Prescription drugs are often given to try to increase energy levels. Many treat the symptoms that are apparently causing the fatigue, but suppressing these doesn’t generally deal with the actual cause.

Also, when using conventional medications it is important to remember their potential for causing multiple side effects, some of which can be seriously detrimental to your health…for example…

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Piroxicam

These block cox-enzymes and reduce prostaglandins, treating inflammation and mid to medium pain and fever in conditions such as CFS and fibromyalgia.

Adverse effects include kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dependency.

Low-Dose Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Doxepin
• Amitriptyline
• Dsipramine
• Nrtriptyline

These balance brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), causing depressive conditions.

Adverse reactions include dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain and elevated heart rate.

Other Antidepressants

Including Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors:

• Fluoxetine
• Sertraline
• Paroxetine
• Venlafaxine
• Trazodone
• Bupropion.

Adverse reactions include agitation, sleep disturbances and increased fatigue.

Anxiolytic Agents

• Alprazolam
• Lorazepam

These interfere with norepinephrine and serotonin uptake in the brain, to treat depressive symptoms, sleeping difficulties and feelings of sluggishness.

Adverse reactions include sedation, amnesia and acute withdrawal symptoms.

Antimicrobials

Antibiotics, antivirals and antifungal agents that kill or inhibit bacterial growth.

Adverse effects include increasing the risk for resistant organisms.

Anti-Allergens

• Desloratadine
• Fexofenadine
• Ceterizine

Adverse reactions include drowsiness, fatigue and headache.

Antihypotensive / Antitachycardia Therapy

• Fludrocortisone – prescribed for CFS.
• Beta blockers
• Atenolol – prescribed for patients with hypotension

Adverse reactions include elevated blood pressure and fluid retention.

Ampligen

Antiviral, designed to stimulate immune response modifiers.

Adverse reactions including potential liver damage have been reported in initial studies.