Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
On February 12, 2026, researchers at Rutgers Health and the National Institutes of Health published findings from a small proof-of-concept study indicating that ketamine may offer rapid relief from chronic fatigue. As of May 18, 2026, research is exploring solriamfetol, a wakefulness-promoting agent, which has shown promise in improving fatigue and executive functioning in adults with ME/CFS after eight weeks of treatment. A small Rutgers-led clinical trial found that a single low-dose ketamine infusion reduced fatigue scores by an average of 21% within three days, peaking at nearly 39% after 24 hours, though similar improvements were observed with midazolam. "Most patients experienced fatigue recovery and increased energy," stated lead senior author Leorey Saligan, emphasizing the need for larger clinical trials, including a planned phase two trial for Long COVID fatigue and cognitive function.
Timeline
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May 2026 — 1 developments
Research is exploring solriamfetol, a wakefulness-promoting agent, which has shown promise in improv…
Research is exploring solriamfetol, a wakefulness-promoting agent, which has shown promise in improving fatigue and executive functioning in adults with ME/CFS after eight weeks of treatment. This adds to existing research suggesting ketamine may offer rapid relief for chronic fatigue symptoms.
March 2026 — 3 developments
A phase two clinical trial is testing ketamine for Long COVID fatigue and cognitive function, with f…
A phase two clinical trial is testing ketamine for Long COVID fatigue and cognitive function, with further research planned for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Evidence suggests ketamine may offer symptom relief for ME/CFS by addressing central nervous system dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
A study in Pharmacological Reports explored ketamine's effects on chronic fatigue, finding a reduction in fatigue scores after a single low-dose infusion.
A study in Pharmacological Reports explored ketamine's effects on chronic fatigue, finding a reduction in fatigue scores after a single low-dose infusion. Researchers suggest ketamine might serve as a short-term 'bridge' to motivate patients towards other fatigue-reducing strategies, pending larger clinical trials.
Researchers are planning a larger clinical trial for ketamine treatment of chronic fatigue, particul…
Researchers are planning a larger clinical trial for ketamine treatment of chronic fatigue, particularly focusing on breast cancer survivors, following promising results from a small Rutgers study. The study observed a 21% average decrease in fatigue scores three days after a single low-dose infusion, with researchers noting sufficient energy boost to warrant further investigation.
February 2026 — 4 developments
A small Rutgers-led clinical trial found that a single low-dose ketamine infusion reduced fatigue sc…
A small Rutgers-led clinical trial found that a single low-dose ketamine infusion reduced fatigue scores by an average of 21% within three days, peaking at nearly 39% after 24 hours. However, similar improvements were observed with midazolam, an active comparator drug, indicating that while ketamine shows early promise, the study did not find a statistically significant difference between the treatments. Lead senior author Leorey Saligan noted that most patients experienced fatigue recovery and increased energy.
The New York Post published an article detailing the promising results of a study on ketamine treatment for chronic fatigue.
The New York Post published an article detailing the promising results of a study on ketamine treatment for chronic fatigue. The report highlighted that the controversial drug may provide rapid relief for millions struggling with the condition, referencing the Rutgers-led research.
News outlets reported on the Rutgers-led research suggesting ketamine's potential to combat chronic …
News outlets reported on the Rutgers-led research suggesting ketamine's potential to combat chronic fatigue, highlighting the increased energy observed after a single low-dose infusion. The reports emphasized that this finding warrants further study.
Researchers at Rutgers Health and the National Institutes of Health published findings from a small …
Researchers at Rutgers Health and the National Institutes of Health published findings from a small proof-of-concept study indicating that ketamine may offer rapid relief from chronic fatigue. The study, involving 10 participants, showed a notable decrease in fatigue scores after a single low-dose ketamine infusion, justifying further research.
January 2026 — 1 developments
A preliminary proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial assessing the anti-fatigue effects of ketamine versus midazolam was published.
A preliminary proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial assessing the anti-fatigue effects of ketamine versus midazolam was published. The study involved 10 participants with chronic fatigue-related conditions and indicated a reduction in fatigue scores with ketamine, though statistical significance was not reached due to study design limitations.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Research on ketamine infusions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was described as being in its early stages but showing promising evidence.
Research on ketamine infusions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was described as being in its early stages but showing promising evidence. The research noted ketamine's anti-inflammatory properties and its potential for pain relief, which are relevant to the multifaceted symptoms of CFS.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Clarus Health in San Francisco discussed the potential benefits of IV ketamine for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
Clarus Health in San Francisco discussed the potential benefits of IV ketamine for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). They highlighted ketamine's anti-inflammatory effects, its ability to calm neuroglial overactivation, and its potential to alleviate comorbid depression, suggesting it as a promising, though off-label, treatment option.
January 2020 — 1 developments
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry noted that patients with depression and fatigue reported significant improvement in fatigue levels following ketamine treatments.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry noted that patients with depression and fatigue reported significant improvement in fatigue levels following ketamine treatments. This research suggested potential benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to the overlap in symptoms and biological mechanisms.
January 2007 — 1 developments
A French study using subcutaneous ketamine demonstrated a reduction in pain levels and an increase i…
A French study using subcutaneous ketamine demonstrated a reduction in pain levels and an increase in blood flow in brain areas associated with pain regulation in fibromyalgia patients. This further supported the idea that ketamine could influence pain pathways relevant to chronic fatigue.
January 2000 — 1 developments
An early study in Denmark suggested that ketamine could reduce both local and referred pain in fibro…
An early study in Denmark suggested that ketamine could reduce both local and referred pain in fibromyalgia patients, indicating a potential for reducing central nervous system hyperexcitability. This early research hinted at ketamine's possible role in managing pain associated with chronic fatigue-related conditions.