Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can be difficult to treat. There is no one "pill" that treats or cures fibromyalgia, but medication may be needed in addition to self-care, physical activity, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Here are some medications that may help alleviate fibromyalgia pain:
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Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These drugs can help with pain, sleep problems, and sad moods. The two main SNRI drugs for fibromyalgia are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) .
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These drugs are good for pain and depression. Some examples include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft) .
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Drugs that treat epilepsy seizures: These medications prevent sensitive nerves from sending too many pain signals to the brain. Pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are two examples that may help ease fibromyalgia pain.
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Over-the-counter medicines: These include acetaminophen and NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. However, NSAIDs should be taken with caution and only under the guidance of a doctor, as they may raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Its important to note that some medications may be used "off-label" for fibromyalgia, meaning theyre used by doctors because of observed benefits but are not FDA-approved for fibromyalgia. Additionally, opioids are not recommended for fibromyalgia pain relief due to their potential for dependence and lack of effectiveness. Its best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for fibromyalgia pain.