This is a list of prescription medications that I have taken for CFS at various times since December 2007.
T3– I had TSH levels of 4.1 and was prescribed T3. What is considered to be a high TSH level is controversial as some doctors would consider 4.1 high and other doctors would consider this normal. Taking T3 is the single worst tablet that has affected my CFS. After taking T3 I became extremely sensitive to sound, more anxious than I previously was and became more fatigued. Dr Cheney claims that T3 is the worst hormone that you can give to someone with CFS.
Effexor-This is an antidepressant I was prescribed (37.5mg.) It made me more positive about things and improved my mood to being happier.
Diflucan– This is a tablet used to treat fungal infections (Candida.) Some doctors and specialists believe Candida is what causes some nasal problems in CFS patients. The relationship between Candida and CFS is quite a controversial issue as some specialists believe it plays no role in CFS while other specialists can’t emphasise Candida’s role enough. I was very keen to take this tablet as nasal problems appear to be a big factor in my CFS. My CFS onset was coughing up mucus. I had a tongue swab which showed the presence of Candida and due to being immunosuppressed, I was prescribed Diflucan. I took Diflucan for 9 weeks (200mg) with anti-yeast by Ultraceuticals and acidophilus pearls. I had regular liver function tests while taking the Diflucan to make sure it wasn’t harming my liver. Unfortunately I didn’t experience any benefit from taking the Diflucan.
Nilstat– I was prescribed Nilstat before I was prescribed the Diflucan. I noticed two ‘side effects’ of taking the Nilstat: diarrhea and a white coated tongue. I have had the white coated tongue since this date (February 2009.) I assume it is Candida however the doctor suggested it could be due to having a low immune system.
DHEA– I was prescribed DHEA due to my DHEA:coritisol ratio being 2.2 which is borderline low. This was determined by a 24 hour saliva test. After 2 months of taking DHEA I noticed no difference.
Hydralazine, Felodur– and various other prescription tablets aimed at achieving the same purpose of diluting arteries. A SPECT scan measured a significant decrease in bloodflow in my brain (and led to my CFS being diagnosed.) I was prescribed various tablets which aimed to increase this bloodflow by opening up the arteries in the brain. None of these tablets had any effect on me.
Endep– I was prescribed a 5mg dose of Endep, to aid getting better quality sleep. The only difference I noticed was that I became very drowsy upon waking in the morning. The only reason I stopped taking Endep was due to staring Effexor and the risk of combining the two tablets leading to serotonin syndrome.
Out of all these prescription tablets, the only one I am currently taking is a 37.5mg dose of Effexor.
[…] The lack of side effects or improvement while taking oxymatrine was not unexpected for me. Almost everything I’ve taken for CFS has resulted in no side effects and no improvement. For a list of prescription treatments I’ve tried, click here: https://livingwithchronicfatiguesyndrome.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/prescription-medications-that-i-hav… […]