Treatment of ME/CFS is as varied as the condition, is usually tailored to the patient, and tends to focus on sleep, pain relief, and fatigue. Typical medical treatment would include:
- Sleep aids
- Pain medications
- Antidepressants
- Antivirals and/or antibacterials
- Anti-inflammatories, including steroids
- Injections of B-vitamins and magnesium.
Along with the above medications, lifestyle factors are often suggested such as mild exercise or conditioning (within a scrupulously observed "envelope" to avoid post-exertional malaise), stretching, or yoga, along with avoiding caffeine, drugs, and alcohol. Learning to cope with illness is an important part of any treatment. Adjusting expectations to new abilities, preventing overexertion, reducing stress, changing diet and nutritional supplementation should all be considered.
(See
Treatment Modalities for more detail.)
