What treatment(s) for fibromyalgia?
It is important to know that there is currently no specific drug treatment for fibromyalgia . The only "treatment" aims to relieve some of the symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients. The patient's general practitioner plays an important role in guiding them in the choice of treatment(s) and care. He will help them decide what is best for them, based on the treatments available and their preferences.
In some cases, several different healthcare professionals may be involved in the patient's care, such as:
- rheumatologist - specialist in muscle and joint conditions,
- neurologist - specialist in diseases of the central nervous system,
- psychologist - specialist in mental health and psychological treatments.
Fibromyalgia has many symptoms, which means that there is no single treatment that works for all symptoms . Treatments that work for some people will not necessarily work for others. The patient will likely need to try several treatments to find the combination that works for them. This will usually be a combination of medications and lifestyle changes .
Drugs
The patient with fibromyalgia will probably be required to take several types of medications, such as:
Painkillers
Simple over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol , can sometimes help relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Be careful, they are not suitable for everyone, so the patient should be sure to seek advice from their doctor and read the instructions before using them. If over-the-counter painkillers are not effective, the treating doctor (general practitioner or specialist) may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as codeine or tramadol. Be careful, these painkillers can be addictive and their effect tends to weaken over time. This means that the dose may need to be increased gradually and the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping them. Other side effects, such as diarrhea and extreme fatigue, may also be encountered.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can also help relieve pain in some people. There are different types of antidepressants. The choice of medication will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the side effects the medication may cause. Antidepressants can cause a number of side effects , such as:- a feeling of unease,
- a dry mouth,
- drowsiness,
- restlessness, tremors or anxiety,
- dizziness,
- weight gain,
- constipation...
For information on the side effects of the medicine, be sure to consult the leaflet that comes with it.
Medications to help you sleep
As fibromyalgia can affect sleep patterns, the patient may seek medication to help them sleep. The GP is the best person to judge whether this type of medication is necessary and taken . They may recommend an over-the-counter treatment, or prescribe a listed medication. There are 'natural' sleep aid techniques available. Why not try them .
Muscle relaxants
Fibromyalgia patients may also experience muscle stiffness or spasms (painful contraction of the muscles). Your GP may prescribe a short course of a muscle relaxant, such as diazepam. These medications can also help you sleep better, due to their sedative (sleep-inducing) effect .
Anticonvulsants
Your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication. The most commonly used anticonvulsant for fibromyalgia is pregabalin. These medications are normally used to treat epilepsy , but research has shown that they may improve fibromyalgia pain in some patients. Common side effects of pregabalin include:- dizziness,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- weight gain...
'Natural' treatments
Besides medications, there are other treatment options that may be useful in helping to relieve the pain experienced in fibromyalgia, such as:- swimming, sitting or exercising in a heated pool or in warm water (hydrotherapy or balneotherapy),
- a personalized exercise program,
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - a talking therapy that aims to change the way people see things, in order to approach problems in a more positive way,
- psychotherapy - a talking therapy that helps people understand and manage thoughts and feelings,
- relaxation techniques,
- psychological support – any type of counseling or support group that helps the patient cope with the problems caused by fibromyalgia.
To learn more about natural treatments for fibromyalgia, discover our 16 natural remedies here
Alternative therapies
Some people with fibromyalgia try complementary or alternative treatments, such as:- acupuncture,
- massage,
- manipulation,
- aromatherapy...
There is little scientific evidence that these treatments are effective in the long term, but some people find that some treatments help them relax and feel less stressed, which helps them cope better with their condition. Before using any herbal or complementary treatments, consult a doctor first. Some treatments may cause a reaction with other medications or make them less effective.
