Treatment FAQ

what are the possible treatment for fibromyalgia

by Grady Lowe DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The FDA has approved three drugs to treat fibromyalgia: the antidepressants duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella), plus the anti-seizure medicine pregabalin (Lyrica). But your doctor may prescribe other drugs that aren't specifically approved for fibromyalgia.Sep 7, 2021

Medication

  • Generic amitriptyline
  • Generic gabapentin
  • Generic paroxetine-IR (immediate release)

Therapy

  • Salicylates. The active ingredient in Aspirin is also used in some topical creams. ...
  • Counterirritants. Creams and gels with menthol, camphor and methyl salicylate fall under this category. ...
  • Capsaicin. This fiery compound found in hot peppers is one of the most effective tools for safe, long-term treatment. ...

Self-care

What’s the Best Exercise for Fibromyalgia?

  • Flexibility Exercise. Stretching exercises are a great place to start easing into a fitness routine. ...
  • Strengthening Exercise. The stronger your muscles are, the more capable they are of supporting your joints and the longer they will take to become fatigued.
  • Aerobic Exercise. ...
  • Water Exercise. ...
  • Mind-Body Exercise. ...

Nutrition

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but the condition can be managed using a variety of measures. A holistic approach should be taken as not all symptoms can or should be treated with medications. Learning about the condition and modifying your attitude and behavior towards the condition also helps. Nonpharmacological treatments include: Yoga.

What is the best medication for fibromyalgia?

What is the most effective weapon for fibromyalgia?

What are the best exercises for fibromyalgia?

Are there any specific treatments for fibromyalgia?

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What is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia?

The FDA has approved three drugs specifically for treating fibromyalgia, including pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella). However, other medications, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or gabapentin (Neurontin) are usually considered first-line treatments.

What is the newest treatment for fibromyalgia?

Currently the two drugs that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of fibromyalgia are pregabalin and duloxetine. Newer data suggests that milnacipran, a dual norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may be promising for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Can fibromyalgia be cured?

Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. It has no specific causes and no known cure.

How do you make fibromyalgia pain go away?

Ways to treat fibromyalgia painPain relievers. Medication is an option to reduce FM pain. ... Antidepressants. These can help ease pain and fatigue. ... Anticonvulsants. These seizure medications may also help reduce pain. ... Yoga. ... Acupuncture. ... Physical therapy.

What is the root cause of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers for the condition include: an injury. a viral infection.

How serious is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is typically not life threatening but can affect day-to-day activities. Pain, fatigue, and lack of sleep that occur in fibromyalgia can impair the ability to function or concentrate. Patients may also feel frustrated due to their condition, and this can lead to anxiety or depression.

What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

A major risk of leaving fibromyalgia untreated is that symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, and depression can become excruciatingly worse over time. Fibromyalgia also has a huge impact on mental health and anxiety and mood disorders can also worsen if you don't treat fibromyalgia.

What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

Main signs and symptomsfatigue.lack of energy.trouble sleeping.depression or anxiety.memory problems and trouble concentrating (sometimes called “fibro fog”)headaches.muscle twitches or cramps.numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.More items...•

What is the safest drug for fibromyalgia?

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are FDA-approved to specifically treat fibromyalgia.

What organs are affected by fibromyalgia?

Overview. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shreenidhi Kulkarni
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Main focus of treatment is to reduce the pain and improving the quality of life. Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes.
Medication

Analgesics: Relieves pain and body aches.

Ibuprofen . Acetaminophen . Tramadol


Antidepressants: To treat anxiety or depression associated with the fibromyalgia.

Duloxetine . Milnacipran


Ant seizure drugs: Helps reduce symptoms.

Gabapentin . Pregabalin

Therapy

Physical therapy:Physiotherapist may suggest exercise to improve stamina and strength.

Occupational therapy:Occupational therapist may suggest adjustments in the work area that can ease the discomfort associated during working.

Counseling:Helps in improving understanding and increases hope and strategies to deal with the stress.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get enough Sleep.
  • Reduce emotional and mental stress: techniques such as meditation, relaxation, breathing may help.
  • Eat balanced diet.
  • Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Nutrition

There are certain types of food that are beneficial in reducing symptoms.

Foods to eat:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat more plants than meat
  • Reduce intake of sugar

Foods to avoid:

  • Caffeine
  • Dairy products
  • Gluten
  • Monosodium Glutamate

Specialist to consult

Rheumatologist
Specializes in the treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting joints, and osteoporosis.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • In the past, doctors would check 18 specific points on a person's body to see how many of them were painful when pressed firmly. Newer guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology don't require a tender point exam. Instead, the main factor needed for a fibromyalgia diagnosis i…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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