Dexamphetamine - fatigue

[Strongshell3]

Has anyone tried dexamphetamine for fatigue?

[Mdaisy]

Hi Strongshell3

Thank You for posting - I personally have never been given anything for fatigue but heard people speak about being prescribed Modafinal

drugs.com/cdi/modafinil.html

I haven't heard of the medication you have mentioned. I wondered are you in the UK? Were you prescribed this to hep with Fibromyalgia and the fatigue associated with it or for ME?

Interested to read your replies and whether anyone else has tried this or not ?

Emma

[Strongshell3]

Hi,

I recently had an appointment at the London pain clinic with Dr Chris Jenner I believe he also heads the fibromyalgia clinic at Charing Cross hospital.

He recommended this drug for fatigue. He also recommended modafinal. I haven't tried either yet.

M x

[Mdaisy in reply to Strongshell3]

Hi

How very interesting... years ago I was under the late Professor Davies team, Dr Chris Jenner's predecessor under an NHS referral to St Thomas' but unsure the funding would allow a referral now. I couldn't manage the journey any ho!

This may be a new medication for this which is why there isn't many replies about it. Let us know if you do try it and if it helps

Emma

[Strongshell3 in reply to Mdaisy]

Hi Emma, I just had a rather frustrating telephone appointment with my GP. She is a new GP to the surgery.

I explained that I wanted to try one of Chris Jenners recommendation for fatigue.

I should explain Chris Jenner gave me 4 options for pain relief. And suggested 3 stimulants for fatigue.

I had decided to try the stimulant first for a few reasons

I am very highly sensitive to medications and have extreme side effects with most typical FM medications. I currently take naproxen for pain. I am a mum of 3 boys. I have EDS type 3 and was diagnosed with FM last year. My main symptom is debilitating fatigue. Followed my pain however I can manage my pain somedays with carful pacing and naproxen. Whereas the fatigue is unbearable. I have grown up with pain to some degree from EDS type 3.

I do want to try Chris Jenners recommendations for pain but I have to wait until school holiday or long weekend. Basically when I can arrange permanent Childcare- because of my extreme sensitivity to meds.

So my GP explained that she wouldn't be able to prescribe any stimulants and I would need a specialist to prescribe them.

I explained that I had seen Chris Jenner privately and I would not be able to afford to continue to see him and asked for her advice. She wasn't helpful or listening to my explanantion.

With your experience I was hoping that you could offer some advice?

Are GP's not allowed to prescribe stimulants. It's something I have no knowledge about.

Thanks

Sorry for the long story xxx

[Mdaisy in reply to Strongshell3]

Hi Strongshell3

So sorry you've had an exasperating conversation this today. I don't know much about the crossover between private and NHS. Have you got a letter from Dr Chris Jenner recommending this?

I have just 'googled' and it seems there is a policy relating to 'Prescribing Following a

Private Consultation'. You may see if you can request a copy for your area if you can.

What was your GP rationale for not prescribing it? Did the GP offer a referral to a NHS specialist to discuss this?

Emma

[Strongshell3 in reply to Mdaisy]

Yes Chris Jenner sent a letter. He said we needed to get my symptoms under control.

My appointment with him was rather speedy. 30minutes so we didn't get a chance to explain everything in detail. That's why he gave me opinions so I could research sides affects etc. It seemed reasonable.

My GP said that she couldn't prescribe it and a specialist would have to. I explained I couldn't afford another appointment.

As she is new she asked was I under a pain clinic. I explained I was referred to UCLH about because I of fatigue I am unable to attend although I really want to.

I asked her what did she recommend I should do now. She said she wouldn't be able to help. Very frustrating conversation.

I will book another appointment with a different GP in the surgery.

I find it all frustrating. I don't see why my GP didn't know about the medications Chris Jenner prescribed. So unfair that I have to pay privately to find out 🙁

Thanks for you reply it's appreciated x

[Mdaisy in reply to Strongshell3]

Keep fighting if Dr Jenner feels it can help you and do keep us posted. I wish you all the very best

[lizard57]

I have been on dexamphetamine for over 6 years it's a lifesaver !!! Without it I wouldn't be able to function more than 2 -3 hours without a nap.

I have moved area recently and my new doctor wants me to try Modafinel and I'm really concerned about changing.

I have heard it doesn't suit everyone, but definitely give it a go, good luck 🙋🙋

[Mdaisy in reply to lizard57]

Did a specialist prescribe it? Do you think they want to swap due to cost ?

[lizard57 in reply to Mdaisy]

Yes, Dr. Ian Smith from Papworth Hospital, but I have now moved to Scotland so a different Dr.

I don't think it's cost, but Modofinel would have clashed with another tablet I was taking at the time, but I no longer use.

[Mdaisy in reply to lizard57]

Thanks for the reply as the poster having trouble now with being prescribed it after a private appointment

[Strongshell3 in reply to lizard57]

Thank you for you reply. It's great that you have had success. Gives me hope.

X

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I had never heard of either drug being used for fatigue ...

I'm wondering whether the gp not being able to prescribe is similar to the situation with low dose naltrexone (ldn). Ldn is not licensed or recommended for use in fibromyalgia on the nhs therefore if something went wrong the gp would not be covered by their insurance as the prescriber.

Such a shame if there are medications that can help the fatigue that we are unable to access them xxx