Posted by Heidi on behalf of Mermie Another book that I hope to write is a re-write of the Doctor's Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome I can't believe that that book is twenty years old. Clinical Notes The clinical notes for this newsletter is kindly suggested by a reader who sent information to the website. It is extraordinary how much knowledge and information is available, and really needs to be collected and presented . It is because of this that I would like to re-organize the research group (see below). For years I have said that clonazepam is perhaps the most useful medication in ME/CFS, and because of the notes of a reader, I now understand why. Clonazepam is a medication distantly in the anti-seizure and benzodiazepine class I say distantly because it is different from XanaxT or ValiumT. Clonazepam has a long duration of action, and is more gentle. It has no euphoria and I have never seen anyone become addicted to it. In some patients and in the right dose it improves the symptoms of ME/CFS, particularly sleep and general malaise; for some, it increases energy and activity. The effect in reducing fatigue has always been confusing, as it is a medication that should cause tiredness. Persons with ME/CFS should not be able to tolerate it. There are two broad categories of ME/CFS; one is the "heavy as a log" tiredness where it is easy to fall asleep, and persons drink coffee to stay awake. This type of CFS is milder, and relatively easy to treat. Clonazepam does not help in this type. The second type is the "wired and frazzled" where despite exhaustion, persons cannot sleep and they are unable to take any stimulants. Clonazepam can help in this type and it is not because of the simple explanation of anxiety. This type of ME/CFS is neuro-excitatory, and it may be that the benefit is related to effects of clonazepam on the sympathetic nervous system. My thanks to the kind reader who sent in the information and references. Guest Editorial A flick of a light switch changed my life. Too dramatic? Maybe.....but not from my perspective. I was officially diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1990 and have struggled with all the usual symptoms and all the typical problems that go along with trying to cope with any chronic illness. I've worked part-time since 1993 and have had many different supervisors: some supportive, some oblivious about my health, one downright mean. I experienced a fairly steady course with my symptoms and learned how to balance my life pretty well. I was able to do most things I wanted to if I moderated everything carefully.
on 8/23/2007, 8:29 am
The approaches will not be just my own, I hope to discuss and interview many of the foremost clinicians for their ideas on such subjects. I hope to have it written in six months or so.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread