Anti-depression Drugs Effective in
Treating Fibromyalgia
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 1995 --
Two drugs used to treat depression provide relief
for fibromyalgia, a common syndrome that causes muscular pain, fatigue, and
sleep disturbance, according to a study presented today at the American College
of Rheumatology's national scientific meeting in San Francisco.
When compared to placebo, a combination of Fluoxetine (Prozac) and amitriptyline (Elavil) provided significant improvement for people with fibromyalgia. The medications, when used in low dose, each lessened pain. When given together, there was even greater improvement.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Particular points of pain are located in the muscles of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting up to 5 percent of the population. Fibromyalgia most often occurs in women of child-bearing age.
While some people with fibromyalgia become depressed, the use of anti-depression drugs is not primarily to relieve depression. Instead, researchers believe that the drugs change the chemical balance of the brain to restore a proper sleep pattern and help relieve pain.
"This study demonstrates that commonly available medications used to treat depression are also beneficial in the treatment of this common musculoskeletal pain disorder," said Don Goldenberg, M.D., lead author on the study and a rheumatologist at Tufts University School of Medicine. "It also implies that hormones manufactured in the central nervous system are important keys to understanding fibromyalgia."
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization of rheumatologists and associated health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability, and curing the more than 100 types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. Members include practicing physicians, research scientists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
