There are prescription and over the counter medications that you can take to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition to those below, the FDA has recently approved Cymbalta for treating fibromyalgia.

Prescription Medications

The FDA recently approved Lyrica as the first prescription medication for treating fibromyalgia. It helps relieve pain and improve how patients function on a daily basis. Although it may not work for everyone, some patients may find some relief by the end of the first week with Lyrica.

Guaifenesin, a common respiratory medication, can help lessen fibromyalgia symptoms in some patients. It is preferred by doctors because there are no side effects. Those who get relief have to suffer through a reversal period where the symptoms actually get worse before they get better. This initial period of  worsening symptoms lets doctors know that the Guaifenesin is working. If symptoms do not intensify, the dosage is increased. Pain and tender points gradually improve, although the recovery time will vary depending upon the patient. There is good information on the Guaifenesin protocol that some doctors recommend at the Fibromyalgia Treatment Center.

There are possible side effects with any medication and only your physician can decide if a prescription is the right path to take when treating your fibromyalgia.

Over the Counter Medications

Fibromyalgia patients turn to many different over the counter medications to help ease their pain or to help them get some much needed rest. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can give some patients relief from pain. Others use antihistamines to help them with pain and sleep issues. Always pay close attention to your symptoms and monitor whether any medications are actually helping to ease your symptoms. After close examination, I found that several over the counter medications that I was taking for my fibromyalgia were exacerbating my symptoms and making the pain worse.

Sleep Aids

So much of what we focus on with fibromyalgia sufferers revolves around sleep. It is easy to get caught in the trap of instantly turning to sleep aids, either prescription or over the counter, to help you get that elusive good night’s sleep. There are many things you can do to improve your sleep that do not have to include pills.

Since sleep is so crucial in the treatment of fibromyalgia, your doctor may also turn to prescription sleep aids. These should only be taken with your doctor’s direction and can become addictive. Talk with your doctor about which treatment is right for you and what side effects you may experience. Your doctor can also work to write the prescription to help you avoid becoming dependent on the medication.

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