Fibromyalgia is a disease in which you experience widespread body pain, fatigue and insomnia. According to the Mayo Clinic, two percent of people in the United States suffer from this disease. Unfortunately this disease is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that your doctor must rule out other diseases such as chronic pain syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis prior to making the final diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown but infections, trauma and genetics play a large part in leading to fibromyalgia. There are specific drugs to help treat this rare disease.
Pregabalin
Pregabalin is a medication typically used to treat fibromyalgia. According to Drugs.com, pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication. Its job is to alter the chemicals in your brain so that you don't experience as much pain. You may experience suicidal thinking when you first take Lyrica (brand name for the drug). It can also change your mood and cause depression, hostility, restlessness, agitation or hyperactivity. Pregabalin's other common side effects include unsteadiness on your feet, dry mouth, blurry vision, drowsiness, memory problems and joint or muscle pain. Typically, you will take 75 to 150mg of pregabalin twice a day or as your doctor prescribes.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is typically used to treat the pain you experience with fibromyalgia. Specifically, it can treat headaches, muscle aches and back pain. According to MedlinePlus, acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) medication that, like pregabalin, changes your body's response to pain. Acetaminophen's serious side effects include trouble swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness and swelling of your face, tongue and extremities. You can purchase acetaminophen over-the-counter as a liquid, capsule or tablet. You must take this medication as the package instructions show. Taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a medication used to help you sleep. Specifically, it is a tricyclic antidepressant medication that manipulates the chemicals in your brain so that you can sleep better. Like pregabalin, amitriptyline can cause depression, hostility agitation and thoughts of suicide. The National Library of Medicine indicates that amitriptyline's side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, blurry vision, tremors, weight gain, seizures and frequent urination. Typically, you can take 75 mg of amitriptyline daily or as your doctor instructs.
