Which
drugs are used for FMS?
According
to the Arthritis Association, there are currently no drugs approved specifically
for Fibromyalgia (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread muscle pain,
fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritable bowel syndrome.
There are many drugs available, however, that can help relieve symptoms
of FMS.
For
muscle pain,
most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ketoprofen (Actron,
Orudid KT).
For sleep problems, which are common in people with
FMS, doctors often prescribe drugs to promote deep, restorative sleep
These drugs include:
Tricyclic
antidepressants such as amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Adapin,
Sinequan) and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor);
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine
(Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft);
Muscle-relaxing
medications such as cyclobenzaprine (Cycloflex, Flexeril);
Anti-anxiety
medications such as temazepam (Restoril);
Sleep aids such as
zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonato).
In
addition to general muscle aches and fatigue, people with FMS often experience irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS). This
condition is characterized by abdominal pain
and bloating along with constipation or diarrhea or alternating bouts of
the two. For people with
constipation-predominant IBS, a new drug called tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm) may
be available within the next few years to alleviate the pain, discomfort and constipation associated with IBS.
Because
not all drugs work equally well for all people with FMS, doctors may prescribe
different drugs or combinations of drugs before finding the one(s) that provides
optimal relief.
Source:
Arthritis Today, Nov-Dec 2001