Fibromyalgia - Medications

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Anti-Seizure Agents (Anti-Convulsants)

Anti-seizure drugs, also called anti-epileptics or anticonvulsants, affect the chemical messenger gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps prevent nerve cells from over-firing. Studies have shown that gabapentin (Neurontin), an anti-seizure medication also approved for postherpetic neuralgia, affects pain transmission pathways and may relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Phase II and III clinical trials are underway.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is an anti-epileptic drug closely related to gabapentin. The FDA approved pregabalin in 2004 for treatment of nerve pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is currently in late-stage trials for treatment of fibromyalgia. A 2005 study of 529 patients with fibromyalgia reported that 450 mg per day of pregabalin reduced pain and improved sleep quality and fatigue symptoms. Dizziness and drowsiness were the most common side effects. Study results presented in November 2006 show pregabalin cut fibromyalgia pain by at least 50% in 63% of patients, and the effect was long- lasting. The study, lasting 6 months, was one of the longest controlled studies of pregabalin in fibromyalgia, to date.

Other Investigative Drugs

Tropisetron. Tropisetron (Navoban) is a drug used to reduce vomiting during chemotherapy. European studies are suggesting it may also help patients with fibromyalgia by reducing pain, dizziness, and depression, and by improving sleep. Fatigue and dizziness are the most common side effects.

Targeting Pressure Points and Stretching Techniques

Much of the pain experienced by patients occurs where muscles join tendons or bones, particularly when the muscles are stretched. Stretching or flexibility exercises are part of the warm-up and cool-down routines of any regular program. Stretching techniques may also employ injections or cooling agents to inactivate the pressure points so that muscles can be more effectively stretched. These techniques must be performed by a person other than the patient, usually a family member or close friend. With use of either injections or the spray, the benefits may last from a few days to weeks. Neither the spray nor the injection is useful without muscle stretching.

Spray and Stretch. One such technique is known as "spray and stretch." This method uses the following approach: