Muscle relaxants are given for treatment of muscle pains and spasms. Exercises or stretching exercises are useful with the muscle relaxants. With heat, muscle relaxers, massage, vibration, stretching exercises, and in some cases home cervical traction, the headaches and stiff neck pains associated with this syndrome may be alleviated. Some patients suffer from an irritable bowel syndrome. They may benefit from antispasmodic medications as well as an increased amount of dietary fiber or a vegetable powder.
Insomnia frequently occurs in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Analgesics and antidepressants are given to improve sleep and decrease mood swings. Some doctors prescribe a six to eight-week trial of Zovirax, an antiviral drug commonly used for treating herpes and shingles. A common symptom of this illness is hypersomnia, or excessive sleeping. A patient may sleep excessively. If excessive sleeping is a problem, SSRI medications are often prescribed.