The most helpful analgesic is tramadol (Ultram/ Ultracet), which treats pain directly and helps to rebalance serotonin in the brain.Īlthough many dietary supplements have been recommended for fibromyalgia, few have been studied in a rigorous scientific manner. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) tend to be of limited benefit and opioid analgesics (narcotics) actually may increase fibromyalgia pain over the long term. Sleep aids include zolpidem (Ambien), amitriptyline (Elavil), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), trazodone and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Common muscle relaxants include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril or Amrix), tizanidine, and metaxalone (Skelaxin). Examples include gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica). The term anti-convulsant is also a misnomer, as these medications are used not to treat convulsions (seizures), but rather to reduce the size or intensity of nerve signals traveling to the brain. Examples of this class of medications include Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Milnacipran (Savella) and Venlafaxine (Effexor), among others. Instead, they are raising levels of certain brain chemicals (norepinephrine and serotonin) that are deficient in areas of the brain and spinal cord. The term anti-depressant is really a misnomer since these medications are not, in the case of the fibromyalgia patient, treating depression per se (although they can, if indicated). There are a variety of medications used to treat fibromyalgia and its symptoms including anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, sleep aids, and dietary supplements (nutriceuticals).

Often, a patient will ask me: “Will medications help me?” Well the answer turns out to be quite complex and the best response probably is “maybe.” Many patients with fibromyalgia turn to medications to ease the burden of their symptoms.

Fibromyalgia medication