Medications Used in England for Depression & Fibromyalgia

The National Health Service in the UK manages treatment of diseases. Medications used in England for depression and fibromyalgia may be different than in other areas of the world. Both conditions use a combination of therapies including medication, lifestyle changes and complimentary therapies. Fibromyalgia is treated with painkillers, antidepressants and muscle relaxants or sleep aids along with therapies such as acupuncture. Depression is treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and talking treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy.

Fibromyalgia Medications

Medications used in England to treat fibromyalgia are painkillers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants. The painkillers are used to allow the patient to function and include over-the-counter medications such as paracetemol or prescription painkillers such as codeine. Muscle relaxants are used to aid in sleep and include medications such as carisoprodol and tizanidine. Antidepressants are prescribed to fibromyalgia patients not for their mood altering qualities, but rather for their ability to increase the number of neurotransmitters.

Fibromyalgia Therapies

Therapies for fibromyalgia in England address the symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue. Acupuncture, osteopathy, aromatherapy and massage may be used in conjunction with medications for pain management. Hydrotherapy with warm water is also used to mitigate pain and eases pressure on the joints. Relaxation, counseling and cognitive behavior therapies are used to cope with the mental aspects of this chronic illness.

Fibromyalgia & Lyrica

Lyrica is a prescription medication specifically designed to mitigate fibromyalgia pain. This medication is only available through a patient's GP. This medication addresses several fibromyalgia symptoms at once, including sleeplessness and pain. The side effects of this medication include dizziness, nausea, and weight gain, and mean that Lyrica is not a suitable treatment choice for all fibromyalgia sufferers.

Depression and Medication

Medications used to treat depression in England include seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These medications, such as citalopram, increase the seratonin levels in the brain, which can balance feelings of depression. Other medications include tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and dothiepin. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are a new class of antidepressant which work in a different fashion to SSRIs, by changing the amount of noradrenaline and seratonin. Antidepressant use should be monitored carefully by a GP.

Depression and Therapies

Combining medication and talking therapies such as anxiety management, cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling has been shown by the NHS to increase the success of treatment. Interpersonal therapy focuses on examining the relationships between the patient and other people such as coworkers, partners and families. These therapies are also used in England to treat depression.

References

• NHS Fibromyalgia Information
• NHS Depression Information