HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

84years, Suffering From Intermittent Fatigue Attack. Any Suggestion?

My Mom is 84 y/o and has been suffering from an intermittent fatigue attack for the last five (5) years. She could be talking to you normally and all of the sudden becoming lethargic (she calls it "I have no energy"). The symptom can happen every day or can't show up for days and last for minutes or hours at a time. She has had all kinds of tests and everything seems normal.
I have insisted that it could be depression but the fact of the matter is that she needs help and I have no idea where to go.
I have to say that when not under the stress of this illness she is full of life.
Tue, 10 Dec 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Greetings !

Welcome to the site.

Well it seems like your mother is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which can have an intermittent pattern of fatigue occurrence but the condition in itself is present for a long duration.

You can discuss with her doctor the following mentioned drugs which suit this condition and provide successful results.

1) Duloxetine at a dose of 20-40 mg / day to be taken as a single dose at night. This is an snri class anti depressant but is found to have amazing benefits in this chronic fatigue condition.

2) Pregabalin at dose of 75 mg / day to be taken in the evening once only per day.

3) Vitamin B12 and Pyridoxine supplements to augment the action of above two drugs.

The above mentioned drugs need to be taken for at least 4-6 months for having a significant recovery. It is important for me to mention here and for you to understand that a part of her fatigue is old age related so expecting full recovery is remotely possible although significant and functional recovery is quite possible with the use of the above mentioned drug regime, so kindly discuss this with her doctor.

I hope this helps.

Wish you all the best.

Regards.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Pregabalin


Loading Online Doctors....
84years, Suffering From Intermittent Fatigue Attack. Any Suggestion?

Greetings ! Welcome to the site. Well it seems like your mother is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which can have an intermittent pattern of fatigue occurrence but the condition in itself is present for a long duration. You can discuss with her doctor the following mentioned drugs which suit this condition and provide successful results. 1) Duloxetine at a dose of 20-40 mg / day to be taken as a single dose at night. This is an snri class anti depressant but is found to have amazing benefits in this chronic fatigue condition. 2) Pregabalin at dose of 75 mg / day to be taken in the evening once only per day. 3) Vitamin B12 and Pyridoxine supplements to augment the action of above two drugs. The above mentioned drugs need to be taken for at least 4-6 months for having a significant recovery. It is important for me to mention here and for you to understand that a part of her fatigue is old age related so expecting full recovery is remotely possible although significant and functional recovery is quite possible with the use of the above mentioned drug regime, so kindly discuss this with her doctor. I hope this helps. Wish you all the best. Regards.