The most popular stimulants prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome include: Ritalin and Concerta, which contain methylphenidate. Dexedrine, which contains dextroamphetamine. Adderall, which contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
The widely‐used antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine) known as selective serotonin‐reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful for CFS/ME subjects who experience significant chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety/depression and other mood disorders.
Some people are prescribed stimulants, like the ones used to treat ADHD. These medicines help ease fatigue and problems with memory and concentration.
Physicians often use antidepressant medications that increase adrenaline to help with the fatigue, and sometimes stimulant medications (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.)
Lifestyle suggestions for fighting fatigue
Increase physical activity – physical activity boosts energy levels, while a sedentary lifestyle is a known cause of fatigue. Physical activity has many good effects on the body and mind. A good bout of exercise also helps you sleep better at night.
Conclusions. Significant reductions in physical and metal fatigue for ME/CFS and Long-COVID patients were seen after 6 weeks of treatment. As there has been little progress in providing fatigue relief for the millions of ME/CFS and Long COVID patients, anhydrous enol oxaloacetate may bridge this important medical need.
Be sure to exercise at least four hours before going to bed, as exercise can also act as a stimulant and create restless sleep. Incorporate deep breathing exercises, massage therapy, meditation, yoga and muscle relaxation techniques into your daily routine as they can help manage symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Low doses of drugs like amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), trazodone (Desyrel), doxepin (Sinequan), and mirtazapine (Remeron) are used in chronic fatigue syndrome for their calming effects.
Prescription medications such as Adderall (Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine) and Ritalin (Methylphenidate) are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition causing chronic inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors.
Studies. One small placebo-controlled, double-blinded ME/CFS study found that Vyvanse, a next-generation amphetamine, not only improved cognition but fatigue and pain, as well.
Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro, are just a few brands of serotonin that we prescribe for those who suffer from depression, and/or anxiety disorder. There is evidence that these drugs can also improve premenopausal symptoms, even a role in the treatment of obesity and parkinson's disease.
The most common prescription stimulants include: Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) Ritalin and Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Brand names: Provigil
Modafinil has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 49 reviews for the off-label treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 49% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 24% reported a negative experience.
It is possible that ME/CFS is caused by a change in the person's immune system and the way it responds to infection or stress. ME/CFS shares some features of autoimmune illnesses (diseases in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues in own body, like in rheumatoid arthritis).
Ritalin in the brain
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
Types of amphetamines: amphetamine, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine. The different types of amphetamines—and related drugs such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin)—are stimulant drugs. Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. They act like adrenaline, a hormone that is one of the body's natural stimulants.
There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others.
In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
Wellbutrin® (bupropion) is an norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), and is one of the most energizing and most effective of the non-SSRI antidepressants against fatigue.
This drug is in a unique class called “opiate / non-opiate.” Tramadol has the strength of codeine but fewer adverse reactions and is rarely addictive. Therefore, it is very effective and safer for people with CFS and fibromyalgia than narcotic medications.
Modafinil is a eugeroic agent approved for treating fatigue in narcolepsy and shift-work sleep disorder. It has been shown to have antioxidant effects preclinically and clinical efficacy in treating neurocognitive symptoms.
Vyvamind is the closest thing available over-the-counter to Adderall. Although it's not as effective as Adderall, it does have the same effects, and is legal to take without a prescription. It also contains B vitamins, which are essential for the functioning of neurons. It also helps the body metabolize dopamine.
SHORT-ACTING STIMULANT ALTERNATIVES — Currently available short-acting stimulants that may be used as alternatives to Adderall include dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, and generics), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Methylin, and generics), and dextroamphetamine (Zenzedi, ProCentra, and generics); their onset of action occurs ...