Fluoroquinolones Oxidative Stress Mitochondrial Dysfunction Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition most known for the extreme fatigue and lack of energy, regardless of how much rest or sleep the person gets. Often, symptoms include chronic pain or a flu-like feeling.   Chronic fatigue is truly multi-factorial and very heterogeneous with connections being found to overactive immune response to viruses or bacteria, including the Epstein-Barr virus, certain strains of herpes virus, and the bacterium that causes Lyme disease; to nutritional deficiencies; and to other causes. 

Overwhelming anecdotal evidence gathered over the last few decades has shown that there is a direct link between FQ usage and the development of CFS in many people.   Many people who are chronically floxed (those affected at least two years or more) go on to develop or are diagnosed officially with Chronic Fatigue. Additionally, fatigue is a hallmark sign of mitochondrial dysfunction and disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction/disease is likely to be responsible for many of the symptoms seen in FQ induced CFS. The degree of mitochondrial dysfunction correlated with FQ usagfe depends on a number of factors.  It is known that many Floxies do develop a fairly severe form of fatigue long term, the severity of which can vary greatly.   Fatigue can be the result of either primary or secondary mitochondrial involvement due to various ways in which the FQ can damage the cellular machinery. rom viruses. But it is clear that mitochondria inefficiently producing energy leads to the symptoms of CFS.