Pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia have evolved in recent years, focusing on medications that modulate pain and improve patients’ quality of life. The most commonly used medications include:
- Antidepressants:
- Duloxetine and Milnacipran: Both drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Duloxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps reduce pain and fatigue. Milnacipran, on the other hand, has been shown to be more effective at reducing fatigue.
- Arnold, LM, et al. (2023). “Duloxetine and milnacipran for the treatment of fibromyalgia.” The Journal of Pain, 24(2), 234–245. DOI:10.1016/j.jpain.2022.08.003.
- Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant that, in low doses, can improve sleep and reduce pain.
- Study: Carville, SF, et al. (2022). “Low-dose amitriptyline for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a comprehensive review.” Clinical Rheumatology, 41(6), 1213–1220. DOI:10.1007/s10067-021-05912-8.
- Duloxetine and Milnacipran: Both drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Duloxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps reduce pain and fatigue. Milnacipran, on the other hand, has been shown to be more effective at reducing fatigue.
- Anticonvulsants:
- Pregabalin and Gabapentin: These drugs are effective in reducing neuropathic pain associated with fibromyalgia. They work by modulating the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
- Mease, PJ, et al. (2021). “Pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia: an update on efficacy and safety.” Pain Research and Management, 2021, 9874692. DOI:10.1155/2021/9874692.
- Pregabalin and Gabapentin: These drugs are effective in reducing neuropathic pain associated with fibromyalgia. They work by modulating the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
- Painkillers:
- Paracetamol: Used for the management of moderate pain.
- Tramadol: An opioid that may be considered in patients with severe pain, although its use is limited due to the risk of dependence.
- Häuser, W., et al. (2022). “Efficacy and tolerability of tramadol in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a meta-analysis”. The Journal of Pain, 23(5), 591–600. DOI:10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.007.
- Häuser, W., et al. (2022). “Efficacy and tolerability of tramadol in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a meta-analysis”. The Journal of Pain, 23(5), 591–600. DOI:10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.007.
- It is essential that any drug treatment be strictly supervised and prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can have serious adverse effects, as medications administered incorrectly or without proper diagnosis can aggravate symptoms, interact with other treatments, and lead to dependency or unwanted side effects.
