Traditional and Complementary Approaches to Treatment
Treatments forfibromyalgiaare focused on easing symptoms; there is no cure.
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition.
Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory disease.
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These may include analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and other types of oral medication.
If OTC NSAIDs do not work for you, your healthcare provider may consider a prescription-strength version.
Opioid medications are generally not recommended for fibromyalgia treatment, except in severe cases.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Drugs like Vicodin (hydrocodone) andOxyContin (oxycodone)are no longer recommended.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants do more than just treat your mood.
They are also used to alleviate pain, fatigue, and depression, and can also help you sleep.
(Sleeping pills are generally avoided for anything but short-term relief as prolonged use can lead to dependence.)
Lyrica (pregabalin)is the first anticonvulsant approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain.
Vimpat (lacosamide) and Keppra (levetiracetam) have also been used.
Because muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness, they are typically taken at night just before bedtime.
The two muscle relaxants commonly used to treat fibromyalgia are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Zanaflex (tizanidine).
Side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision.
Effirma (flupirtine):This non-opioid medication has been long used in Europe to treat fibromyalgia.
Xyrem (sodium oxybate):This narcotic sedative has been used off-label to treat fibromyalgia.
It was rejected by the FDA in 2010 due to concerns about misuse.
Healthy Diet and Weight Loss
Diet and weight lossare also important.
Carrying excess weight adds to the structural burden on your muscles and joints.
It also reduces the efficiency of your cardiovascular system and leaves you all the more tired and fatigued.
Taking steps to improve your diet improves your overall health, which in turn can help your symptoms.
Alcohol, a depressant, should also be pared back and may even need to be avoided.
This is especially true for a condition like fibromyalgia in which the cause is not fully understood.
John’s Wortcan sometimes do) nor causes you any harm.
The fact that something is “natural” doesn’t mean that is inherently safe.
Treatments include medications, exercise, diet and lifestyle changes, and even complementary therapies.
Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan to meet your personal goals and live well.
Moreover, some fibromyalgia treatments work very well for some people and not at all for others.
However, there is limited scientific evidence to confirm that.
Tylenol is recommended for over-the-counter pain relief with fibromyalgia.
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