pain relievers, and drugs containing acetaminophen were widely used by the CFS group as compared to the usage of the other groups in the study.42 Acetaminophen, however, is an analgesic which can mitigate pain, but not swelling. This is the type of NSAID that do not severely affect the stomach and is administered to patients with ulcer. The consequence for taking acetaminophen and other analgesics is that they affect the liver when taken in high doses.43 Other NSAIDs reduce swelling and pain, as well as fever. A selection of these pills are either prescribed by physicians or made available over-the-counter. If one type of NSAID is found ineffectual, patients can try other NSAIDs. Conversely, continued use of this agent may lead to ulcer and other gastrointestinal problems, as they can cause damage to the kidneys.44 NSAIDs can also cause stomach bleeding and heart problems. They must be taken in small doses and with extreme precaution. Skin rashes, dizziness, headaches, and ringing in the ears, as well as the possibility of depression, are other probable side effects of these drugs. NSAIDs also diminish blood coagulation; therefore, cessation of intake prior to surgery is advised.45
  • 12. Other pharmacological agents As there is a study that hypothesized the lack of red blood cell magnesium amongst persons with CFS, magnesium is used as a treatment to enable these patients to recuperate and improve their welfare. In the clinical test, 32 participants with CFS were randomly given either placebo or intramuscular magnesium sulphate. Those administered with magnesium reported that their emotional conditions have improved, their energy levels were enhanced, and the pains they experienced were reduced. Their red blood cell magnesium count also reverted to normalcy.46 Magnesium helps produce cellular energy in the body and provides relief from pain. Forms of magnesium that can be easily absorbed are magnesium malate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium lactate. Since magnesium blood levels sometimes do not manifest if the tissues have been depleted, it may appear normal, which is a bit misleading. There is the probability that diarrhea or nausea can take place during intake of magnesium. Once this happens, dosage must be lowered.47 As such, magnesium therapy is merely recommended only if the magnesium level of a CFS patient is abnormally low.48 CFS patients are also found to have consumed muscle relaxants. These agents relieve patients of musculoskeletal-related pains, allowing the muscles to relax and decreasing muscle contractions. Examples of muscle relaxants are carisoprodol, lioresal, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine. Muscle relaxants that are nonsedating include dantrolene, metaxalone, and tizanadine.49 Low dosage of hydrocortisone is also used in treating CFS patients because there are studies that linked CFS to hypocortisolemia as well as to an imbalance of the
  • 13. hypothalamic–pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis due to depression, which is believed to surface through an activation of the HPA axis. Although recipients having CFS exhibited an improvement after intake of hydrocortisone, there were still reports of mild adverse reactions caused by this treatment, which include acne and weight gain.50 Sleep medications are also commonly prescribed to persons with CFS to enable them to fall into sleep, maintain sleep, and awaken well-rested. Amitriptyline or cyclobenzaprine administered at night in small amounts are advantageous to CFS patients suffering from sleeping malady. Other medicines which are reported to be beneficial in having good sleeping conditions are clonazepam, doxepin, and trazodone.51 Further examples of sleep medications, or sometimes called “hypnotics”, are lorazepam, alprazolam, oxazepam, quazepam, and triazolam. Some of these agents must be taken in lesser doses. When taken continuously, these agents often become ineffective in combatting sleeping disorders. The side effects of a number of sleep medications are anxiety, restlessness, stomach problems, confusion, nightmares, dizziness, blurred vision, and morning “hangover.” Patients are advised to consult with a doctor prior to taking these pharmacological agents.52 Vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are also administered to CFS patients. Antioxidants are often taken by patients as a way of lessening the detrimental influence of free radicals in the body when they trigger the decline of cells, which could produce several ailments. Some antioxidants are beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, ginkgo biloba, silymarin, ginseng, bioflavonoids, and proanthocyanidin. Vitamin B12 can help amend several abnormalities caused by CFS as it enhances stamina and energy, and boosts food absorption and digestion. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E lowers bad cholesterol
  • 14. in the body. It preserves tissues and membranes as well as augments glutathione consumption.53 However, a different study revealed that Vitamin B12, liver extract, and folic acid were found to be almost the same as the effects of placebo in 15 participants with CFS.54 Essential fatty acids (EFAs), those that are not produced organically by the body, have anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities that provide the body with linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. When consumed, EFAs moderate the HPA axis, facilitate cytokine effects, and retain natural membrane structure and control of cell performance. Testimonials on the use of EFAs disclosed that these agents can address depression, fatigue, and pain. They may help the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems of the body, support brain performance, and reduce muscular lethargy.55 There are inconsistent outcomes in trials concerning the treatment of CFS patients with EFAs. One study showed that a mixture of fish oil and evening primrose oil yielded to positive results with 85% of participants experiencing better conditions after 15 weeks compared with those who took placebo. A different trial, on the other hand, revealed no variance with those administered with fatty acids than with those given with placebo.56 Significance of knowing the side effects of pharmacological drugs Even though there are journals and literatures detailing the various treatments to symptoms of CFS, intake of such medications, even over-the-counter pills, must be cleared with clinicians and specialists. Self-medication is extremely warned as this may aggravate the patient’s condition. Other physicians often incorporate natural approaches, alternative medicines,
