Other treatments for fibromyalgia
Painkillers
Painkillers such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, or codeine may help to ease pain. However, they often do not work very well in fibromyalgia.
Tramadol is a stronger painkiller and is recommended if the above painkillers are not helpful. Research studies have shown the benefit of tramadol in people with fibromyalgia.
Very strong opiate painkillers such as morphine are not recommended. This is because fibromyalgia is a long-term condition. It is unwise to take strong opiates long-term due to problems with drug dependence.
Antidepressants
An antidepressant drug is a common treatment for fibromyalgia. Research studies have confirmed that antidepressants are often helpful for easing pain and improving overall function. They may also help with disturbed sleep. Although they are called antidepressants, they are not used in fibromyalgia to treat depression. Tricyclic antidepressants ease pain separately to their action on depression. Antidepressant drugs are used to treat various conditions apart from depression.
There are various antidepressants and your doctor will advise on one, if needed. A trial of 4-6 weeks is often advised, and continued if found to be helpful. Low doses are often used (compared to a dose that may be used to treat depression). However, if you have depression in addition to fibromyalgia, then a 'full strength' dose would be appropriate to treat both the pain of the fibromyalgia and the depression.
Other drugs
Drugs called pramipexole, and pregabalin have been recently studied in people with fibromyalgia. These drugs are usually used for other conditions (pramipexole for Parkinson's disease, and pregabalin for nerve pain). So far, the studies looking into their effect on easing pain in people with fibromyalgia have been promising. They seem to reduce pain in some people with fibromyalgia. One of these drugs may be advised if other treatments have not helped very much. Further research is needed to clarify their role in fibromyalgia and to study their long-term effects.
Other treatments
Some people try complementary or alternative treatments such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, etc. There is little evidence that such treatments relieve the core symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, some people find that certain treatments help them to relax, feel less stressed, and feel better in themselves which helps them to cope better with their condition.
Note: sleeping tablets are not often used as they do not help with fibromyalgia, and can be addictive. See separate leaflet called 'Insomnia - Poor Sleep' which gives tips on getting a good night's sleep and may be of benefit if you have difficulty sleeping.
Further information and support
Fibromyalgia Association UK
PO Box 206, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8YL
Fax: 0870 752 5118 Web: www.fmauk.org
STIFF UK (Support Through Information for Fibromyalgia Family & Friends)
P O Box 1484, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 7UZ
Tel: 01782 562366 Web: www.stiffuk.org
© EMIS and PiP 2008 Reviewed: 16 Oct 2008
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Bernadette Cushley, about 1 year
I have suffered from fibromyalgia since diagnosis in 19 87.I have tried many things to alieviate it and last year discovered Bowen therapy which has given me much relief.Please pass this on as my life was a misery untill now. Its not a cure but treats the various symptoms and i can now cope.There are practitioners throughout the country go online to bowtech.com and find out all about it .Bernie
Report this commentAngela zillah, about 1 year
Hi Hang in there, is not easy I know! There is help out there, and it is trial and error finding what can help, I have had fibro for 10 years, so I know were you are all coming from, I also react to anti depressants, and anti inflammatory. Now to the list I can add sublaxation of the spine, arthritis of the neck, broke my coccyx in two places last year, and I’m just back from surgery to say my knees have severe osteoarthritis, well at least I have a good heart, and no blood problems, one good ear and half me eye site, its not easy to keep your spirits up, But keeping going I is the answer I was a very physical person adding builder, shepherdess and chef to my lists . It looks like I might end up like the poem ‘with your ears in the draw, teeth in a jar, and you eyes on the shelf ....’ So due my young working life I pay the price now. Before I became ill I trained as a complementary therapist. Getting employment was difficult, and debt followed, I became self employed. The employment advise agency said basically you have to throw the towel in and become disabled to get help , new training etc, but if you try to keep going your on your own. There is little support. How ever when the tax credits came in it meant that training is paid for, so I am now in my third year as a counsellor, aim being it will not be a physical job and i can continue to work. Yes I know we have brain fog, or as I politely call them senior moments, and I’m dyslexic too. If I can do it any one can, (and yes I know about he days you want to give up and can take any more) Self help is the key, Keep your mind and body busy at your own pace, gentle massage helps, with essential oils such as marjoram, basil, rosemary, black pepper diluted in a carrier oil, or cream or gel base( don use if you are pregnant or epileptic and do a skin patch test 24 hour before.) There's Reiki, acupressure, Reflexology, (you can do it on you hands.)(Lots of books are available) I find caffeine drinks like coke make me worse, unfortunately it was an addiction and I can hear a fizzing can calling, several time a day. Diet! Helps if you are strong enough to give up dairy. I found things like pumpkinseeds, sunflower seeds and pulses help. Heat is my main relief, sunshine is a wonderful pick me up, adapt things that make it easer for you e.g., I couldn’t reach the washing line so I put a pallet underneath, try to keep your independence as much as possible, it helps your feelings of self worth. Think of something that gives you pleasure! and if you can do a little bit each day whether it is knitting a jumper for any flo, or something you enjoyed in your youth, like sewing painting, drawing. I was a keen gardener and I try to have a few minute each day out there even if is just tidying some plant pots, keep you sprits up and you will keep going. Fibromyalgia not the end it’s just another of lifes challenge to find a new away of living life to the full!
