Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain, and tender points in muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. A number of drugs--including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications and antidepressants--are available to help improve sleep patterns, reduce pain and relieve muscle tension. Your doctor can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may involve one or a combination of these drugs.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available over the counter and by prescription to relieve inflammation and pain associated with fibromyalgia. Commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that NSAIDs are not as effective in treating fibromyalgia when taken alone compared to when they are combined with other medications. Consult your physician to determine the appropriate treatment regimen in your case.
Non-NSAID Pain Relievers
Acetominophen is a non-NSAID pain reliever that can relieve symptoms of stiffness and pain associated with fibromyalgia. While effective, the extent of its effectiveness may vary considerably from person to person, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another pain reliever called tramadol is available by prescription and may be helpful for those with moderate to severe pain. It can be taken alone or in combination with acetaminophen.
Anti-epileptic Drugs
Two drugs originally approved for the treatment of seizures among people with epilepsy are currently also approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregabalin was the first medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia pain. Gabapentin was subsequently also approved. Both drugs are effective in relieving some types of pain in some people.
Antidepressants
According to the Mayo Clinic, certain antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of pain and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia. They may also be helpful for those with fibromyalgia who are also depressed. Duloxetine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fluoxetine taken in combination with amitriptyline may be of benefit, and amitriptyline taken alone can also help improve sleep patterns, thereby helping with fatigue.
A special kind of antidepressant called milnacipran gained approval from the FDA in early 2009 for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Milnacipran is a selective dual reuptake inhibitor that increases the amounts of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, milnacipran has norepinephrine selectivity, meaning it's particularly effective in targeting and boosting amounts of norepinephrine. Increased amounts of norepinephrine may help curb exaggerated pain sensitivities characteristic of those with fibromyalgia.
Drugs for Muscle Pain and Spasms
Topical treatments--such as skin creams containing capsaicin, or injection treatments with lidocaine or procaine--may be used to treat areas of pain in specific muscles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Muscle spasms may also be relieved with prescription muscle relaxants such as cyclobenazaprine. A "spray and stretch" treatment may also be used on spasms, involving the application of a prescription spray coolant while deeply stretching the affected muscle.
