Which Fibromyalgia Medications are Most Effective?
The list of fibromyalgia medications used to treat this painful condition must be one of the longest for any illness. Add to this the fact that none of the medications currently used to treat fibromyalgia were even developed for specific use in this condition and you begin to see where all the confusion comes in.
Despite their being no real 'gold standard' of treatment for the condition, a number of fibromyalgia medications have shown some good results in randomized clinical trials. When combined with exercise programs and physical manipulation techniques they seem to show some promise in relieving the symptoms of fatigue, depression and sleeplessness.
Antidepressant medications like amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil); can help to boost depressed mood while muscle relaxants such as cylobenzaprine (Cycloflex, Flexeril) can help to ease muscle spasms and certain analgesics, including tramadol (Ultram) can help to ease the pain. Obviously it is important to take an integrated approach to the triangle of symptoms. Sufferers usually take a number of fibromyalgia medications to help them manage their symptoms.
Combinations of fibromyalgia medications are often prescribed for example 20 mg Prozac taken in the morning and 25 mg amitryptyline taken at night. This treatment helps to ease both day and night time symptoms. There are preliminary studies that suggest using anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and the experimental drug pregabalin may also be helpful in reducing pain, sleep problems and fatigue.
In some patients fibromyalgia medications like analgesics and NSAIDs for example aspirin can provide enough pain relief for them to continue their daily activities. However many people will find these mild drugs to be ineffective. If you are trying to manage your condition on your own and are finding that your pain is not under control you need to see your doctor. You might be able to get away with a mild opioid combined with an antidepressant.
Consult a doctor that is familiar with the treatment protocols for the disease. He or she will be your best chance at obtaining relief. Don't allow pain to interrupt your daily activities. Take charge of your health and your life by learning about your options and making the most of the available fibromyalgia medications and treatment.
