Fibromyalgia Overview Slideshow Take the Fibromyalgia Quiz Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Frederick B Gaupp, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Treatment

No single treatment will take away all the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. But most people do get some relief by trying a combination of therapies. Here are some of the treatment options your doctor may offer:

• Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella: These are the only three drugs approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Lyrica is an antiseizure medication, while Cymbalta and Savella are antidepressants. All three have been shown to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia.



• Flexeril: This muscle relaxant not only decreases muscle pain but also improves sleep.



• Mirapex: This drug is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. When used to treat fibromyalgia, it reduced pain in 80% of patients.



• Low doses of antidepressant medication: These medicines improve sleep and decrease pain as well as eliminate depression.



• Biofeedback and relaxation techniques: Besides lessening pain, these therapies also decrease the number of tender points.



• Acupuncture: Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can decrease tender point pain.



• Tender point injections: Steroid or lidocaine injections into a painful area may provide temporary relief.



• Massage therapy: This can help relax and soothe painful muscles.