| Q: Are there any prescription
treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
A: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is
characterized by extreme fatigue lasting for at least
six months. Symptoms may also include loss of
short-term memory, fever, sore throat, tender lymph
nodes, muscle or joint pain, or headache. CFS most
often affects women 20 to 45 years of age, and its
cause is unknown.
Antidepressants can help improve sleep, and
some can relieve pain. Examples of antidepressants
that doctors prescribe for CFS include doxepin (brand
name Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine
(Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil),
venlafaxine (Effexor), and trazadone (Desyrel).
Treatment typically includes a mixture of
lifestyle changes, stress-lowering programs, and
antidepressant drugs.
Sources:
CDC
Prevention Guidelines. Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.
McGraw-Hill Companies, 1998.
Mayo Clinic Family
Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
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