Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that results in symptoms such as fatigue, pain in the muscles and joints, problems sleeping and multiple points of tenderness on the body. Analgesics and muscle relaxants are two of many common medications used to treat the symptoms of this condition so that quality of life is improved.
Analgesics
Analgesics are medicines that control pain in cases of fibromyalgia and other disorders. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is used to treat mild pain, while narcotics like morphine and hydrocodone are prescribed for severe pain. These drugs relieve pain by blocking the central pain pathways of the nervous system. Dr Mark Pellegrino, a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, indicates that patients may be asked to sign a written agreement when using narcotics.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Fibromylagia patients often experience anxiety, which makes muscle tension, pain, depression and sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia even worse. Decreasing anxiety levels can improve sleep and reduce pain. Diazepam and alprazolam are anti-anxiety medications used for fibromyalgia treatment. If leg movements keep a fibromyalgia patient awake at night, clonazepam may be used. Fibromyalgia patients are usually given low doses of these drugs, but the dosage can be increased if high levels of anxiety are causing severe pain or problems with sleep.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are usually used to prevent seizures in people who have epilepsy. These drugs are also useful in treating fibromyalgia. Christine Adamec and Roland Staud, authors of "Fibromyalgia for Dummies," indicate that anticonvulsants control hyperactive pain fibers in the nervous system. This reduces anxiety, which can lead to a reduction in pain and other symptoms. Examples of anticonvulsants used to treat fibromyalgia include topiramate, lamotrigine, gabapentin and pregabalin.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may be used to control the symptoms of fibromyalgia, even though depression is not the cause of the syndrome. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the results of a study on antidepressants and fibromyalgia in the January 2009 issue. Participants were assigned a drug from one of the four antidepressant classes and monitored. Each type of antidepressant controlled pain substantially. Despite the promise of antidepressants in treating fibromyalgia, duloxetine (Cymbalta) is the only drug approved for fibromyalgia treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of October 2009.
Muscle Relaxants
Fibromyalgia causes muscle pain and spasms, making it difficult to sleep well or perform normal daily activities. Muscle relaxants can be used to treat spasms and pain, improving the quality of life of someone who has fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) treats muscle spasms and provides relief from muscle pain. Use this drug with caution, as it can cause marked drowsiness. Do not operate heavy equipment or drive a vehicle after taking cyclobenzaprine.
Sleep Modifiers
Sleep modifiers can be used to reduce sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia. Eszopiclone (Lunesta), zolpidem (Ambien) and temazepam (Restoril) can be used to treat insomnia. Dr. Pellegrino indicates that these drugs improve deep sleep and enhance a person's perception of sleep quality.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia for Dummies; Christine Adamec & Roland Staud; 2002
- Dr. Mark Pellegrino: Prescribed Medications for Fibromyalgia
