Disclaimer:  I am NOT a medical professional.   I am a CFS sufferer who is relaying some of his experiences and opinions.   None of the information on these pages is to be construed as medical advice. Please see a doctor for such advice.  For further disclaimer information, see Expanded Disclaimer.
Table Of Contents
 
Section I

  
Introduction
   Sleep Apnea
  
Vitamin D
   Vitamin D - Part II
   Parathyroid

Section II
   Getting Well
   Testing
   Dust Mites
   Seaonal Affective
      Disorder
   Adult ADD
  
Mycoplasma
      Infections
   Food Allergies &
      GI Problems
   Candida
   Diet
   Mercury fillings &        dental problems
   Guaifenesin
   Adrenal
      
Insufficiency
   Nutrasweet
   Chiari's Syndrome
   Wilson's Thyroid
      Syndrome
 
Section III
   Finding a Physician
   Seabiscuit author
      Laura Hillenbrand
   
Supplements
   Support Groups
   Other Success
      Stories
 
Section IV - Links
 

Site Map
 

 

Section III
Supplements and Drugs

 

Obviously, I'm a big believer in vitamin D, but I have taken numerous other supplements and a few prescription drugs on the recommendation of my doctor.  I prefer not to comment on most of them one way or the other simply because I cannot prove whether they were doing me any good or not.  There are a few which I can comment on.

I never start more than two supplements or new foods at a time.  That way, if they help or hinder the condition, I will know which did this.  I also recommend that people discontinue all supplements every few months to see if they have become sensitive to them.

Saw Palmetto

This helped my prostate problems a great deal.  One study at the University of California San Francisco Medical School showed that Saw Palmetto is as effective as prescriptions without the side effects.

Allegra Antihistamine

This made a big improvement in my energy level and sinus problems.

Guaifenesin

Many people find this helps.  See my page.

Wellbutrin

This drug is often used for treating both Seasonal Affective Disorder and Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.

Strattera

This is a very new drug that is used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.  Doctors may be more willing to prescribe this than Ritalin since it is not a schedule II drug.

Probiotics

Some people find that probiotics help their fatigue and stomach problems.  Probiotics contain the types friendly bacteria that your gastrointestinal tract needs.  Yogurt contains these.  You can also get these probiotics in pill or powder form at health food stores.

One reader of my site, Michelle, swears by a product called "PB8".  See my page on "Other Success Stories" for more detail.

Grape Seed Extract

This helped me almost immediately.  The strange thing is that while I was still consuming aspartame, grape seed caused fatigue sinus problems and puffiness in the eyelids.  Three days after I discontinued aspartame I had these exact same symptoms without taking grape seed.  I now believe that the grape seed extract actually blocked the effect of the aspartame causing a sort of immediate withdrawal.

Glucosamine Sulfate

This made a significant improvement in my back problems.

CoQ10

Many people say CoQ10 helps them.  It did not help me.  A few weeks after I started taking it, I developed kidney stones.  They stopped a few weeks after I discontinued it.

 
Risks Involved: Some people may be sensitive (allergic) to some supplements.  Start no more than two at one time and discontinue them periodically to see if you have become sensitive.
Doctor Needed:  Many of these are available without prescription in health food stores.  Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec antihistamines are available by prescription, but most doctors will be willing to prescribe them.

Wellbutrin and Strattera are available only with a doctor's prescription.

Other Warnings: See warning on CoQ10.

Back ] Up ] Next ]

 

Contact Frank Jenner for questions or comments about this site.
Copyright © 1998-2004 Frank Jenner
Last modified: 5/9/2004