Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS), is a severe disabling condition. Patients with CFS usually trial many different medicines, both conventional and complementary. An overview of the pharmacological treatments used by CFS patients and the available evidence underpinning the use of these treatments would be of great value to both patients and their healthcare providers.
Results
The 94 CFS patients used 474 different medicines and supplements. The
most commonly used medicines were antidepressants, analgesics, sedatives, and B vitamins. We identified 20 randomised controlled trials studying these medicines in CFS patients.
Conclusion
While conventional and complementary medicines are widely used by CFS patients, the evidence for effectiveness in CFS is very limited.
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