Report this commentleon, about 1 year
hi i'm 30 and was diagnosed with fm 15 months ago. i got told at the age of 9 i had childhood arthritis and that i would probably grow out of it, for years i tried to ignore the pain and discomfort but i couldnt so 4 years ago i went back to doc with terrible pain in my elbow to be told i had tennis elbow and started to have injections in it after going to see my gp more frequently as nothing helped he sent me to my arthritis specialist which is who diagnosed me with fm as i have no damage at all to my joints si it ruled out the arthritis. i now suffer with tendonitis in my hand and i repeatedly hurt my shoulder or legs and have had so much time off work. i'm a single parent but never feel like doin anything anymore i feel so bad. i've tried different tablets but not much works and your right i try not to let it get me down but its hard. my eye sight memory etc has all been affected.
Report this commentAnn, about 1 year
Had to give up life as a horse riding instructress when the symtoms became really bad. Now in debt with no way out. Coping in general with Fibromyalgia but can no longer work or keep house tidy. Live on own so no family support.
Report this commentanonymous, about 1 year
I'm 16 years old, proving that it has no baring on age. I have been suffering with fibromalgia for three years. I am currently copping on normal painkillers that barely help, I used to be on amytriptaline which helped my pain, but it made me ill. I found that hydrotherapy helps, but if i missed a class my pain was pretty extreme. I am now trying to get through my GCSE's without letting it affect my grades or my general health to much, but i know that it's inevitable. I would love to think that I will eventually "grow out of it", but the chances of that happening are less than slim. I have tried the majority of the things on this website and am yet to find something that works without affecting another part of my life. Any more suggestions are welcome!
Report this commentcathy, about 1 year
I have had fibro since 1999 and it is a arthritic illness treated by rheumatoligy it affects all soft tissue inclusive internal organs with pain and spasm /cramps depending on the severity it can be disabling. The best way to treat it is listen to your body because if you push to much you can be knocked up for days so if its saying tired sit down for example . It is a frustating desease and you have to have a good primary care team that understand and have the knowledge of what fibro can do to the body and mind. you can also seeek knowledge mostly from america. We have a great fibro society here in england. You certainly will have certain chemicals and hormone missing or not working properly that cause fibro flares.You also could have chronic fatigue/M E that makes you feel so tired along side the fibro. yes mood sings are part of this illness but play some music write your self a letter getting the anger out if you have no one to talk to try to set daily goal and dont feel guilty if you cant manage it hope this helps
Report this commentsue moyo, about 1 year
hi am 32 yrs old.i was recently told that i had fibromyalgia, for the last years i was feeling tired and i had a lot of paines.I have 1 boy adged 13 and 2 girls adged 11 and 15.With fibromyalgia and my children i have been through a lot of stress.The tablets i take make me feel drosey.I hardly spend time with my children.When i do i try very hard to hide that i am in pain.But know my life is back to normal and am back to my normal self.I have found that it is helpfull to calm down and take time off.
Report this commentJANICE, about 1 year
I have been diagnosed with fm about 18months and no matter what i try nothing seems to help there is plateus you seem to go through were your pain might be bareable enough to cope with then at other times it gets so bad that you feel like throwing the towel in as it seems you have no control over your life but you have to pick yourself up and keep trying when i get a good day as i call it i try to push as in as possible then i pay up for it for about a week afterwards
Report this commentLisa Reeves, about 1 year
I have been diagnosed with fm after several tests, over the last two years which all came back normal. I was beginning to feel that maybe it was just me being a hypacondriac i can tell you, so i must say it was a relief to have a diagnosis!. I currently work full time and have 4 children aged 9-17 and i am beginning to struggle with the everyday running of the house. I am dreadfully tired, probably 80% of the time and this is beginning to get me down. My pain varies day to day but the pain never goes away completely. The thing is because you dont necessarily look ill then you feel a bit of a fake, which in its self makes you feel guilty for having to rest. Sites like this are great as you no you are not alone!!
Report this commentsiobhan richardson, about 1 year
hello i'm 34 and have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm currently taking amitriptyline 50mg per day. I have to take regular doses of co-codamol during the day and tramadol at night to ease the pain. What i dont understand is why i feel so angry! My moods can change at the tip of a hat and i hate it. I'm a single mother of two; a daughter of 10yrs, and a son aged 2. I find the day to day chores extremely difficult and my concenration is terrible. I have read countless articles about the condition and although I find yours quite interesting, not all of my questions seem to get answered. I feel as though I'm going completely bonkers! Am I?
Report this commentmaggie woodward, over 2 years
ive just been diagnosed as having fm....i used to be a school cook but had to give up due to the heavy lifting in the job...2 years ago...as at the time i had golfers and tennis elbow, and was told if i carried on working i would end up disabled...which i feel i am now anyways...the pain is sometimes extreme....i do keep as active as i can..ive never been one to just sit down and die kinda thing....but would really like to find others to compare notes with etc...thank you for this link
Report this commentDebbie Silcock, over 2 years
I found this page really helpful. I was told I had FM about 6 years ago. I take regular pain killers (only Paracetamol, Ibuprofen upsets my tummy) and take a nightly preparation of tablets including amitriptylene (35mgs). I could so easily just give up and sit in a seat doing very little BUT I find that keeping active is the best help to coping with my FM, OK when I do stop things feel a bit stiff and achey, but I do feel better. It is great to hear about other peoples experiences, but I have been 'put off' support groups as many of the sufferers seem far worse and I find that depressing, I feel very sorry for them, but I am determined not to get that bad!!
Report this commentKaren, over 2 years
My Dr thinks that I have fibromyalgia and as I have never heard of it - despite being a nurse - I decided to check the internet for info. This article is concise and also gives me other avenues to explore. Thank you
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mel smith, 6 months
Hi was diagnosed with OA and FMS several years ago.With good meds and an understanding Dr have reached a 'liveable' state of life.Am always on the look out for new tips,but feel only I can achieve things if I pace myself. I know have a different look on life,which helps me cope.My moto is 'I may be in pain but I am not a pain' Mel
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