Fibromyalgia medicines

Medicines for fibromyalgia

Key points about medicines for fibromyalgia

  • Medicines are not very effective in treating pain due to fibromyalgia. 
  • No medicine is likely to eliminate the pain altogether but some are better than others.  
  • Medicines can be used alongside physiotherapy, exercise, diet, relaxation and different ways of thinking and responding to pain.
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Medicines are not very effective in treating pain due to fibromyalgia. Common pain relievers such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatories and codeine rarely give much relief from the pain of fibromyalgia. However, there are some medicines that may help you to get on with daily activities. No medicine is likely to eliminate the pain altogether. It can be used alongside physiotherapy, exercise, diet, relaxation and different ways of thinking and responding to pain.

Medicine Description
Amitriptyline, 
nortriptyline, 
gabapentin 
or pregabalin
  • These medicines have been found to be more effective in relieving pain from fibromyalgia.
  • They need to be taken for a few weeks before you experience optimal pain control.
  • If your pain does not respond to one option, your doctor may suggest changing to another or combining more than one medication.
  • Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase the dose until you notice an effect. Higher doses may be more effective but are also more likely to cause side effects.
  • The most common side effects are tiredness, dizziness, feeling drowsy and lack of concentration. If you get these, it may be necessary to reduce your dose.
  • Don't drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness or blurred vision. You also may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Melatonin
  • If you are having difficulty sleeping, melatonin may be helpful for improving sleep.
  • It is a hormone which occurs naturally in the body and is associated with the control of the body's sleep pattern. 
  • Read more about melatonin and tips to improve your sleeping habits.

Medicine Description
Paracetamol
  • Is not very effective in treating pain from fibromyalgia – rarely give much relief from the pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)  
  • Examples include ibuprofen, diclophenac, naproxen and celecoxib.
  • Not very effective in treating pain due to fibromyalgia – rarely give much relief from the pain.
Steroids 
  • Examples include prednisone, triamcinolone and dexamethasone.
  • Not recommended because they haven't been found to be effective.
Opioids 
  • Examples include tramadol, morphine and oxycodone.
  • Not recommended because they are rarely effective and have serious side effects especially with ongoing use.

 Read more about non-medication pain relief methods.

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