From the Research
Amantadine is not generally recommended for treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to insufficient evidence supporting its routine use. The mechanism of action of amantadine in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome is not well established, but it is thought to relate to its potential immunomodulatory and central nervous system stimulant properties 1. However, clinical trials have shown inconsistent results, with many patients experiencing no significant improvement in fatigue symptoms 2, 1.
Some studies have investigated the use of amantadine in treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis, which may share some similarities with CFS, but the evidence is still limited and inconclusive 3, 4. Additionally, amantadine can cause side effects including insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, and in rare cases, more serious adverse effects 1, 4.
Current treatment approaches for CFS typically focus on symptom management through:
- Graded exercise therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Addressing specific symptoms like sleep disturbances or pain Patients with CFS should work with healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans that may include various supportive therapies rather than relying on medications with limited evidence like amantadine 2.
It's worth noting that a recent study on the use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, including amantadine, for adult obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment showed some promise, but this is a different condition and the results may not be applicable to CFS 5.
In summary, the use of amantadine for CFS is not supported by strong evidence, and its potential benefits are outweighed by the risks of side effects and the availability of other treatment options.