Fibromyalgia Treatment
Fibromyalgia medication
The goal of fibromyalgia treatment is to manage pain and improve quality of life. This is often accomplished through a two-pronged approach of self-care and medication.
Common medications for fibromyalgia include:
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with mild pain.
Narcotics, such as tramadol (Ultram), which is an opioid, were previously prescribed for pain relief. However, research has shown they’re not effective. Also, the dosage for narcotics is typically increased rapidly, which can pose a health risk for those prescribed these drugs.
Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding narcotics to treat fibromyalgia.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran HCL (Savella) are sometimes used to treat pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia. These medications may also help improve sleep quality and work on rebalancing neurotransmitters.
Antiseizure drugs
Gabapentin (Neurontin) was designed to treat epilepsy, but it may also help reduce symptoms in people with fibromyalgia. Pregabalin (Lyrica), another anti-seizure drug, was the first drug FDA-approved for fibromyalgia. It blocks nerve cells from sending out pain signals.
A few drugs that aren’t FDA-approved to treat fibromyalgia, including antidepressants and sleep aids, can help with symptoms. Muscle relaxants, which were once used, are no longer recommended.
Fibromyalgia natural remedies
If the medications your healthcare provider prescribes don’t entirely relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms, you can look for alternatives. Many natural treatments focus on lowering stress and reducing pain. You can use them alone or together with traditional medical treatments.
Natural remedies for fibromyalgia include:
physical therapy
acupuncture
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
meditation
yoga, use with caution if hypermobility is present
tai chi
exercise
massage therapy
a balanced, healthy diet
Therapy can potentially reduce the stress that triggers fibromyalgia symptoms and depression.
Group therapy may be the most affordable option, and it will give you a chance to meet others who are going through the same issues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another option that can help you manage stressful situations. Individual therapy is also available if you prefer one-on-one help.
It’s important to note that most alternative treatments for fibromyalgia haven’t been thoroughly studied or proven effective.
Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks before trying any of these treatments.
