Medications Used to Treat Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue and tender points, also known as "trigger points" throughout the body. Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia include cognitive difficulties (Fibro Fog), sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, short-term memory problems, and anxiety. The cause or causes of Fibromyalgia are currently unknown and there is no cure. Like most chronic illnesses, Fibromyalgia is treatable. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers have another chronic disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For patients who have both illnesses, it can be difficult at times to differentiate which disorder is causing the most problems.

The theory behind the cause of Fibromyalgia is that the onset may be related to some sort of physical trauma, such as an illness or accident, which affects the central nervous system.

Fibromyalgia is treatable and patients can learn how to cope and live with their illness. Even though there is still debate over whether the illness is real with some physicians, recently the FDA approved the first medication to specifically treat Fibromyalgia.

Never try any medications without first consulting your physician.

Lyrica

Lyrica was just approved in 2007 by the FDA to treat Fibromyalgia. Lyrica has been used for years to treat people who have diabetic nerve pain, pain from shingles and seizures. Lyrica works by reducing Fibromyalgia pain, improving quality of sleep, improving fatigue and giving the patient an improved quality of life. I have talked to some Fibromyalgia patients who say that Lyrica is making them feel worse, while others swear that it is the miracle drug. I assume it depends on how severe the Fibromyalgia is in each patient that will determine how effective Lyrica will be.

Some of the most common side effects with using Lyrica include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches, increased appetite and weight gain.

Muscle Relaxants

Some of the most common muscle relaxants prescribed to treat Fibromyalgia are Skelaxin, Flexeril and Soma. The theory is that muscle relaxants should help keep the muscles in Fibromyalgia patients from having spasms, but for a lot of patients they don't work. I never felt much relief from muscle relaxants except for when my back would be out. Muscle relaxants can reduce muscle pain, though.

Side effects from using muscle relaxants include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision and headaches. Muscle relaxants can also impair any mental and/or physical abilities that are needed for driving or operating machinery.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

For many Fibromyalgia patients, anxiety and even panic attacks can be a big problem. Anxiety makes the pain and sleep disturbances worse. Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan are prescribed to treat Fibromyalgia. These drugs work by causing sedation, so the patient will be calm and can also sleep better.

Side effects from using anti-anxiety medications include fatigue, drowsiness, decreased libido, weight gain or loss, depression, decreased memory and impaired coordination. Taking anti-anxiety medications can impair the ability to drive or operating machinery.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are widely prescribed to treat Fibromyalgia. Antidepressants work by improving pain and sense of well-being in the patient. Depression is a common symptom of chronic illness so it helps improve serotonin levels in the brain. Cymbalta is a popular antidepressant prescribed to treat Fibromyalgia.

Some side effects from using antidepressants can include diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, nausea and decreased appetite.

Sleep Aids

Insomnia and unrefreshing sleep are common in Fibromyalgia patients. Broken sleep is also common: waking up several times throughout the night. Many find they are unable to sleep at all without some form of sleep aid. Common prescription sleep aids for Fibromyalgia include Ambien, Sonata, Provigil, Lunesta and Rozerem. These prescription medications tell the brain that it is time to sleep and they relax the body.

When taking prescription sleep aids, the patient needs to sleep at least eight hours so that the medication is worn off in the morning. Many patients will complain of next-day drowsiness after using sleeping pills.

Side effects can include hallucinations, allergic reactions, headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal dreams, and depression.

Analgesics

Analgesics, also known as painkillers, are prescribed regularly in Fibromyalgia. Depending on how severe the patient's pain will determine which pain medication the doctor will prescribe. Analgesics range from Tylenol to some of the stronger narcotic drugs: Darvocet, Percocet, and Vicodin. The pain in Fibromyalgia is such that it is hard to find relief and usually requires a stronger pain medication. But because of the risks of addiction, physicians are hesitant in prescribing these at times.

Some side effects from taking painkillers can include dependency, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Taking these medications can possibly impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Fibromyalgia patients may find that using just one of these treatment methods may not be effective. Often patients will need to use two or more medications to see an improvement in symptoms.