Amantadine and L-carnitine treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Plioplys AV, Plioplys S
Published in Neuropsychobiology
Methodology
Randomized crossover comparison of amantadine and L-carnitine, each given for 2 months separated by a washout, in patients meeting chronic fatigue syndrome criteria, using standardized clinical rating parameters.
Key Findings
L-carnitine produced statistically significant clinical improvement in 12 of 18 measured parameters in chronic fatigue syndrome, with maximal benefit around 4-8 weeks, while amantadine gave no benefit and was poorly tolerated.
Conclusions
L-carnitine produced significant clinical improvement in 12 of 18 parameters; amantadine was poorly tolerated.
Limitations
Small sample (n=30), no placebo arm, open crossover design vulnerable to expectancy and carryover, and multiple outcome parameters increasing false-positive risk.
Supplements Studied
With L-carnitine we found statistically significant clinical improvement in 12 of the 18 studied parameters after 8 weeks of treatment.
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Study Details
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