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Medications for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain in your muscles and fibrous tissues (such as the tendons and ligaments), accompanied by fatigue, low mood, and sleep problems. A person with fibromyalgia can experience a wide range of symptoms, and symptoms may vary from person to person.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. For many years it was thought that it was psychologically based but research has found that injury, infection, surgery, or illness may trigger the condition. Sometimes symptoms accumulate over time without a single triggering event. There are also indications that hereditary factors are involved in the development of fibromyalgia as it can occur in several members of one family.

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Widespread muscle pain
  • Widespread joint pain
  • Stiffness
  • Tender areas on various parts of the body (such as elbows, knees, head) that hurt when touched
  • Fatigue
  • Problems sleeping or staying asleep
  • Cognitive difficulties (such as an impaired ability to focus, memory problems, difficulty concentrating – often referred to as “fibro fog”).

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other disorders and there are no visible signs (like signs of inflammation or joint lumps) or definitive laboratory tests. It may also coexist with other conditions such as:

  • Migraine and other types of headache
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Painful bladder syndrome
  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement).

A fibromyalgia diagnosis is often made when a patient has had 3 previous months of unexplained body-wide pain and at least 11 of 18 tender points in specific locations.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but the condition can be managed using a variety of measures.  A holistic approach should be taken as not all symptoms can or should be treated with medications. Learning about the condition and modifying your attitude and behavior towards the condition also helps.

Nonpharmacological treatments include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Dietary changes
  • Education
  • Homeopathy
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management
  • Yoga.


Many different types of medications have also been used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Treatments usually involve trial and error, as what works for one person may not work for another. Examples of medications that may benefit some symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Antidepressants (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs, SSRIs)
  • Capsaicin
  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Duloxetine
  • Gabapentin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Pramipexole
  • Pregabalin
  • Tramadol.

Drugs used to treat Fibromyalgia

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Filter
Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
Lyrica 6.4 342 reviews for Lyrica to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C 5 X
Generic name:
pregabalin systemic
Drug class:
gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
gabapentin Off-label 6.7 188 reviews for gabapentin to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
gabapentin systemic
Drug class:
gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Cymbalta 6.2 269 reviews for Cymbalta to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
duloxetine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
sodium oxybate Off-label 8.0 9 reviews for sodium oxybate to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx B 3 X
Generic name:
sodium oxybate systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
cyclobenzaprine Off-label 7.7 57 reviews for cyclobenzaprine to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx B N X
Generic name:
cyclobenzaprine systemic
Drug class:
skeletal muscle relaxants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
duloxetine 6.0 314 reviews for duloxetine to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
duloxetine systemic
Brand names:
Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Savella 6.6 340 reviews for Savella to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
milnacipran systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
tramadol Off-label 7.4 156 reviews for tramadol to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C 4 X
Generic name:
tramadol systemic
Drug class:
Opioids (narcotic analgesics)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
amitriptyline Off-label 6.5 112 reviews for amitriptyline to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
amitriptyline systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
pregabalin 6.4 398 reviews for pregabalin to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C 5 X
Generic name:
pregabalin systemic
Brand name:
Lyrica
Drug class:
gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
guaifenesin Off-label 8.5 108 reviews for guaifenesin to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
guaifenesin systemic
Drug class:
expectorants
For consumers:
dosage, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
meloxicam Off-label 7.2 30 reviews for meloxicam to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
meloxicam systemic
Drug class:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
trazodone Off-label 7.2 35 reviews for trazodone to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
trazodone systemic
Brand names:
Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose
Drug class:
phenylpiperazine antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
nabilone Off-label 8.8 10 reviews for nabilone to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C 2 X
Generic name:
nabilone systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antiemetics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Off-label:
Yes
armodafinil Off-label 8.8 19 reviews for armodafinil to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C 4
Generic name:
armodafinil systemic
Drug class:
CNS stimulants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
naltrexone Off-label 6.9 67 reviews for naltrexone to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
naltrexone systemic
Drug class:
antidotes, drugs used in alcohol dependence
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
prednisone 8.1 67 reviews for prednisone to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N
Generic name:
prednisone systemic
Drug class:
glucocorticoids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
metaxalone Off-label 7.6 26 reviews for metaxalone to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx N N X
Generic name:
metaxalone systemic
Brand name:
Metaxall
Drug class:
skeletal muscle relaxants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
topiramate Off-label 6.2 45 reviews for topiramate to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx D N X
Generic name:
topiramate systemic
Drug class:
carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Desyrel Off-label 6.9 9 reviews for Desyrel to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
trazodone systemic
Drug class:
phenylpiperazine antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
escitalopram Off-label 7.4 21 reviews for escitalopram to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
escitalopram systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
venlafaxine Off-label 6.7 52 reviews for venlafaxine to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
venlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
fluoxetine Off-label 7.4 8 reviews for fluoxetine to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
fluoxetine systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
milnacipran 6.6 352 reviews for milnacipran to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
milnacipran systemic
Brand name:
Savella
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
desvenlafaxine Off-label 7.3 23 reviews for desvenlafaxine to treat Fibromyalgia
Rx C N X
Generic name:
desvenlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Alternative treatments for Fibromyalgia

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Fibromyalgia. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Fibromyalgia.

Learn more about Fibromyalgia

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.