According to the Food and Drug Administration, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disorders and other symptoms that limit daily activity. The exact cause is unknown, but may be related to injury, emotional distress or viruses that change the way the brain perceives pain. Treatment for fibromyalgia focuses on reducing symptoms and improving general health.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Medications designed to treat epilepsy, also called anti-convulsants or anti-seizure drugs, are often useful in reducing fibromyalgia pain. These medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affect a chemical messenger in the brain, preventing nerve cells from over-firing. Pregabalin, the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (in 2007) to treat fibromyalgia, reduces the pain of some fibromyalgia sufferers, but may produce side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, trouble concentrating, swelling of the hands and feet, and dry mouth. Gabapentin, another anti-seizure drug, may also be helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Narcotic and Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that acetaminophen may ease mild fibromyalgia pain. Tramadol, a prescription pain reliever, may be taken alone or in combination with acetaminophen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, are not reliably effective because fibromyalgia pain is not related to inflammation. Capsaicin, an ointment prepared from the active ingredient in hot chili peppers, has been reported to assist in pain relief as well.
Opioids or narcotics such as oxycodone and morphine sulfate may be prescribed for fibromyalgia patients with moderate to severe pain. Their use should be limited, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, to short-term episodes, if possible.
Antidepressants
In 2008, an antidepressant called duloxetine became the second drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Its side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, increased sweating, and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Another antidepressant, milnacipran, was approved in 2009 for the management of fibromyalgia. According to the FDA, milnacipran blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which may help improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Other antidepressants such as amitriptyline and fluoxetine may also be effective in some people with fibromyalgia, but may not be effective for pain relief.
Cyclobenzaprine
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant, can be helpful in relieving muscle spasms and pain in fibromyalgia patients. Its side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness.
Other Medications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several other medications may potentially be helpful in relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Tramipexole, a drug for Parkinson's disease, may help relieve pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug; nabilone, a synthetic drug derived from marijuana; and tropisetron, used to relieve vomiting during chemotherapy, may also reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
