Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by fatigue and widespread pain among many other symptoms. Currently, there are several medications commonly used to treat fibromyalgia. Drug options are prescribed to treat chronic pain, improve sleep, and help cognitive function.
Why Use Medication
Prescription medication is used to treat fibromyalgia to prevent flare ups, which are an exacerbation of fibromyalgia symptoms including pain and cognitive impairment.Today, there are medications approved for the use of treating symptoms for fibromyalgia. Additionally, there are other medications available that may improve your symptoms that you can ask your primary physician or pain specialist about. Before trying any new medication, be sure to talk to your primary care physician or pain specialist.
Approved Drug Options for Fibromyalgia
Currently there are only two FDA approved treatments for fibromyalgia, Lyrica and Cymbalta. According to Jeanie Lerche Davis of WebMD in the article, "Treating Fibromyalgia Pain: Medication Options," "Helping patients with fibromyalgia to function better is the top goal for treatment.." Lyrica and Cymbalta are two drugs used to treat the deep muscle pain and neuropathic pain of fibromyalgia as well as the depression that often comes with having a chronic pain condition.
- Lyrica: Lyrica is an anti-convulsant related to medications such as neurotin. This medication is particularly helpful for neuropathic pain, but can also help insomnia as well.
- Cymbalta: Cymbalta is an anti-depressant also known as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Even if a patient is not depressed, anti-depressents can help relieve a patient's pain by balancing seretonin in the brain. Additionally, Cymbalta can help with restorative sleep, an important component in relieving fibromyalgia pain.
Drug Options for Sleep
Restorative sleep is key for symptom relief for fibromyalgia. Lyrica and Cymbalta can help patients get restorative sleep. Muscle relaxers are also a way to get some zzz's. Actual sleep medication should be used sparingly, short term and always under a doctor's direct supervision. Here are some common options used for sleep for fibromyalgia sufferers.
- Flexeril: Commonly used as a muscle relaxer, when prescribed in small doses (5 to 10 mg) this muscle relaxer taken a couple of hours before bed can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. However, the biggest complaint is next day grogginess.
- Ambien:Usually used on a short-term basis, this sleeping pill can break a cycle of insomnia and leave you feeling well rested the next day.
Medication for Energy and Cognitive Function
Lately, new studies are being conducted to improve energy and cognitive function for fibromyalgia sufferers. A huge complaint for those with fibromyalgia is cognitive disability or brain fog. Short-term memory loss and losing words or just plain feeling foggy are all parts of fibromyalgia. Although these are not commonly prescribed drugs for fibromyalgia--the following are just starting to be explored as treatment options. Keep your eye out for these up and coming medications.
- Provigil: This is a drug used primarily for people with narcolepsy, an illness that leaves patients falling asleep randomly throughout the day. This increases alertness and energy in fibromyalgia patients. A controversial treatment--some insurance companies do not cover this medication--although many patients have noted a relief in fatigue with this medication and improved focus.
- Xyrem:Also used for narcolepsy, this drug is in phase III trials for use in the treatment of fibromyalgia. A powerful sleeping aid, Xyrem helps patients with restorative sleep. Since some researchers belief that fibromyalgia is a sleep disorder, Xyrem could help alleviate pain and fatigue and improve cognitive functions and improve memory.
Pain Medication Options
The use of pain medication for fibromyalgia is controversial. Many doctors believe that the short term use of opiates such as percocet or vicodin can help relieve the cycle of pain. There are studies that support the idea that opiate use improves cognitive ability in patients with fibromyalgia. Another new pain relief option is SOMA.
- SOMA:A muscle relaxer used short term to break a cycle of pain.
Use Prescription Drugs Wisely
Prescription medication can be an affective way to manage fibromyalgia symptoms and flares. Drug treatment supervised by your primary care physician or pain management specialist can help manage your symptoms, give you restorative sleep, and even improve your cognitive abilities. Make sure you let your doctor know the difficulties you are having with daily functions. Talk to your doctor about the latest prescription treatments to determine what is best for you. And always be aware of the side effects and drug interactions.
