CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHAT ON FACEBOOK!

  • Home
  • About Me
  • FFF Blog
  • Videos
  • Fibromyalgia Guidebook
    • What to Expect
    • Can fibro cause this?
    • Tests & Diagnosis
    • Home Treatments
    • Professional Therapies
    • Support
  • Shauna's Li'l Fibro Shop
    • Fibro Tools
  • More
    • Home
    • About Me
    • FFF Blog
    • Videos
    • Fibromyalgia Guidebook
      • What to Expect
      • Can fibro cause this?
      • Tests & Diagnosis
      • Home Treatments
      • Professional Therapies
      • Support
    • Shauna's Li'l Fibro Shop
      • Fibro Tools
  • Home
  • About Me
  • FFF Blog
  • Videos
  • Fibromyalgia Guidebook
    • What to Expect
    • Can fibro cause this?
    • Tests & Diagnosis
    • Home Treatments
    • Professional Therapies
    • Support
  • Shauna's Li'l Fibro Shop
    • Fibro Tools
Shauna Smith Duty

Everything I wish I'd known earlier about living with fibromyalgia pain.

Everything I wish I'd known earlier about living with fibromyalgia pain.Everything I wish I'd known earlier about living with fibromyalgia pain.Everything I wish I'd known earlier about living with fibromyalgia pain.Everything I wish I'd known earlier about living with fibromyalgia pain.

Professional Therapies for Fibromyalgia

No Drugs

  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises that will improve your strength, flexibility, and stamina. Water-based exercises might be particularly helpful.
    mayoclinic.org
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a short-term talk therapy designed to help you change the way you think about and respond to situations and stimuli. Research has shown that at least one form of psychotherapy—CBT—can be effective in improving fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly if you experience anxiety and depression.
    arthritis.org
  • Complementary Therapies: Many people with fibromyalgia also report varying degrees of success with complementary and alternative therapies, including massage, movement therapies (such as Pilates and the Feldenkrais method), chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, and various herbs and dietary supplements for different fibromyalgia symptoms.
    fmaware.org

Get in Touch

Hey, do you have comments, questions, something to add? Let me know!

Contact Shauna

Prescription Medications for Fibromyalgia

Antidepressants

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta): This serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is FDA-approved for fibromyalgia. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help reduce pain and improve mood. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness.
    webmd.com
  • Milnacipran (Savella): Another SNRI approved for fibromyalgia, milnacipran also increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels. It may help alleviate pain and improve physical function. Side effects can include nausea, constipation, and increased heart rate.
    webmd.com
  • Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline is sometimes prescribed off-label for fibromyalgia. It can help improve sleep and reduce pain. Potential side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, and dry mouth.
    drugs.com

Anticonvulsants

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica): This medication is FDA-approved for fibromyalgia and works by inhibiting nerve signals that cause pain. It can help reduce pain and improve sleep quality. Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and swelling.
    drugs.com
  • Gabapentin: An anticonvulsant used off-label for fibromyalgia, gabapentin can help alleviate pain. Side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, and swelling.
    drugs.com

Muscle Relaxers

  • This muscle relaxant is sometimes used off-label to help reduce muscle spasms associated with fibromyalgia. It can cause drowsiness and should be used with caution.
    fibromyalgiafund.org

Pain Relievers

  • Tramadol: A mild opioid analgesic, tramadol may be prescribed for short-term use to manage fibromyalgia pain. It carries a risk of dependence and should be used under strict medical supervision.
    fibromyalgiafund.org

Other Medications

  • Sodium Oxybate: This medication has been studied for fibromyalgia but is not FDA-approved for this use due to concerns about abuse potential.
    en.wikipedia.org
  • Low-Donse Naltrexone (LDN: Also used off-label, LDN  is typically prescribed to manage alcohol and opioid addiction, and it works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. At low doses (usually between 1 and 5 mg), it is believed to have a different effect: it may help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, potentially easing pain and improving overall symptoms of fibromyalgia. Note that because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, the patient should not take an opioid drug while taking LDN.

My Blog


Copyright © 2025 Shauna Smith Duty - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • FFF Blog
  • Videos
  • What to Expect
  • Can fibro cause this?
  • Tests & Diagnosis
  • Home Treatments
  • Professional Therapies
  • Fibro Tools

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept