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Adderall or LDN?

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Posted 10/2/2014 9:22 AM (GMT -7)
Hi!
I am a 21 year old who has been diagnosed with CFS for 5 years now. In the past years my illness has had it's ups and downs but now that I am trying to start a career I am looking into medications to stabilize my condition. I'm working at an office job and I'm finding one of the hardest parts of my illness is becoming the brain fog, headaches, lack of energy and motivation at work, and in the inconsistent sleep schedules due to a mix of insomnia and then "crash napping". I struggle some days to even make it to work and go through phases of missing multiple days at a time due to crashing. I have been considering two different medications, Adderall and Low Dose Naltrexone, I would like to hear about others experiences with these medications and CFS just to see what has worked better for others.
Posted 10/4/2014 9:57 PM (GMT -7)
Hey there,

LDN seems to help me marginally. I tried stopping it a couple of times and went into flares. It seems to reduce the frequency of flares.

Of the stimulants, I've found that caffeine is generally bad. Green tea or occasional caffeine use has been helpful but I try to stay away from sodas and energy drinks. I tend to think they contributed to my initial downfall. I've also tried Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin. Adderrall was great at first, but my body built up a tolerance to it very quickly. So I started taking drug vacations on the weekend. Unfortunately that didn't work well cause I was completely dysfunctional on the weekends. My experience with Dexedrine and Vyvanse were similar. Right now I'm simulating an active trial called the Synergy Trial. This is a low dose of Ritalin with vitamins and supplements to keep your energy system from depleting. Couldn't be a part of this trial since I don't live in one of the participating states but I was able to get the info by calling the folks running the trial. So far this has been the best treatment that I've tried. You can learn more here -> http://thesynergytrial.org.

I was diagnosed with CFS/ME at the Mayo Clinic in November 2013. It took me a year and a half to finally make the trip out there and it's been a hell of a journey overall. I'm still always looking for ways to get back up my old self 100%.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Posted 10/13/2014 5:50 PM (GMT -7)
I have had CFS for almost 4 years now, and do work FT yet with this. I have tried many combinations of things, but Adderall has been my savior in allowing me to continue working. I take it 5x week as to not build a tolerance, it has worked for me thus far 2 years now. I also take these supplements: Ace L Carnitine, creatine, Vit B12, and D Ribose. NT Factor is another one I cycle through for mitochondria repair. Melatonin for sleep, as that is so important. This combination allows me to work FT and have some social life, and to exercise a bit. Without this combination I am sure I would not be able to have this quality of life. I am 51 years old, and will probably have to retire early, but 55 may be within reach. It really makes you look at things differently, and you have to be able to tolerate a certain level of fatigue 24/7.
Posted 10/17/2014 5:40 AM (GMT -7)
I have been taking Adderall for years for fatigue. It really does help a lot for me. I take naltrexone in a sublingual medication called zubsolv. I am getting off of narcotics for pain. I see my doctor today as it pooped out on me after three days. So I think that there will be an increase. It did give me a lot of energy the first three days., I am hoping it will work again after an increase.

Kitler, welcome to the forum. I don't usually post here but in fibromyalgia and depression.

I hope you all are having a good day.

I hope my post helped a little Jaymeek.

Hugs, Karen...
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