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The most common treatments for fibromyalgia can include a combination of prescription drugs for relieving pain and fatigue; physical therapy; and lifestyle changes.

Prescription Drugs:

Fibromyalgia medications treat symptoms, such as the deep muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. There are three FDA approved drugs that are prescribed to the majority of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia: Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella. Lyrica is an anti-epileptic drug. Cymbalta is an antidepressant known as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Savella is also an SNRI.

Often antidepressants are prescribed for this disease because many patients are also diagnosed with anxiety or depression in addition to fibromyalgia.

Any of the drugs you may take to relieve pain, anxiety, and/or depression, or perhaps to help you sleep better, brings with it a risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor before you start a new drug - and be sure to share any other medication you're already taking

Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy is often recommended to help ease fibromyalgia pain and teach self-management skills. Physical therapists can show people with fibromyalgia how to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness in everyday life. These health care professionals teach people with fibromyalgia how to build strength and improve their range of motion. They show them ways to get relief from deep muscle pain. And they can help people with fibromyalgia learn how to make sensible decisions about daily activities that will prevent painful flare-ups. Read more at WebMD.

Lifestyle Changes:

Other methods are sometimes used to help someone with fibromyalgia help themselves. Since the patient has to live with the pain, teaching them ways to manage it may be more useful than just medication. For example tai chi has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Read about this amazing study on The Survivors Club.

Other useful information:

• WebMD: Fibromyalgia Guide - Treatment and Care
• Arthritis Foundation: Fibromyalgia - Treatment Options

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