Drug therapy for fatigue in palliative care

Auret, 2009Minton, 2010Minton, 2011Mucke, 2015Paulsen, 2014Yennurajalingam, 2014Yennurajalingam, 2013

Drug therapy for fatigue in patients with palliative care needs is not well researched, and evidence for the use of specific drugs is limited to relatively small and heterogeneous studies.

Evidence to support the use of corticosteroids to reduce fatigue in patients with a life-limiting illness is inconclusive, and the harm–benefit profile is unknown.

No conclusive evidence is available to support the use of psychostimulants (eg dexamfetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil) to reduce fatigue in patients with a life-limiting illness. In Australia, the prescription of psychostimulants is restricted, and prescription for fatigue should only be under the direction of a palliative care specialist.

For general principles of managing fatigue, see Approach to managing fatigue in palliative care.