The search continues for the best way to treat the lightheadedness and fainting some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome suffer.
Doctors had hoped to relieve the faint feeling with fludrocortisone, a drug used to treat low blood pressure.
Results of a small pilot study were even promising.
But after more comprehensive research it is now clear that by itself the drug cannot help CFS patients.
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects mostly women–two out of three patients are female–primarily ages 25 to 45.
With its many symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose and treat, one reason that doctors target specific symptoms, such as fainting.
“It is always more gratifying to find out something works,” said Dr. Stephen Straus of the National Institutes of Health. “But at least now we have a definitive answer and can move on to find other drugs that will be effective in treating this debilitating illness.”
