Medications for Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain in your muscles and fibrous tissues (such as the tendons and ligaments), accompanied by
fatigue, low mood, and sleep problems. A person with fibromyalgia can experience a wide range of symptoms, and symptoms may vary from
person to person.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. For many years it was thought that it was psychologically based but research has found that injury,
infection, surgery, or illness may trigger the condition. Sometimes symptoms accumulate over time without a single triggering event. There are also
indications that hereditary factors are involved in the development of fibromyalgia as it can occur in several members of one family.

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Widespread muscle pain

Widespread joint pain

Stiffness

Tender areas on various parts of the body (such as elbows, knees, head) that hurt when touched

Fatigue

Problems sleeping or staying asleep

Cognitive difficulties (such as an impaired ability to focus, memory problems, difficulty concentrating – often referred to as “fibro fog”).

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Drugs used to treat Fibromyalgia

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol

Lyrica 6.4 323 reviews Rx C 5 X

gabapentin Off-label 6.8 171 reviews Rx C N X

Cymbalta 6.3 239 reviews Rx C N X

Topamax Off-label 5.9 24 reviews Rx D N X

Savella 6.6 325 reviews Rx C N X

cyclobenzaprine Off-label 7.8 54 reviews Rx B N X

tramadol Off-label 7.4 140 reviews Rx C 4 X

duloxetine 6.2 271 reviews Rx C N X

amitriptyline 6.5 101 reviews Rx C N X

trazodone Off-label 7.3 34 reviews Rx C N X

meloxicam Off-label 7.4 28 reviews Rx C N X

pregabalin 6.4 369 reviews Rx C 5 X

guaifenesin Off-label 8.4 96 reviews Rx/OTC C N

 armodafinil Off-label 8.6 16 reviews Rx C 4

Desyrel Off-label 6.9 9 reviews Rx C N X

nabilone Off-label 8.8 9 reviews Rx C 2 X

prednisone 8.1 55 reviews Rx C N

naltrexone Off-label 7.5 53 reviews Rx C N X

topiramate Off-label 6.1 42 reviews Rx D N X

venlafaxine Off-label 6.6 47 reviews Rx C N X

escitalopram Off-label 8.1 18 reviews Rx C N X

metaxalone Off-label 8.2 23 reviews Rx N N X

milnacipran 6.7 337 reviews Rx C N X

fluoxetine Off-label 7.0 7 reviews Rx C N X

sodium oxybate Off-label 8.0 9 reviews Rx B 3 X

For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).

Alternative treatments for Fibromyalgia

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Fibromyalgia. Their efficacy may not have been
scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence
linking their use to the treatment of Fibromyalgia.

5-hydroxytryptophan

Glucosamine

Legend

Rx Prescription Only

OTC Over the Counter

Rx/OTC Prescription or Over the Counter

Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.

Pregnancy Category

A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later
trimesters).

B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential
benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.

D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but
potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.

X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data
from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

N FDA has not classified the drug.

 Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule

N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under
medical supervision.

2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe
restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to
moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to
limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to
limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.

Alcohol

X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.