Chronic fatigue syndrome is not a dead-end disease. There are a lot of treatments available for patients suffering from this incapacitating illness. Here are some options:

Antibiotics and antifungal products. The same antibiotics used to remedy lyme disease and mycoplasma virus are sometimes prescribed to patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The same is the case for antifungal drugs that are primarily used to treat yeast and fungus infections - they can be used, together with a low-carbohydrate diet, to treat chronic fatigue syndrome in some patients.

Food supplements. Food supplements or 'immune enhancers' may help the chronic fatigue syndrome patient rebuild stamina. They are also used to cure viral infections that may be causing the fatigue in the first place.

Hormones. Doctors prescribe hormones for chronic fatigue syndrome patients who fall within a hormonally imbalanced category. They can be given steroids and thyroid hormones.

Detoxifiers. Since fatigue is also believed to be caused by ineffective cleansing systems in the body, some doctors may prescribe a range of detoxification agents. The most common are intestinal purgatives, 'liver cleanses' and 'chelating agents' are used to rid the body of harmful metals such as mercury.

Finally, antidepressants. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may also be asked to take antidepressants is their fatigue is either caused or is casing depression. Antidepressants are administered to chronic fatigue syndrome patients even when they are not depressed, because the drug is shown to be highly effective in boosting energy.

Other medications. Chronic fatigue syndrome patients who cannot sleep are often given sleep aids. Those who experience intense muscle pain are given pain relievers (both narcotic and non-narcotic). For patients whose chronic fatigue is caused by metabolic deficiencies, the 'mito' cocktail is given. The mito is a mixture of supplements including l-carnitine, vitamin B12, biotin, and other nutrients.