Fibromyalgia Treatments
Options for the treatment of fibromyalgia are oriented toward the treatment of symptoms, usually pain reduction, and improvement of sleep and the general health of the patient. Currently, fibromyalgia treatments can range from pharmaceuticals to manage and reduce pain, to alternative therapies such as biofeedback and acupuncture. Most successful treatment will combine therapies.
When calculating the usefulness of fibromyalgia treatments, it has been found that the effectiveness of some medications is outweighed by possible side effects, such as weight gain or lethargy. The following options for treatment of fibromyalgia have been found to be amongst the most likely to show a benefit, with the least number of significant side effects.
In treating fibromyalgia, analgesics are used to reduce pain, and improve the quality of sleep. Acetaminophen can be used, or Tramadol (Ultram), a prescription drug for pain. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) are also recommended, usually used in conjunction with other drugs, such as Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Other pharmaceutical solutions for treating fibromyalgia are antidepressants. Prozac has been commonly used with good results, sometimes in combination with amitriptyline, which is used in order to facilitate sleep. Cymbalta has been used recently to aid in combating symptoms of pain and fatigue. Another drug which has been recently approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia is Savella. Such selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been used for some of the more effective anti-depressant treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Anti-seizure medication is another treatment option for pain management. Lyrica has gained FDA approval for fibromyalgia treatment, and Neurontin has proven useful for treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms, though it has not yet been approved specifically for fibromyalgia treatment.
Other options still being explored include Mirapex and ReQuip, dopamine agonists, currently in trials for fibromyalgia treatment. Current research indicates that the side effects, which include impulse control disorders, have been found to be greater than the associated benefits. Trials on the method of administration are ongoing.
Most successful treatment includes more than one of the noted methods. Pharmaceutical intervention can be complimented with physical therapy to restore muscle balance, and heat and ice packs can help with pain as well. Acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and biofeedback have also been used effectively as treatment of fibromyalgia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to be useful in dealing with stress, which contributes to the symptoms experienced by sufferers, and has been shown to be extremely effective in treating fibromyalgia symptoms, especially when used in conjunction with an exercise program.
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