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Medication List
The following list of medications will
provide a very basic overview of medications that are used to treat
chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), also known as chronic
fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some medications may be prescribed more commonly than
others and their names may be familiar. There can be multiple reasons that a
particular medication is ordered, but generally it is chosen to meet the
individual’s specific circumstances.
This list can be used to find a medication
of interest to persons with CFIDS; however, please note that it is not
intended to answer all questions or take the place of medical advice from a
health care provider. Side effects and other comments listed here are very
brief and non-specific in most instances. Be sure to read the Patient Product
insert that is provided with medications and follow your physician’s and/or
pharmacist’s recommendations related to adverse effects, contraindications,
potential food and drug interactions, dosages, precautions and other detailed
information. Information can also be found in books, journals, and the
Internet.
It is also of critical importance to be
aware that many persons with CFIDS are unable to tolerate standard, “usual”
doses of many types of medications. It is highly advisable to start with lowered
doses and increase as tolerated to therapeutic range.
Please take medications only as prescribed.
And remember that all drugs, those available by prescription or
over-the-counter, have possible side effects and interactions. Vitamins, herbs,
and nutritional supplements can also interfere and interact with medications. Be
careful of what is mixed together!
The list is divided into symptom/treatment
categories: pain, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, gastrointestinal aids,
antidepressants, stimulants, immune regulators, and
orthostatic intolerance
(such as neurally mediated hypotension).
The Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR),
48th edition, was used to compile this listing. This
manual is published annually by Medical Economics Data Production
Company,Montvale,
N.J. The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription
Drugs, 4th edition, published by Pocket Books, David Sifton, Editor,
also served as a major resource for this list. Both books can be purchased at
retail bookstores.
In addition, practicing physician Charles
Lapp, M.D.,
Hunter-Hopkins
Center
,
Charlotte ,
N.C.
, contributed a provider’s perspective based on
clinical experience with CFIDS patients.
Medication Lists
The following Web sites contain additional
medication information for consumers:
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