Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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SUMMARY

Ongoing studies are evaluating ketamine's efficacy in reducing fatigue among cancer survivors and individuals with chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus, with research suggesting rapid relief within 40 minutes and effects lasting up to 14 days. As of June 3, 2026, a Phase II clinical trial is assessing intravenous low-dose ketamine for fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and solriamfetol is also being explored for ME/CFS. A small Rutgers-led clinical trial in February 2026 found a single low-dose ketamine infusion reduced fatigue scores by an average of 21% within three days, though similar improvements were seen with a comparator drug. Researchers are planning larger trials, including for breast cancer survivors, following these promising results.

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June 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Ketamine Shows Promise for Short-Term Fatigue Relief in Chronic Illnesses and MS Trials

    Ongoing studies are evaluating ketamine's efficacy in reducing fatigue among cancer survivors and individuals with chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus. Research suggests ketamine can reduce tiredness within 40 minutes, with effects lasting up to 14 days. A Phase II clinical trial is also assessing intravenous low-dose ketamine for fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

May 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Solriamfetol Shows Promise for ME/CFS Fatigue and Cognitive Function

    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

  1. Ketamine tested in phase two trial for Long COVID fatigue and cognitive function

    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.

  2. Study finds low-dose ketamine reduces chronic fatigue scores, suggests 'bridge' therapy

    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.

  3. Rutgers Researchers Plan Larger Ketamine Trial for Chronic Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

    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

  1. Rutgers-led trial finds ketamine reduces fatigue, similar to midazolam

    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.

  2. New York Post Reports Ketamine Shows Promise for Chronic Fatigue Relief in Rutgers Study

    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.

  3. Rutgers-led research suggests ketamine may combat chronic fatigue

    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.

  4. Rutgers Health Researchers Find Ketamine May Offer Rapid Relief for Chronic Fatigue

    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

  1. Study finds ketamine reduces fatigue in chronic conditions, lacks statistical significance

    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

  1. Research shows promising early evidence for ketamine infusions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    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

  1. Clarus Health Discusses IV Ketamine as Potential ME/CFS Treatment

    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

  1. Study finds ketamine improves fatigue in depressed patients, suggests CFS benefits

    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

  1. French Study Shows Ketamine Reduces Pain, Increases Brain Blood Flow in Fibromyalgia Patients

    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

  1. Danish Study Suggests Ketamine Reduces Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients

    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.