Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome that results in several debilitating symptoms. While a medication and self-help techniques can improve your condition, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia. In recent years, researchers have examined the effectiveness of the medication sodium oxybate for combating the pain and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia. However, the drug has not received federal approval in the United States for treating fibromyalgia.
About Sodium Oxybate
Sodium oxybate, or GHB, is a controlled medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is typically prescribed to prevent attacks of cataplexy, a condition of muscle weakness that occurs in patients who experience narcolepsy, according to Medline Plus. The medication is not available in retail pharmacies. The drug is often used illegally by teenagers in night club settings. If your doctor prescribes sodium oxybate, you will participate in a special distribution program. Distribution information is provided to patients by their doctors. There are serious side effects associated with the use of sodium oxybate. However, research studies have shown that sodium oxybate can produce a significant improvement in certain symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia - Symptoms and Treatment
Fibromyalgia is a problematic condition for patients and doctors alike. Because of the complexity and variety of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, doctors may have difficulty diagnosing the condition. There are no diagnostic tests for fibromyalgia. Doctors typically make a diagnosis if patients meet certain criteria, including widespread, chronic pain on specific locations on your muscles known as "tender points," fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems. According to the FDA, there are two drugs currently approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia - pregabalin, sold as Lyrica, and duloxetine hydrochloride, sold as Cymbalta. However, doctors also prescribe additional medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure medications and sleep medications, to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Clinical Studies
Several clinical studies have shown that sodium oxybate can significantly improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. A study published in the May 2003 issue of the "Journal of Rheumatology" found that patients with fibromyalgia who were treated with sodium oxybate experienced a significant improvement in sleep patterns and symptoms of pain and fatigue. Another study, published in the January 2009 issue of the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology "Arthritis & Rheumatism," found that sodium oxybate produced substantial improvements in sleep, pain and fatigue in most study participants with fibromyalgia. A small sub-group of the participants did not respond to the treatment.
Considerations
Although studies support the benefits of sodium oxybate, the FDA has not approved sodium oxybate for fibromyalgia. However, the studies indicate the need for improved medications, especially due to the lack of efficacy in drugs that are currently prescribed to treat fibromyalgia, according to Roland Staud, M.D., in an article published in the June 2011 online edition of the journal "Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy." If you think you have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
References
- Medline Plus: Sodium Oxybate
- "Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy"; Sodium Oxybate for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia; R. Staud, MD; June 2011 (epub)
- FDA.gov: Living with Fibromyalgia, Drugs Approved to Manage Pain
- "Journal of Rheumatology"; The Effects of Sodium Oxybate on Clinical Symptoms and Sleep Patterns in Patients with Fibromyalgia; M. Scharf, et al; May 2003
- "Arthritis & Rheumatism"; Sodium Oxybate Relieves Pain and Improves Function in...Fibromyalgia Syndrome A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial; I.J. Russell, et al; January 2009
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