Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. The muscle pain typically radiates from a series of 18 tender points -- areas where a small amount of pressure elicits a pain reaction -- located over certain muscle attachments and bony prominences. According to MayoClinic.com, approximately 2 percent of the population suffers from fibromyalgia, afflicting more women than men. Severe pain is sometimes managed with opioid medications.
Ultracet
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved Ultracet, a combination of the synthetic opioid tramadol and acetaminophen, for the treatment of fibromyalgia, according to 2008 information from the Fibromyalgia Symptoms website. Ultracet reduces pain while helping to combat fatigue and increasing ability to function by acting on certain brain pathways. It also reduces the amount of pain signals to the brain, reducing the amount of pain felt by the sufferer. Up to eight Ultracet tablets can be safely taken in one day, with the most common side effects being nausea and constipation. Ultracet is one opioid medication that has proven to be highly effective in treating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Codeine Medications
Codeine-containing medications, such as oxycodone, may be prescribed for fibromyalgia patients suffering moderate-to-severe pain, according to the New York Times Health Guide. Opioid medications such as oxycodone are typically prescribed when other more effective, less potent medications are not working or not well tolerated. Medications containing codeine can be habit-forming and addicting, so fibromyalgia sufferers taking this type of medication may be monitored for tolerance and dependence by their physicians. The goal of fibromyalgia treatment is to relieve pain as there is no cure. A combination of treatments, including pain medication, a stretching and exercise program, and participation in a support group is recommended for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Morphine
When the pain of fibromyalgia is severe, morphine may be prescribed for those who require continual relief. When the pain of fibromyalgia is severe, those who suffer from it can have a difficult time performing the activities of daily living. Morphine works by dulling pain receptors located in the brain, according to Drugs.com. Morphine is also habit-forming and doctors will monitor patients taking it. Side effects include a slowing in breathing and heartbeat, confusion and constipation. There is some controversy over treating fibromyalgia with opioid medications. According to the HealthCentral website, studies have shown that most opioid medications, with the exception of Ultracet, are not effective in relieving symptoms of pain in fibromyalgia. The opioid receptors in those suffering with fibromyalgia appear to be less able to bind with opioid medications and over time, actually increase the pain felt by fibromyalgia sufferers.
