Treatment
Currently, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella are the only FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia, but this is just the beginning. Several medications are being developed specifically for this condition. Indeed, the outlook for people with fibromyalgia is definitely improving, with many more effective treatment approaches on the horizon.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Options
Traditional treatment of fibromyalgia is geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain, which means that a sleep study may aid with individualizing your therapy. Deep level (stage 4) sleep is crucial for many body functions (such as tissue repair, antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals). Therefore, treatment of the sleep disorders that frequently occur in fibromyalgia patients are usually addressed first because disturbed sleep may be a strong contributing factor to your symptoms.
- Common sleep-aid medications include Ambien, Lunesta, clonazepam, and trazodone.
- Medications that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed in low doses for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Examples include amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, Cymbalta, and Savella. The latter two can disrupt sleep and may work best if taken in the morning.
- Ultram may help with the treatment of fibromyalgia pain, although stronger opioids may be needed for addressing moderate to severe pain.
- Muscle relaxants, anti-epileptics (such as Neurontin and Lyrica) and other drug categories may be prescribed as well. Each issue of the Fibromyalgia Network Journal contains information about new treatment options, as well as advice about how to make use of existing medications to minimize fibromyalgia symptoms.
In addition to medications, most fibromyalgia patients will need to use other treatment methods:
- trigger point injections with lidocaine
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
- acupuncture/acupressure
- relaxation/biofeedback techniques
- osteopathic manipulation
- chiropractic care
- therapeutic massage
- gentle exercise program
Want to learn about new treatments, as well as how to receive optimal care from existing medications? Become a Member of Fibromyalgia Network and receive the most up-to-date, patient-friendly publication available. As an additional gift, you can receive a detailed chart of the top 25 medications prescribed for fibromyalgia patients for free! For details, click here. To order by phone, call our toll-free number at (800) 853-2929.
What is the Prognosis?
Long term follow-up studies on fibromyalgia have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may wax and wane. The impact fibromyalgia has on daily living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies show that fibromyalgia syndrome may be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.
Self-Help Strategies
Lifestyle modifications may help you conserve energy and minimize pain. Commonly endorsed treatment strategies:
- Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and avoid them, if possible.
- Sit in a hot tub or shower to ease muscle pain and stiffness. Also, hot packs or wraps may be applied to sore spots.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and try to get eight hours of sleep per night.
Get informed about your condition. Become part of the Fibromyalgia Network. Membership includes:
- a 20-page quarterly Journal in which you will read about research findings as well as advice on coping with fibromyalgia. Most importantly, this professional publication contains regular input from the experts to keep you informed about new and novel treatment methods, as well as recommendations about how to incorporate them into your care. No ads, no fluff—just the info you need.
- monthly eNews Alerts containing short articles on research and treatments to keep you current between journal mailings
- physician and support group referrals
- discounts on back issue packs of the Journal
- free educational brochures
- a chance to participate in surveys, our Q&A Column, and much more!
Join the Fibromyalgia Network today or call our toll-free number, (800) 853-2929, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST. A one-year Membership is only $28/year in the U.S. This price includes shipping, handling and taxes. Other educational materials may be ordered from Fibromyalgia Network as well.
Additional treatment options are discussed in the Fibromyalgia Network article, "Three Medications to Consider." For more information on Lyrica, see our Latest News section. Or you may wish to learn more about the role of diet and exercise.
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