CFS, Conventional Treatment for CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, treatment of CFS

In general, there is no treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in allopathy. Doctors emphasizes ruling out treatable conditions and to make sure that the fatigue is not from other causes. A detailed medical history is taken along with several laboratory tests.

Once CFS diagnosis is done, drugs may be prescribed for symptomatic relief.

Painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin, and others), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and others) may be recommended to control inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints, and to treat headaches.

Muscle relaxants are given for treatment of muscle pains and spasms. Exercises or stretching exercises are useful with the muscle relaxants. The muscles in the back of the neck and the bottom of the back of the skull (where the skull meets the back of the neck) frequently are tender and in spasm in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. With heat, muscle relaxers, massage, vibration, stretching exercises, and in some cases home cervical traction, the headaches and stiff neck pains associated with this syndrome may be alleviated.

Some patients suffer from an irritable bowel syndrome. They may benefit from antispasmodic medications as well as an increased amount of dietary fiber or a vegetable powder.

Insomnia frequently occurs in chronic fatigue syndrome. Analgesics and antidepressants are given to improve sleep and decrease mood swings. Some doctors prescribe a six to eight-week trial of Zovirax, an antiviral drug commonly used for treating herpes and shingles.

A common symptom of this illness is hypersomnia, or excessive sleeping. A patient may sleep excessively. If excessive sleeping is a problem, SSRI medications are often prescribed. These medications are activating or stimulating. They are often effective. Most patients gain energy with these medications. But a few patients complain of sleepiness and feel better with a bed- time dose rather than the typical morning dose. The SSRI medications have provided significant benefit to many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

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