There is no standard treatment forchronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
With the help of your healthcare provider and other caregivers, these can be tailored to your specific symptoms.
“Learning topace your activitiesmay help you avoid this.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Even standard exercise recommendations may be harmful.
Mindfulness is the practice of observing your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in a non-judgmental way.
That said, some people with the condition find that they feel better when they emphasize certain foods.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
There are many cooling products available, as well as heating products.
you could use a heating pad, hot water bottle, rice bag, or heated socks or slippers.
you could find a list ofME/CFS support groupsfrom the non-profit American Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society.
you’ve got the option to also findlocal and national patient resourcesfrom the California-based non-profit Solve ME.
Because they only work where you put them, rubs and patches are best used for localized pain.
Always use them as directed.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with small doses to check for reactions.
Usually, these drugs are intended to manage symptoms.
In addition to the below, some healthcare providers also prescribe ADD/ADHD medications for treating ME/CFS.
Healthcare providers usually only prescribe antimicrobials when you have an active infection.
The most common types of antidepressants prescribed for treating ME/CFS are SSRI/SNRIs and tricyclic agents.
Going cold turkey can lead to what’s known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe anti-anxiety drugs for those ME/CFS patients with co-occurring anxiety disorders.
They include:
Common side effects of anti-anxiety drugs include sedation and cognitive effects.
Stopping them abruptly can lead to potentially serious withdrawal symptoms.
Complementary Medicine (CAM)
Most complementary/alternative treatment methods aren’t well researched for ME/CFS.
Some people report success with them, while others do not.
Your pharmacist is a great resource for spotting possible negative interactions between supplements and your medications.
Keep in mind that just because a product is natural, that doesn’t ensure that it’s safe.
The following lists break commonly used supplements into categories related to common chronic fatigue syndrome concerns.
Note that some supplements fall into more than one category.
This may help you decide which ones to try.
Two of the better-known include thePall protocolandGlutathione protocol.
While some of these treatments are based on established or emerging science, many are not.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
You may be referred to see a sleep specialist, rheumatologist, or neurologist, for example.
Beyond that, there’s little evidence to support eating certain foods or avoiding others to manage ME/CFS.
In some research, both vitamins have shown potential for alleviating symptoms.
you’ve got the option to, but it’s important to choose your activities carefully.
There’s no cure for ME/CFS.
If you have this disorder, it may be disheartening to learn you will have to live with it.
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