Acutane, Fibromyalgia Syndrome and CFS
Quote:
>There is a person on the FIDO CFS echo who claims that he was cured of
>CFS by taking accutane. He also claims that you are using it in the
>treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Are you using accutane in the
>treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Yes.
Quote:
>Have you used it for CFS?
It seems to work equally well for CFS, another hint that these may be
different facets of the same underlying process.
Quote:
>Have you gotten good results with it?
Yes. The benefit is usually evident within a few days of starting it.
Most of the patients for whom it has worked well continued low-dose
amitriptyline, daily aerobic excersise, and a regular sleep schedule
(current standard therapy). Because of the cost (usually > $150/mo.,
depending on dose) and potential for significant side effects like
corneal injury and birth defects, I currently reserve it for those who
fail conventional treatment. It is important that the person
prescribing it have some experience with it and follow the patient
closely.
Quote:
>Are you aware of any double blind studies on the use of accutane in
>these conditions? Thank you in advance for all replies.
As far as I know, I am the only person looking at it currently. I
should get off my duff and finish writing up some case reports. I'm not
an academic physician, so I don't feel the pressure to publish or perish
and I don't have the time during the work day for such things.
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
