NOTE: Persons with CFS generally do not tolerate standard, “usual” doses of many medications. It is advisable to start with lower than usual dosages and increase gradually to therapeutic range, not to exceed the FDA recommended amount.
MEDICATION CHEMICAL NAME	MEDICATION BRAND NAME	SIDE EFFECTS	COMMENTS
Amitriptylene    (tricyclic)¹	Elavil*‡	Dizziness; anxiety; dry mouth; weight gain	Multiple potential food and drug interactions
Bupropion HCl	Wellbutrin*; Wellbutrin SR*; Zyban*	Abdominal pain; anxiety; agitation; may interfere with sleep; seizures	Do not take if there is a history of an eating disorder
Doxepin HCl    (tricyclic)¹	Sinequan*‡	Dizziness; drowsiness; Confusion; weight gain	Potential drug and food interactions
Fluoxetine HCl	Prozac*	Drowsiness; anxiety;	Multiple potential drug and food interactions
Desipramine HCl    (tricyclic)¹	Norpramin*‡	Abdominal discomforts; drowsiness; sun sensitivity	Special warnings; potential food and drug interactions
Paroxetine HCl	Paxil*‡	Nausea; dry mouth; drowsiness	Multiple potential drug and food interactions
Sertraline HCl	Zoloft*	Nausea; dry mouth; anxiety; drowsiness	Multiple potential drug and food interactions
Trazadone HCl	Desyrel*‡	Dry mouth; abdominal or stomach problems	Potential drug and food interactions
Nortriptyline HCl    (tricyclic)¹	Pamelor*; Aventyl*	Abdominal discomforts; drowsiness	Potential drug and food interactions
Citalopram hydrobromide	Celexa*	Abdominal discomforts; agitation; anxiety; dry mouth	Potential drug and food interactions
Venlafaxine HCl	Effexor*; Effexor XR*(XR=extended release)	Abnormal dreams; anxiety; dizziness; drowsiness;dry mouth; nausea	Caution if high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease is present; take with food
Amitriptyline HCl plus Perphenazine	Triavil*	Drowsiness; sedation; nervous system abnormalities	Multiple potential drug and food interactions
Imipramine HCl    (tricyclic)¹	Tofranil*	Drowsiness; abdominal discomforts; sun sensitivity	Special warnings; Multiple potential drug and food interactions
Phenelzine sulfate    (MAO inhibitor)	Nardil	Stomach, intestinal discomforts;dizziness; drowsiness	Multiple potential food and drug interactions
Mirtazapine	Remeron*‡	Dizziness; drowsiness; abnormal dreams and thinking	Special warnings; potential drug interactions

*THESE MEDICATIONS MUST NEVER BE TAKEN WITH ANOTHER TYPE OF ANTIDEPRESSANT CALLED AN MAO INHIBITOR – A serious, potentially fatal interaction could occur. MAO INHIBITORS BRAND NAMES include: Nardil and Parnate

¹Tricyclic antidepressants – a type of antidepressant that blocks the body’s use of norepinephrine, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Norepinephrine acts to narrow blood vessels in the extremities creating an increase in blood pressure. When norepinephrine use is blocked, a possible decrease in blood pressure may result. Low blood pressure side effects can include lightheadedness and fainting.

‡Clinicians may also order these medications as sleep aids.

A general note about antidepressants: these drugs are not necessarily used for depression but to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brains of persons with CFIDS.

Medication Lists By Category

• Analgesic (Pain Relief)
• Antidepressants
• Gastrointestinal
• Immune and Endocrine
• Muscle Relaxants
• Orthostatic Intolerance
• Sleep Aids
• Stimulants