I'm not sure if there's any one thing that causes drug sensitivity, or if there's any way to be less sensitive. I'm very sensitive to SSRIs myself and had to try quite a few of them before I found one that I could tolerate.
Your reaction to Lamotrigine sounds more like an allergic reaction than a side effect.
Unfortunately at this point there's no medication specifically for CFS, although some folks have had luck with low-dose naltrexone or antivirals or various supplements. Antidepressants aren't going to help you unless you're depressed, as CFS is not a psychological condition. At this point aggressive rest and staying within your energy boundaries are the only options.
One thing that has mildly helped me with both CFS and ADHD is nicotine patches, but given your sensitivity I'm not sure if you could tolerate them. If you try them you should start at half the lowest dose (in the US the lowest dose is a 7mg patch, so 3.5mg). Here's a link with more info:
https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/12/07/nicotine-patch-long-covid-chronic-fatigue-fibromyalgia/?
For me, I believe it's mostly my MCAS, but there are probably more complicated factors at play than just that.
For example, tons of neurodivergent people are hypersensitive to medication, and not all ND people have MCAS. We don't fully understand why ND people are more prone to this. I also likely have the MTHFR gene mutation (I haven't done the testing but I respond to stuff that helps people with that and I have all the characteristics), and that definitely can cause issues metabolizing drugs properly. Mutations in this gene are also correlated with ADHD, so if you have ADHD you're statistically more likely to have a MTHFR mutation. But that alone doesn't explain every case where ND people are medication-sensitive. I wouldn't be surprised if nervous system dysregulation/dysfunction is involved as well in why our bodies react weirdly to meds.
I've always had an issue where I either am significantly over-reactive or significantly under-reactive to drugs. It's rare that I find something that works normally at a normal dose. Regardless of the type of medication (like even if it's an injection). I think I have multiple causes at play that all overlap. You may also have multiple causes.
I’m also super sent it over to drugs! All kinds, even alcohol and caffeine, panadol (paracetamol/acetometophin(?) and everything. I try to take half doses of things, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, except for black tea. Don’t have a solution, but you’re def not alone!
I am really sensitive to drugs but i am also very short at 4’9”. But my doctor has told me that asian people are more likely to be sensitive to metabolizing drugs. Its possible that could play a part but i do not have a article to back up this claim currently
I'm not sure if there's any one thing that causes drug sensitivity, or if there's any way to be less sensitive. I'm very sensitive to SSRIs myself and had to try quite a few of them before I found one that I could tolerate. Your reaction to Lamotrigine sounds more like an allergic reaction than a side effect. Unfortunately at this point there's no medication specifically for CFS, although some folks have had luck with low-dose naltrexone or antivirals or various supplements. Antidepressants aren't going to help you unless you're depressed, as CFS is not a psychological condition. At this point aggressive rest and staying within your energy boundaries are the only options. One thing that has mildly helped me with both CFS and ADHD is nicotine patches, but given your sensitivity I'm not sure if you could tolerate them. If you try them you should start at half the lowest dose (in the US the lowest dose is a 7mg patch, so 3.5mg). Here's a link with more info: https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/12/07/nicotine-patch-long-covid-chronic-fatigue-fibromyalgia/?
Is it just the patches they sell at the supermarket?
Yes. [This group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/273324588446377) on Facebook contains A LOT of information.
Do you take famotidine? That will make your stimulants last forever.
Wait, for real??
I have this too, it’s always been like this but since being diagnosed I’m seeing it’s not just me. Following/bumping.
Ask for your dr to run a Genesight report
For me, I believe it's mostly my MCAS, but there are probably more complicated factors at play than just that. For example, tons of neurodivergent people are hypersensitive to medication, and not all ND people have MCAS. We don't fully understand why ND people are more prone to this. I also likely have the MTHFR gene mutation (I haven't done the testing but I respond to stuff that helps people with that and I have all the characteristics), and that definitely can cause issues metabolizing drugs properly. Mutations in this gene are also correlated with ADHD, so if you have ADHD you're statistically more likely to have a MTHFR mutation. But that alone doesn't explain every case where ND people are medication-sensitive. I wouldn't be surprised if nervous system dysregulation/dysfunction is involved as well in why our bodies react weirdly to meds. I've always had an issue where I either am significantly over-reactive or significantly under-reactive to drugs. It's rare that I find something that works normally at a normal dose. Regardless of the type of medication (like even if it's an injection). I think I have multiple causes at play that all overlap. You may also have multiple causes.
I’m also super sent it over to drugs! All kinds, even alcohol and caffeine, panadol (paracetamol/acetometophin(?) and everything. I try to take half doses of things, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, except for black tea. Don’t have a solution, but you’re def not alone!
I am really sensitive to drugs but i am also very short at 4’9”. But my doctor has told me that asian people are more likely to be sensitive to metabolizing drugs. Its possible that could play a part but i do not have a article to back up this claim currently