NEWSBRIEF: A new study suggests that certain antidepressant drugs may protect against one of the hallmark symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome: post-exertional malaise.
Post-exertional malaise is an inability to recover from exertion that distinguishes normal fatigue from that associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. It's been linked to abnormalities in the blood following exercise that currently are being studied as a possible biomarker and diagnostic tool for the condition.
In the study, the drugs imipramine, desipramine and citalopram were given to mice before forced swimming each day for seven days. The drugs significantly reduced recovery time, anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress linked to chronic fatigue states.
It remains to be seen whether these drugs would have the same effect in humans with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Related Content: Exercising With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
no, I cant quiet be leave what I have read, I THINK THIS MUST BE A MIX UP,most of us have been put on these drugs at some time after all they would love it to be pycoligy rather then physical don’t you agree,most of us have had reactions to antidepressants,this is a NO NO for me.who ever is doing this trial must be one of the people currently getting 11 million in the pycoligy unit.no no no
Julie,
I agree that it seems odd, but we do need to remember that antidepressants treat the physiological aspects of depression and other disorders, not the psychological aspects of them. Just because antidepressants help correct our brain function doesn’t mean that our conditions are psychological. Sadly, a lot of people don’t understand that and so we are further stigmatized.
Also sadly, these drugs are hard to tolerate for anyone, and even more so for those of us with these conditions. My drug sensitivites have made me swear off any drugs that impact brain chemistry. I think those of us who don’t take antidepressants can learn from these studies, though – if we look at the effect of these drugs on the brain, we may be able to find natural treatments that have a similar impact, without all the nasty side effects.
I have CFS and have been on citalopram for years. It has certainly never helped with post-exercise fatigue.
I suffer with mild CFS/ME and have done for the last 4 years. I love sport and I was a keen rower and cyclist. The last couple of months I’ve struggled a bit and spent alot of time on the sofa. After suffering a week of migraines I went to the doctor and asked to be put on Amitriptyline a tricyclic antidepressant. After 10 days or so my stamina increased, I managed to work more and even managed a couple of short bike rides and even a quiet row. I still get worsening symptoms after exercise which last for a couple of days but I’m managing to get through it. Its early days but hopefully I’m heading in the right direction.