I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. What medications are generally used that are non narcotic?
I need help learning about Fibromyalgia and what treatments others use for relief I get the feeling that the community thinks I'm looking for Schedule II Drugs, ie narcotics and I absolutely don't want that. Thank you
Public Comments
1. Lyrica is a newer medication that's FDA approved to treat fibromyalgia. Other prescription medicines are used too.What do YOU want?
2. I am assuming you want to relieve some pain. The non-narcotics just barely take the edge off, but Tramadol, Fioricet, or Paracetamol do seem to help some people. Here are a few ideas from the health food store:
+D-ribose
+MSM -- methylsulfonylmethane
+Magnesium (particularly Peter Gillham's "Natural Calm")
+Relaxing herbal combination with valerian root as the main ingredient, along with things like hops, scullcap, passion flower (Formula 303 is a good one)
Don't go the Lyrica route. Ick.
The biggest, most informative site, with the latest in treatments from recognized doctors, latest research, and a huge support group is
http://www.prohealth.com
Hope this helps.
3. Hi Lady bow. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a generalized term for a pattern of chronic pain and systemic problems. It does NOT define the cause of the patient's symptoms. Thus, the real challenge is to find the underlying causes of your symptoms and to focus treatment on those causes.
Here are a few potential "players" in the pathoetiology of FM:
1) Vitamin D deficiency - this is very common (Vit. D deficiency is an epidemic). Leading researchers (e.g. Michael Holick, M.D., Ph.D.) at Boston Univ. suggest vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia. Your doc should have tested your serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels before making a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia - if she did not - take that as a warning!
2) Heavy metal toxicities
3) Micronutrient deficiencies (other than Vit. D), such as Magnesium
4) Leaky Gut Syndrome (Increased intestinal permeability)
5) Intestinal Dysbiosis and/or overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine
6) Lyme disease and other chronic infections (e.g. periodontal disease, root canals, etc.)
7) Food allergies/intolerances - e.g. food allergy reactions to nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, tobacco, etc.)
I highly recommend a book on chronic pain syndromes by Sherry Rogers, M.D. called: "Pain Free in 6 Weeks". It is available at Amazon.com or from the publisher at 1-800-846-6687.
Best wishes and good luck.
4. Homeopathic Arnica is generally prescribed for pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Take one dose of Arnica 30, 3-4 drops in ¼ glass of water, three times daily for up to three days. Arnica cream or gel can also be used topically. Follow the directions on the product label.
Bryonia helps ease pain that increases with movement and is better when resting. It also helps with the constipation. Take one dose of Bryonia 30, 3-4 drops in ¼ glass of water, three times daily for up to three days.
Hypericum is useful for the unbearable prickly pain that radiates along nerve pathways, is worse with movement, and worse when touched. This remedy is especially effective for pain in the extremities. Take one dose of Hypericum 30, 3-4 drops in ¼ glass of water, three times daily for up to three days.
Rhus toxicodendron is for the individual who feels better after moving around. Take one dose of Rhus toxicodendron 30, 3-4 drops in ¼ glass of water, three times daily for up to three days.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
5. narcotics actually have limited success---the problem with fibro is the central nervous system--you need to target the signals from teh brain to the body...narcotics target signals from the body to the brain..
the most promising treatments are neuro in nature..anti seizure like Lyrica and SNRI like Cymbalta..
be careful--many docs (Doctor J for example) diagnose any pain from normal pain to more severe conditions as fibro--be sure you actually have it...
people with thick body fluids/acidic bodies/depression alone/normal aches from lifestyle/vitamin deficiencies, etc...have been wrongly diagnosed with fibro....
Fibro is a REAL condition of its own-a disorder of the central nervous system--which is the cause of the pain.
