Pre-infusion Strategies to Combat Fatigue in MS Patients

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and the medications used in infusion therapy can sometimes leave you feeling even more drained. That exhaustion can take a toll on your daily routine, your mood, and overall quality of life. The good news is that there are steps you can take ahead of treatments to help manage your energy, support your recovery, and feel better during and after your infusions. What works for one person might not work for another, so be patient with yourself as you discover which strategies work best for you, even if it takes some trial and error.

It might seem obvious, but giving yourself permission to rest when you're tired can help you avoid reaching a point of total exhaustion. Try scheduling downtime into your day – either a few short breaks or one longer one, depending on what feels best for you. Use this time for real rest, like napping or meditation, rather than just doing something "relaxing." The goal is to let your body and mind fully switch off, especially after treatment.

What you eat can make a big difference in how much energy you have after an infusion. Large, heavy meals -- especially hot ones -- take more effort to digest and can leave you feeling sluggish. Instead, aim for small, regular meals and snacks. It can be tempting to grab sugary treats for a quick pick-me-up, but that usually leads to an energy crash. A better option is to choose foods that are slower to digest and keep you full for longer, like potatoes or whole-grain breads. 

Staying hydrated is important both before and after your infusion. Having extra fluids beforehand can make it easier for your body to process the medication. After treatment, even mild dehydration can make fatigue worse, so sipping water throughout the day might help you feel less tired. If plain water doesn't sound appealing, try infusing it with fruit or herbs, or choose a caffeine-free herbal tea instead. 

If fatigue makes it hard to get through your to-do list, try mapping out your day or week so you can spread out your energy between easier and harder tasks. Breaking up bigger jobs, like cooking a meal, into smaller steps throughout the day can make them feel more manageable. Learning how to prioritize chores can help, too. Try making a list of all the activities you do in a typical week, then figure out which ones matter most to you, which could be done differently, and which you might be able to hand off to someone else. That way, you can save your energy for the things you really want or need to do after an infusion. 

Before you start treatment, take a look around your home to see if you can find ways to make everyday tasks feel easier. Even small adjustments, like keeping items you use often in places that are easy to reach, or storing things you use together -- like your kettle, tea, and mugs -- in the same spot, can save you energy. You might also find it helpful to swap out heavier items, like cutlery or kitchenware, for lighter versions. Consider keeping stools around the house so you can sit while doing tasks like cooking or laundry.

When your muscles, joints, and skeleton aren't properly aligned, it can put extra strain on other parts of your body and make moving around more tiring. To improve your posture, try to keep your body symmetrical when sitting or standing and limit bending and twisting. A physiotherapist can also help spot any issues with your posture and give you exercises to help correct them. Over time, as your body realigns itself, you may find that everyday tasks start to feel easier and less exhausting.

A poor night's sleep can make fatigue worse, so getting enough rest before and after infusion treatment is important. Try to set up a routine that includes some wind-down time before bed, and aim to wake up at the same time each morning. As a good rule, avoid screens for at least an hour before sleep, since the blue light they give off can disrupt your sleep cycle. Also, try to make your bedroom as comfortable as possible: Keep it dark, quiet, and at a temperature that feels best for you.

Some MS organizations offer courses that share detailed tips and how-tos on adjusting your habits, routines, and daily activities. These programs often include energy-saving techniques that help with the physical side of fatigue along with cognitive behavioral strategies that can shift how you think about and manage it. You can take part online, in group sessions, one-on-one, or even with friends, family, or caregivers.

There aren't any FDA-approved medications specifically for MS fatigue, but doctors sometimes prescribe drugs used for other conditions, like Parkinson's and narcolepsy. The research is mixed on how well these work for MS, though some people do find them helpful. In most cases, it's best to try other ways to manage fatigue first. If those don't help, talk to your doctor about whether medication might be a good option to help treat infusion-related fatigue.