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Drugs to Treat Fibromyalgia Just as Likely to Harm as Help, Review Finds

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are several drugs that are commonly used to treat the symptoms. However, a recent review has found that these drugs may be just as likely to harm as help.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Common Drugs Used to Treat Fibromyalgia

There are several drugs that are commonly used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat fibromyalgia because they can help to reduce pain and improve sleep. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants for fibromyalgia are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Painkillers

Painkillers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia. However, these drugs may not be effective for everyone and can have side effects.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and pregabalin are also commonly used to treat fibromyalgia. These drugs can help to reduce pain and improve sleep, but they can also have side effects.

The Review

A recent review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that the drugs commonly used to treat fibromyalgia may be just as likely to harm as help. The review analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials involving over 3,000 participants.

The review found that the drugs commonly used to treat fibromyalgia were associated with a number of side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. In addition, the review found that the drugs were not effective for everyone and that some people may not experience any benefit from taking them.

Conclusion

While there are several drugs that are commonly used to treat fibromyalgia, a recent review has found that these drugs may be just as likely to harm as help. It is important for people with fibromyalgia to work closely with their healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works for them.

FAQs

Q: What is fibromyalgia?

A: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and soft tissues of the body.

Q: What are the common drugs used to treat fibromyalgia?

A: The common drugs used to treat fibromyalgia include antidepressants, painkillers, and anticonvulsants.

Q: What did the recent review find?

A: The recent review found that the drugs commonly used to treat fibromyalgia may be just as likely to harm as help and that they are associated with a number of side effects.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a medical professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

Most frequent words in this abstract:
fibromyalgia (5), drugs (3), pain (3)