Medication Used to Treat Fibromyalgia
According to the American College of Rheumatology, about 2 percent of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes a number of symptoms, including pain throughout the body and difficulty sleeping. Along with other treatments like physical therapy, doctors often prescribe medication to treat the disorder.
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Types
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There are three main types of drugs used to treat fibromyalgia: analgesics, antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs.
Function
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Analgesic drugs function by blocking pain sensation messages from reaching the brain. Although doctors do not understand precisely why, anti-seizure drugs and antidepressants also assist in relieving pain caused by fibromyalgia.
Identification
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Some doctors recommend over-the-counter acetaminophen products, while others may prescribe prescription-strength Ultram as an analgesic. Some of the antidepressants used are Prozac, Cymbalta and Savella. Lyrica and Neurontin are the most frequently used anti-seizure drugs to treat fibromyalgia.
Side Effects
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Over-the-counter analgesics often become less effective with continual use, while some prescription strength pain relievers are habit forming. Common side effects of antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs include dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, diarrhea and nausea.
Considerations
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Not every patient responds to every kind of medication used to treat fibromyalgia; there is a chance your doctor will try a number of drugs before finding the right one.
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