What medications are used to treat fibromyalgia ?

Medications most commonly recommended by doctors for treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms include:

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen may ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. Prescription pain relievers such as tramadol (Ultram) may be taken with or without acetaminophen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium are sometimes used in conjunction with other prescription medications.

Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or doxepin have been used to help promote sleep. Fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine may be prescribed to help restore serotonin levels in the brain and thus relieve symptoms of pain and/or depression.

Muscle relaxants and sleeping aids may be prescribed for fibromyalgia patients with sleep disorders. Taking the medication cyclobenzaprine has been prescribe to muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed to help relax muscles and promote sleep, but carry the risk of drug dependence. Prescription sleeping pills, such as zolpidem may be prescribed for treatment of insomnia in people with fibromyalgia, but may become ineffective over time as the develops a resistance to them.

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