Amphetamines: Overused for Hyperactivity, Underused for CFS/FM
Clinical experience shows that medications like Ritalin and Dexedrine (amphetamines) can be very helpful in a subset of people with chronic fatigue syndrome — particularly those with low blood pressure issues (called orthostatic intolerance) such as POTS and NMH.
Although these medications are (imho) grossly overused in hyperactive kids, I think they're underused in CFS and fibromyalgia.
Now, a new study shows that an amphetamine medication called Vyvanse was helpful in CFS, at 30, 50 or 70 milligrams (mg) daily.
I prefer Ritalin or Dexedrine to this medication, and at a much lower dose of less than 20 mg a day, as we start to see addiction issues with larger doses. Interestingly though, people with CFS under 18 years old often need higher doses, closer to the doses used with ADD, while those over 30 usually need just 5 to 12.5 mg a day.
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
