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
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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.
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