People with MS often take medications like Amantadine, and sometimes Modafinil or Armodafinil, though these are used "off-label" as there's no FDA-approved drug specifically for MS fatigue, with lifestyle changes like energy conservation and managing heat being crucial first steps before medications are considered.
Making sure you get proper rest scheduled into your day, as well as learning to prioritise tasks, can make fatigue easier to manage. Combining sensible exercise with a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and get the energy you need. Some drug treatments can also help fatigue.
There are no medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of MS fatigue. The most commonly used off-label symptomatic medications are amantadine and modafinil.
Primary fatigue
MS fatigue can be divided into 2 types: primary and secondary fatigue. Primary fatigue has to do with tiredness caused by the direct changes to the brain and spinal cord caused by MS. These changes create an inefficient nervous system, which uses more energy and causes fatigue.
Ginkgo biloba
One small study indicated it may alleviate fatigue in MS. It has antioxidant effects and can decrease the activity of certain immune cells.
In 2015 scientists demonstrated a clear link between low vitamin D and MS. They found that people who naturally had lower levels of vitamin D (because of their genetics) were more likely to develop MS.
Which vitamins and minerals can help with tiredness and fatigue?
It's important to remember that there are also secondary causes of fatigue that are very common, results of having MS. Many symptoms of MS negatively affect sleep that in turn makes fatigue worse. Anxiety, spasticity, pain, and urination problems can reduce the amount and quality of sleep in a person with MS.
There's no specific medicine for treating ME/CFS, but medicine can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. Painkillers you buy from a pharmacy or supermarket can help ease headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. A GP can prescribe stronger painkillers, although they should only be used on a short-term basis.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You can spend it on whatever you need, such as paying for support to remain independent during relapses, or to help with extra costs such as heating, transport or help around the house. Some people with MS assume they can't get PIP because they're 'not disabled enough'.
While fatigue can often be short-lived and related to specific factors, for many individuals it lasts for months or years. In addition to physical fatigue, providers have also shown that people with MS have a form of cognitive fatigue that affects learning, memory, concentration, and attention.
When trying to cope with fatigue, a simple rule is to remember The Five P's: Plan, Prioritise, Pace, Position and Permission. Plan and organise your time. Plan your day ahead with periods of rest and periods of activity.
Summary. Low magnesium can cause symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, personality changes, and heart palpitations. It also contributes to leaky brain. a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier that may raise the risk of relapses and new enhancing lesions in people with MS.
The four Ps are problem solving, planning, prioritising and pacing. The aim is to think of the four Ps at the beginning of each day or week to help you manage your energy levels.
Fatigue becomes worrisome when it lasts over two weeks despite rest, significantly impacts daily activities, comes on suddenly without clear cause, or accompanies "red flag" symptoms like unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or heart issues, signaling a need for prompt medical attention for potential underlying conditions like anemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, or infections.
Stimulants are among the many approaches sometimes used to help manage MS fatigue. Also known as neurostimulants or psychostimulants, these prescription drugs increase wakefulness and energy levels. But like all drugs, they can cause side effects, too.
Eating foods such as oatmeal or nuts can give you a boost to your energy level. With some autoimmune conditions, you may need to follow certain dietary restrictions or special diets. Get regular exercise. Physical activity can keep your body in good condition, which will help boost energy.
Some doctors prescribe ADHD stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse for ME/CFS, and they have seen positive results. These drugs work by stimulating the brain and can improve symptoms like fatigue and memory problems in ME/CFS.
Steer clear of sugary treats like cakes, sweet biscuits, lollies, doughnuts, chocolate, soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged fruit juices. Be mindful, too, that some foods posing as healthy snacks (like some protein bars) are actually very high in sugar.
For those with MS, avoiding too much exercise is a big concern. Too much activity can cause fatigue and worsen symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and know when you've done too much. Pacing activities and taking breaks helps manage energy.
Primary fatigue is caused by MS damage in the brain and spinal cord. And lots of processes might be involved. One idea from researchers is that passing messages around nerve damage takes extra energy. Secondary fatigue is caused by living with MS symptoms like pain, or disturbed sleep.
A small number of people with MS have only mild disease and do well without treatment. But many get worse over time. Medicines can reduce the severity of attacks of relapsing-remitting MS and how often you have them. They may also reduce or delay disability.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
It is an essential mineral that every organ in the body relies upon, one reason why it is often referred to as the multi-tasking mineral. Magnesium is an essential mineral for a functioning metabolism and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin B12 and magnesium affect energy levels in other ways as well: Vitamin B12 supports the formation of red blood cells, which helps deliver oxygen to the brain and muscles, thereby reducing fatigue. 3. Magnesium promotes relaxation and sleep, boosting energy, while low levels may impair thinking and cause fatigue.