Fatigue has got to be the worst! I can deal with the pain, spasms, cramping, migraines, eye pain, vision disturbances, memory issues, y'all know what I mean...But, this fatigue that never seems to go away, I just don't know. I sent an email to my neuro today asking him if he thought 5 hour energy shots or Monster energy drinks would help. Regular drinks with caffeine don't seem to help and I have so much to do this week. Fatigue will wash over me like a crashing wave on the shore 2 or 3 times a day and I have to stop and sleep right then or I will collapse.
He will reply tomorrow or Wednesday, he has interns on rounds on Mondays. He has concerns about herbal ingredients because I am on high doses of Topamax and Cymbalta and now we are adding Plegridy. Any other ideas or tips anyone?

Can't say that I have any tips, sorry.

Have you tried medications for the fatigue?

I remember sleeping 16 hours a day when the fatigue was bad, just wish I had figured out some tricks.

Hope somebody else will have some ideas for you!

Hi bddouglas,

There are medications that can be tried for fatigue those include:

- Provigil
- Nuvigil
- Attention Deficit Disorder(ADD) medications (Ritalin, Adderall, ect) also known as stimulants.
- Amantadine - an anti-viral that is older but helps some with fatigue but not usually prescribed much anymore.

Non-medication options:

- What you are doing, sleep when the fatigue hits.
- Exercise I know that seems like an oxymoron when you think about fatigue. However, exercise can improve fatigue as well as other symptoms of MS (pain, spasticity).

I do hope you find something that helps your fatigue, fatigue does suck big goose eggs.

yes, what snoop said.
i'm not familiar with the meds you're on but your dr will be able to suggest something.

i would stay away from those energy drinks. they can be really dangerous and i don't know how they might interact with what you're on.

i know you said coffee didn't help. that's too bad. i can drink a cup in the am and it's good for about 4 hrs. can't drink it after 1200 or i can't sleep.

keep us posted. i'm interested to know what your dr tells you.

oh, thought of something else. if it's at all possible schedule 1 or 2 naps during the day. sometimes i just have to give in and then i feel better the rest of the day.

Crushing fatigue is awful! Most of us experience it whether it's only during a flare or all the time.

Both Snoopy and NurseNancy gave some great advice. I would add in maybe taking some vitamin B12 or a B complex to see if that helps. Check with your doctor first as he/she may want to run a blood test for you B's first to see what your levels are.

I hope you start feeling more awake and rested soon.

Sorry you're getting this, bddouglas. I've always disliked the sleepy feeling, long before MS entered my life. Got into the "speed" drugs because of that. After diagnosis I started with Amantadine. Two years later, after getting on Medicare and being able to afford it, I went to Provigil (200-400 mgs a day) and stayed with that for many years. Then I started wanting to cut out a few meds, go with supplements. Anyway, here's what I have found that works for me.

Two oil of oregano gelcaps every morning. No afternoon sleepies for me. It's a cheap experiment, too. You can buy it in any pharmacy, and if it's going to help you'll know within a few days.

Hope you find something to help!