The diagnosis of fibromyalgia uses a standard set of criteria as established by the American College of Rheumatology. The National Fibromyalgia Association estimates that a typical patient is not correctly diagnosed for five years as a result of this sometimes baffling condition. A pain disorder characterized by a cluster of medical issues, fibromyalgia is considered a syndrome, not a disease. As a result, medications focus on the patient's individual symptoms, or clustering of symptoms.
Managing Pain with Standard Medications
Typical pain management medications include pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta) or milnacipran (Savella). Pain can also be managed with the use of non-narcotics, such as tramadol or antidepressants--tricyclic antidepressants or serotonin reuptake inhibitors--at a low dosage. Antidepressant dosage can also be increased if pain is interfering with sleep or if the patient is suffering from depression in combination with pain. Some patients also have lidocaine injections at tender points to relieve localized pain.
The National Fibromyalgia Association notes that stretching and exercise are also key to pain management. Regular exercise maintains good muscle tone and minimizes stiffness and pain.
Helping Sleep
Sleep disturbance is a common factor for those with fibromyalgia. The National Fibromyalgia Association recommends a regular sleep regimen--regular bed time, no caffeine, comfortable sleep environment--to aid in managing this issue. Your doctor may also prescribe sleep medications, especially if your sleep is disturbed by restless leg syndrome or other limb disorders.
Promising Medications
Typically used for Parkinson's patients, Pramipexole (Mirapex) has been approved for use by some fibromyalgia patients and shows significant ability to reduce pain. Cox-II inhibitors (Celebrex) aid in inflammation and can reduce pain for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Ultracet has recently been approved for use for fibromyalgia patients. It works on the pathways in the brain to reduce pain symptoms. Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org deems it "highly successful" in patient pain management. Pindolol (Visken) blocks beta adrenergic receptors (BAR-blocker). It blocks the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, a hormone often found in overly abundant supply in fibromyalgia patients. This calms the sympathetic nervous system and minimizes pain and stress.
Finding the Right Combination
Work with your doctor to find the best combination of methods for your particular symptoms. One medication cannot manage all of the symptoms present for many fibromyalgia patients, though a combination of medications is often effective and can aid in managing this syndrome.
