Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Stimulants
For Orthostatic Intolerance
Central Nervous System Stimulants.
Most of the drugs used to increase energy in chronic fatigue syndrome
(ME/CFS) are either amphetamines or are amphetamine-like in structure.
Stimulants increase
blood pressure, the heart rate, and constrict the blood vessels and increase
blood glucose.
Many are similar in chemical structure to
the neurohormone norepinephrine, which plays a key role in constricting the
blood vessels when we stand.
In the past amphetamines were used to treat many disorders including asthma
and other respiratory diseases, obesity, neurological disorders, etc. but
their potential for abuse and addiction has restricted their use to just a
few conditions such as attention deficit disorder. When taken in the
prescribed doses the risk of addiction is reportedly very low.
Stimulants May Work in Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because they produce increased blood vessel narrowing.
Increased blood vessel narrowing (or vasoconstriction) reduces blood pooling
in the lower body and thus increases blood flows to the heart and brain. These
drugs can also provide benefits through their effects on the central nervous
system.
These drugs usually take effect after 30-45 minutes and last for 4-5 hours.
If they work they result in reduced fatigue, improved concentration and
endurance. Click on drug below for more information.
To Pharmaceuticals
For Orthostatic Intolerance
(This and all sections of the Phoenix Rising website are
compiled by a layman with ME/CFS. They are not a substitute for a physician and are for
informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with
your physician.)