  • 15. and other therapies to pharmacological approaches, based on how the patient reacts to the treatment. Given that there is no standard remedy to CFS, the use of different strategies in treating patients with this syndrome will need a certain amount of time to determine their result, whether they enable the body to respond encouragingly or pose further threat to the overall wellbeing of the patient. A particular pharmacological agent may be able to alleviate one symptom but may aggravate another. Doctors have to carefully weigh the pros of cons in prescribing a particular drug to a CFS patient and judiciously monitor its impact on the patient’s condition. It is advised that treatment must start on low doses to prevent the harmful effects of the drugs. Once the treatment exhibits unfavorable indication, it must immediately be stopped to avoid further fatality and be reviewed to resolve its adverse effects. Unfavorable properties of any pharmacological drug, no matter how small, have to be taken seriously as they may develop another disorder, worsen other symptoms, or lead to life-threatening conditions. Advance knowledge of the side effects of the different medications prescribed to CFS patients is advantageous in the proper management of such drugs, particularly when multiple treatments are applied. Such knowledge enables patients to better understand the medicines prescribed to them and immediately report harmful reactions that may surface during the period of their treatment. 1 David R. McCluskey, “Pharmacological Approaches to the Therapy of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” in Symposium on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, eds. Gregory R. Bock and Julie Whelan (England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 1992), 280. 2 “Drug Development for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME and CFS): Questions and Answers,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, accessed July 3, 2014, http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm337759.htm. 3 Dawn A. Marcus and Atul Deodhar, Fibromyalgia: A Practical Clinical Guide (New York: Springer Science+Business Media, 2011), 86.
  • 16. 4 Roumiana S. Boneva, Jin-Mann S. Lin, Elizabeth M. Maloney, James F. Jones and William C. Reeves, “Use of Medications by People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Persons: A Population-Based Study of Fatiguing Illness in Georgia,” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Journal (2009): 67, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-7-67. 5 James F Jones, Rosane Nisenbaum, and William C Reeves “Medication Use by Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Telephone Survey in Wichita, Kansas,” Health Quality Life Outcomes Journal (2003): 74, accessed July 10, 2014, doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-1-74. 6 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 216. 7 Anne-Marie Bagnall, Susanne Hempel, Duncan Chambers, Vickie Orton, and Carol Forbes, The Treatment And Management Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis(ME) In Adults And Children (York: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, 2007), 12. 8 Nassim P. Assefi, Timothy V. Coy, Donald Uslan, Wayne R. Smith, and Dedra Buchwald, “Financial, Occupational, And Personal Consequences of Disability in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Compared to Other Fatiguing Conditions,” The Journal of Rheumatology Vol. 30 No. 4 (April 2003): 804-804, accessed July 10, 2014, http://www.jrheum.org/content/30/4/804.abstract. 9 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” PubMed Health, accessed July 4, 2014, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002224/. 10 Susan R. Lisman and Karla Dougherty, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies (Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2007), 126. 11 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 12 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 13 Garth L. Nicolson, Marwan Y. Nasralla, Kenny De Meirleir, Robert Gan, and Joerg Haier, “Evidence for Bacterial (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia) and Viral (HHV-6) Co-Infections in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients,” Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 11:2 (2003): 1. 14 G. L. Nicolson, R. Gan and J. Haier, “Multiple Co-Infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Human Herpes Virus-6) In Blood Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: Association With Signs And Symptoms,” APMIS 111: 557–66 (2003): 557-558. 15 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 246 and 252. 16 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 252. 17 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 18 Erica F. Verrillo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition (2012), chapter 4. 19 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 257. 20 Barry Leonard, ed., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Information for Physicians (Maryland: DIANE Publishing, 1997), 3. 21 Dawn A. Marcus and Atul Deodhar, Fibromyalgia: A Practical Clinical Guide (New York: Springer Science+Business Media, 2011), 86. 22 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 23 Katrina Berne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide (Alameda: Hunter House, 2001), 258. 24 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome. 25 Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers, Ekua Weba Brenu, Sonya Marshall, Don Staines, and Mieke L Van Driel, “Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study into the Scientific Evidence for Pharmacological Treatments,” Australian Family Physician Vol. 40, No. 11 (November 2011): 909. 26 “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” University of Maryland Medical Center, accessed July 8, 2014, http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.
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