Underuse of Pharmacologic Therapies for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Before Specialist...

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem neurologic disease characterized by profound fatigue and decreased functional capacity, postexertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep, along with cognitive impairment and/or orthostatic intolerance. Its prevalence has risen exponentially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacologic therapies have been used successfully by ME/CFS specialists but may be underused by the general medical field.

To assess this potential practice gap, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 571 patients with an ME/CFS diagnosis referred to our ME/CFS specialty clinic in Minnesota during 2018-2022. We ascertained medications that had already been tried at the time of consultation and also ascertained supplement use.

With the exception of medications primarily used for pain and anxiety, use of pharmacotherapy for ME/CFS symptom management as proposed by specialists was limited. Overall, 68.3% of patients had had at least 1 medication potentially prescribed for ME/CFS; the most common were serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants. A slightly larger share of patients, 72.2%, reported having taken at least 1 dietary supplement; the most common were vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂ and B complex, and fish oil.

Our findings suggest that potentially helpful medications for ME/CFS are being underprescribed in the general medical field and that patients may resort to supplements to manage symptoms. Better education of clinicians about available treatment options and treatment guides may improve management of this debilitating disease.