MS-related Fatigue can:
- negatively affect your mood and ability to cope with other symptoms.
- change your perception of your own health
- make you feel that you can no longer look after yourself
- decrease memory, concentration, and attention, particularly with repeated or prolonged demands on these skills
- produce a constant overall lack of energy
- reduce physical endurance in daily activities such as walking
- cause you to avoid physical activity, thus (over time) increase muscle weakness and decrease your body’s ability to use oxygen for energy.
- impair your ability to work.
If you have severe fatigue, tell your doctor and have him / her carry out a thorough examination to rule out conditions that might cause or contribute to your fatigue.
Medications that can be used to treat fatigue are:
- Amantadine (Symmetrel)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Various types of antidepressants
- Pemoline
- Methyphenidate
Identify and avoid factors that trigger your fatigue and practice energy conservation strategies.