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Suffering w CFS, What meds are useful, Im am using Sertraline (Zoloft) at this time

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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jlr115
New Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 5
Posted 3/22/2015 10:13 AM (GMT -8)
Hi, Im new to the forum.
Ive been suffering from this illness for several decades. Years ago it would happen very infrequently and w/o any warning. It could last anywhere from a few hours to several days. There was one span of time that I went about 10 years wo any attacks. Of course at that time I had no idea what I was suffering from. I was also younger and could cope w it a bit easier. Earlier last year I had an attack which lasted all summer and into October. I was basically incapacitated for most of that time not able to accomplish my normal activities, could not even perform the simplest things at times wo getting completely wasted, walk 50 feet, empty dishwasher, washing the car.
Some of the symptoms I have are aches in various parts of the body that come and go, these are not muscle aches. These aches are associated w tingling, and a numbness feeling even though they are not numb at all. These areas are always very fatigued as well. When it becomes worse my eyeballs aches, it is hard to think, and concentrate, left side of face becomes affected, and much more stuff. Im normally a very active person w several hobbies and activities that I enjoy. Having this Illness has prevented me from indulging in these enjoyments and is very frustrating. There are times that I can work thru the fatigue if not severe and it may even subside. Other times I make it worse by doing simple deeds.
Late last summer I made an appointment with a noted Neurology center in our area, went thru many tests.
In the end after about 6 weeks of exams they determined that I had many many Neurons in the brain that were misfiring. This along w other exams and discussions, CFS was determined as responsible for my problems. I was prescribed a particular med that did not seem to agree w me and was then put on Sertraline (Zoloft). All of these meds take about 4-6 weeks to become affective, if they work. I started at 1/2 mg last October, then to 1 mg and was increased just this past week to 1-1/2 mg. Im hoping that this increase w improve my condition. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE TAKING THIS MED FOR CFS. What other meds work for you? I could go on and on w experiences that I have had, but I think most of you will understand.

Thanks for any suggestions
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ladybugdreams
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2008
Posts : 733
Posted 3/23/2015 8:58 AM (GMT -8)
jlr, welcome & hi. I don't take Zoloft but I do take Citalapram for depression, it does help me to live with my illness. I hope you get the full benefit from the Zoloft & find some relief soon. As far as CFS, I don't really take anything for it, I do take Trazadone & Tizanadine for my sleep issues. I find without sleeping well I crash more & harder but taking these do not guarantee I will wake up refreshed. They do help me about 75% of the time & I wake up feeling good enough to get out of bed & do a few things around the house or just sit on the couch & play on the computer.

Some people have tried Adderall & it has helped them, I have never tried it but have thought about it. Pacing, as you have found, helps a lot, it can keep us from crashing all of the time.

I hope you have another "stay of illness" & can get back to your life, some do seem to recover but for most of us it is long term illness. I try to enjoy each day within the energy envelope I have going at the time. Some days I just watch tv with my family until I am ready to sleep & am happy with that.

Take care & I hope you find something to help you, keep us posted. Hugs, Denise
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Minnesota
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 343
Posted Today 1:04 PM (GMT -8)
I am one of those who have tried (and have stayed on) Adderall with some level of success. I also take a small amount of testosterone since my levels were on the low end of the scale. Adderall has helped my be able to see through the brain fog which can limit one as much as the physical limitations. It does give you some physical energy as well, which is a bonus. I think having a doc who understands quality of life is huge. My doc said that if he can help me get some of that back with Adderall under his supervision, so be it. I know that without it I would not be able to work FT, which then would bring with it other life issues.....like loss of income and health insurance. So for me there are economic reasons as well as the health reasons.
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Feeling_Foggy
New Member
Joined : Apr 2015
Posts : 5
Posted 4/4/2015 6:27 PM (GMT -8)
I am taking Sertraline 100 mg (Zoloft) and Nuvigil 200mg it's for narcolepsy but it's made a world of difference. I make it thru my work day without being cross-eyed tired by 2pm. I'm not running laps or anything but I can function.. Never tried Adderall people in my family tend to have adverse effects from it and turn evil for some reason lol sooo I kinda stay away.
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Minnesota
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 343
Posted 4/5/2015 6:07 AM (GMT -8)
Hey, whatever works is my motto, as long as it isn't off the charts dangerous. The combo you mention is interesting. I was on Wellbutrin for about 8 months, and at first it gave me a boost in energy,but wore off at 4 months. I discontinued based on that, and augmented the Adderall with taurine. I try to take a break 1-2 days a week from Adderall in order to not build up a tolerance. Being able to work under this medication is huge, it gives me a sense or purpose and accomplishment. I still have to bear down at times, but I can still function as you said. I do get jealous yet at those who can breeze through their days not fighting fatigue/fog like I have to. Must be nice, eh?
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Feeling_Foggy
New Member
Joined : Apr 2015
Posts : 5
Posted 4/6/2015 5:10 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Minnesota,
Funny because I take Wellbutrin too! But like you said whatever works.. Only thing is it isn't it worked in the beginning but not so much now... It's a crap shoot with the meds they through them at you like it's no big deal I don't like it much. I feel like I take this to balance that or this to help the side effects of this so on and so on... Ugh it's frustrating to say the least. And I'm having my second sleep study in a few weeks a 2-in-1? It's all night and all the next day this should be interesting... Trust me i understand what you mean, I get so irritated with people like "you should get up and go to the gym before work" hahaha I'm lucky I get up at all for work I am so thankful I have a very understanding boss and don't get fired for being anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour late for work...
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