Can Caffeine Relieve Your Chronic Fatigue?

Considering the fact that millions of people rely on caffeine to perk them up throughout the day, it may seem like a good idea to turn to the stimulant to combat the persistent dreariness and fatigue that are symptoms ofchronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS. But doctors overwhelmingly advise against it.

Caffeine: An Energy Loan Shark

One important reason caffeine is not recommended as an energy booster for people with CFS is that its effects are very short-lived. “Caffeine, just like sugar, is a loan shark for energy,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the nationalFibromyalgiaand Fatigue Centers. “It gives an initial burst of energy, but takes away more than it gives, leaving people craving even more sugar and caffeine.”

What’s more, adds Dr. Teitelbaum, caffeine can worsen other mechanisms in the body that are leading to fatigue. “Caffeine actually aggravates adrenal exhaustion and low blood sugars, amplifying the anxiety andstress symptomsand fatigue,” he says.

However, Teitelbaum says that not all caffeine is off-limits. As with most things, he emphasizes moderation, especially for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. “One cup of coffee, or preferably tea, in the morning to get started is okay, but after that I recommend decaffeinated.”

Stimulants That May Help Chronic Fatigue

Not all stimulants are bad when it comes to treating CFS. Teitelbaum has studied one natural stimulant, called D-ribose, that may help. “We have now completed two studies showing that one scoop of D-ribose (5 grams) taken three times a day for three weeks and then twice daily after that increases energy an average of 45 to 60 percent in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome,” says Teitelbaum. “It does not feed the yeast and has a negative glycemic index, and therefore is very helpful to increase energy. B vitamins and magnesium are also very important.”

John Salerno, MD, a chronic fatigue syndrome specialist with Patients Medical in New York City, adds that a few other natural supplements may also help with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. “Supplements such asL-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B12, and L-taurine work very nicely and have no side effects,” says Dr. Salerno. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ADHD Drugs

One interesting development in the search for answers about chronic fatigue syndrome is that the drugs prescribed for注意缺陷多动disorder(ADHD) may also helptreat chronic fatigue syndrome. “Interestingly, the medicationsritalinanddexedrinecan be very helpful at lower doses in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, as they help stabilize the low blood pressure and the lowdopamine levelsfound in chronic fatigue syndrome,” says Teitelbaum.

“I have always felt that there was an element ofADHD or ADD在慢性疲劳综合症患者中,这就是为什么这些兴奋剂work so well in this population,” says Morris Papernik, MD, a specialist in chronic fatigue syndrome at the ProHealth Physicians Group in Glastonbury, Conn. “Which stimulant to use depends on your physician’s comfort level with the drug, and your response to it. For example, if you get manic on Provigil (modafinil), you probably don’t want to try anything stronger, such asAdderall(amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate).” Some of these types of drugs have shown promise in small studies, but results are inconclusive, and they are not FDA-approved for the treatment of CFS. More study is needed beforeADHD drugsare routinely used for chronic fatigue.

As with any medication, the best approach is to ask your doctor if these drugs might help you, and then work closely with him or her as you begin treatment.