Fibromyalgia is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a chronic condition that involves widespread muscle and tendon pain, fatigue and multiple tender points on the body. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatment involves reducing pain and other symptoms and improving overall health. Drug treatment may be used alone or in conjunction with other types of treatment.
Significance
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in approximately 2 percent of individuals in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is more often diagnosed in women than men, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. The Mayo Clinic also states that the condition typically becomes symptomatic after a trauma of a physical or emotional nature, but can also develop with no specific trigger.
Types
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, or a condition, comprised of numerous symptoms as well as co-morbid illnesses like depression or chronic fatigue syndrome, the Mayo Clinic says. Medications used to help treat fibromyalgia are of several different types, including analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetominophen, aspirin and the prescription pain reliever tramadol; antidepressants like fluoxetine; and anti-seizure drugs such as pregabalin and gabapentin. Muscle relaxants may also be used in some individuals.
Function
With a variety of types of medication from which to choose, each class of drugs targets specific symptoms of fibromyalgia. Analgesics can help reduce pain and inflammation that can occur with fibromyalgia, and prescription pain medicine acts like an opioid to reduce moderate to severe pain and is typically used on a short-term basis, according to Myfibro.com. Antidepressants can help with sleep difficulties and reduce pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Myfibro.com says that milnacipran is an antidepressant that has been FDA approved specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Anti-seizure medications help treat nerve pain by interfering with chemicals in the brain that send nerve pain signals through the nervous system, Myfibro.com states. Some individuals may find that muscle relaxants are also helpful in reducing pain signals that are sent to the brain and help relax tight or painful muscles.
Effects
Medications can carry the risk of side effects, especially if taken on a prolonged basis. Pain medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can cause bleeding or liver and kidney damage, Myfibro.com says, if taken for a prolonged period of time. Individuals who take such medications often need to be monitored for any adverse side effects. Prescription analgesics carry the risk of addiction, along with side effects such as fatigue, constipation and increased sweating. Anti-seizure medications like pregabalin can cause dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth and constipation, according to Rxlist.com. Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness and may not be able to be prescribed in individuals with medical conditions like heart or thyroid problems, Myfibro.com states.
Other Treatment Options
Drug treatment is not the only option for treating fibromyalgia, and other treatments may be used to supplement the medication. Other treatments that may be added include physical therapy, counseling, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and rest.
