Patients with fibromyalgia experience pain and tender points in soft tissue areas affected by the disorder. For example, MedlinePlus notes that patients can have pain in their elbows, lower back and shoulders. Different types of medications can help patients manage their pain. Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., author of the eMedTV article "Fibromyalgia Medications," explains that a doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine, a type of medication that treats anxiety. Though benzodiazepines can be addictive, they often help with both pain and sleep problems.
Diazepam
Taken either orally or through an injection, diazepam acts on the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Drugs.com warns that if patients take more than what is recommended by their doctors, they may experience a fatal overdose. Diazepam, like other benzodiazepines, is a short-term medication, and patients should not use it longer than four months unless advised by their doctor. Patients should be careful when using diazepam. For example, the sedative effects from the drug can last longer in older adults, which can lead to falls. Women should not use diazepam during pregnancy as the drug can cause birth defects. The medication can also pass from mother to child through breast milk. When using diazepam or other benzodiazepines, patients should avoid alcohol as it can increase the effects of diazepam. Serious side effects of the drug include confusion, weak breathing, hallucinations, depression, flu-like symptoms and jaundice, in which the patient's skin becomes yellow.
Clonazepam
Another benzodiazepine, clonazepam also affects the levels of GABA, decreasing activity in the brain. Like diazepam, clonazepam can cause problems if taken during pregnancy. Fibromyalgia patients who also have severe liver disease cannot take clonazepam. Signs of an overdose of clonazepam include fainting and drowsiness. Fibromyalgia patients should avoid alcohol when taking clonazepam. Drugs.com points out that patients taking the form of clonazepam that is a wafer should not swallow the wafer whole, but allow it to dissolve in their mouth. Serious side effects of clonazepam include seizures, hyperactivity, confusion, hallucinations, depression, chest tightness, pale skin and shallow breathing.
Lorazepam
Available as both a liquid and a pill, lorazepam can cause sleepiness in patients. Drugs.com notes that people who have narrow-angle glaucoma or are pregnant should avoid using lorazepam. Alcohol also amplifies the effects of lorazepam, such as the sedation. If patients take too much of lorazepam, they can experience confusion, extreme drowsiness, fainting and muscle weakness. High dosages of lorazepam can cause a coma. A depressed mood, hallucinations, hyperactivity and feeling lightheaded are all serious side effects of lorazepam use.
