Fibromyalgia Symptoms HOME

To know what meds to suggest we need to know what illnesses you have, where you hurt, and what meds you've tried.

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Mucinex? The decongestant? It contains guaifenesin that might be the "secret" ingredient you are referring to. I found the following at wikipedia (while it's not the best site for answers, it usually points you in the right direction):

"Because of its uricosuric effect, guaifenesin was chosen in the 1990s for the experimental guaifenesin protocol – a treatment for fibromyalgia. Proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it cures fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body. However, a consumer alert on the Fibromyalgia Network's website (.fmnetnews.com/resources-alert- product6.php) states that Dr. St. Amand's claims of guaifenesin's effects on fibromyalgia are groundless, and cites double blind research by Robert Bennett, M.D. which found no significant differences between guaifenesin and a placebo in terms of any effect on fibromyalgia or its markers."

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I have fybromyalgia i have pain in my neck legs and back most often ,loss of muscle control ,migraines dizzy spells ,shortness of breath, chest pain fatigue ,I have tried lyrica and Flexiril and some anti depressants and something they give you for shingles dont remember the names gave up after lyrica it helped with the pain but made me more forgetful and seizures on some suffered really wierd side effects looking for something non prescription that can help

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Take an opioid pain killer for your unlocalized pain, use Thermacare heat wraps for your back pain, Topamax and Advil liquid gels for migraines, an inhaler like Albuterol for your shortness of breath, Ritalin or Adderall XR for your fatigue, and Lyrica or Gabapentin for your FMS.

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Wow, that's a lot! Granted I'm not a DR, but I can hardly tolerate one prescription in my system. Ritalin, a psycho-stimulant for fatigue? Why not just suggest cocaine or cough syrup? That's sarcasm, sorry if it stings but mixing medications can be dangerous for anyone, and for someone with FMS it can be more complicated.

hudsonchristina1, I know exactly how you feel. I cannot tolerate even the smallest doses of medication without feeling is a daze. Not to mention the more serious side effects that I have had.

I only have one child, a toddler, and I find it hard most days. The joy I get when she tells me she loves me or when she runs to the door when I get home from work with a big smile on her face, makes it all worth while.

I haven't found a mix of what works best for me yet but I am working with my doctor. She started me on an elimination diet. Yeast, white flour, and white sugar seem to be huge culprits in my flare ups. Though I still have pain, paying attention to what I am putting in my body helps.

This is a tricky syndrome and it ranges from person to person. You need to stay open and honest with your doctor and keep asking questions. Keep researching your options and take it back to your doctor.

I've come to terms with the fact that I am probably not going to be able to tolerate the medications traditionally used to treat FM. That's not necessarily a bad thing though, I think I probably have a big enough build up of chemicals in my system just from every day life.

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What do you think is indicated for narcolepsy? Adderall, Ritalin, or Desoxyn. Chronic fatigue is not much different. Ritalin is not cocaine nor is it cough syrup, its a weaker stimulant when compared to amphetamines and is generally well tolerated.

It is common for chronic pain patients to be on multiple medications at once. Just because you cant tolerate Tylenol or something doesnt mean EVERYONE cant. I myself am on quite a few prescription meds for all my illnesses. Canada17, your sarcasm just reveals your ignorance thats all.

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The one thing, many of us go through, what are optimal prescription strength. It's only by taking your meds, and working closely with your doctor, will you find what is optimal for you.

I have fibro and chronic fatigue, I was on Cymbalta 60 and 50 mg on trazadone. This was altering my mind, and I could not function, the drugs were to strong for me. We meaning the doctor and I decided to cut the drugs to a bare minimum. I now take cymbalta 30mg, and only take 25mg for my trazadone. The word here, is to try the least possible drugs at the lowest level.

So if Lyrica was taking away you pain and you can function, then try decreasing the strenght until you find what is the optimal for you. It's all trial and error.

Chriropractors do a good enough job in helping you deal with the pain and will even help you with your diet for optimal health.

Another thing you should do for yourself first, is to try to eliminate all stress, easier said then done, try taking a few minutes during the day where you can be left alone, to tune into yourself. In other words, go and hide in the bathroom if this is the only place you can go, lock the door, run the water, and try to regroup.
Optimal food behavior is a necessity, cutting anything white and sugary,limiting the coffee craze, actually if you can eliminate it, you would do better. Drinking only one cup of white or green tea, after your lunch and dinner, will take eliminate many toxic in your body.

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More helpful things you can read and ponder about.

If you need any health choices to help you until your team of doctors and yourself choose your therapy, you can do a few things to eleviate some of the issues you are having.

For some syptom relief

For sleep, use Melatonin from 1 to 3mg one hour prior to bed time. It's a hormone, that regulates sleep/wake cycles and improves sleep quality.

You can add 5-HTP, an amino acid, which boots production of serotonin and melatonin, promoting relaxation and improve sleep, take 50 to 100 mg before bed.

Also L-theanine, an amino acid, reduces tress, promotes relaxation, take between 50 to 100 mg before bed.

Bones hurt, try calcium and magnesium, those essential minerals for healthy bones, take b etween 1200 calcium and 320 mg of magnesium daily more if there is osteoporosis, also take with a good multi-vitamin.

Again for pain try Joint Q or Glucosamine Chondroitin sulfate 500/400 mg up to twice a day, I use it along with everything, I wrote above and it helps to control my flares and my pain, so much so that I don't feel my pain, most days, until of course when I forget my natural drugs.

For fibro fog and anxiety, use Ginkgo biloba it's an antioxidant that helps improve memory and cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, take 40 mg three times daily.

For nervouness and irritablity and any symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, insomnia, you can use Black cohosh take 40 mg twice daily.

Again to regulate your hormones balance try using Chastevery very good if you happen to be in peri-menopause take from 200 to 400 mg daily.

Also for libido, you can use L-arginine, Panax ginseng, tribulus terrestris and ginkdo bilobal, try looking for a combination formula.


A good multivitamin with iron, an average intake of iron for a girl your age is: 14.8mg a day, find a multi-vitamin that has at least half of that amount or more. The rest you can absorb by doing a few simple things, like drinking a glass of orange juice at the same time as when you have your having your cereal, because this could help boost your iron absorption. Eating fruits and vegs, nuts will give you the extra iron, your body needs.

When you're short of iron - known as iron deficiency - it isn't pleasant. The symptoms can include: tiredness and lethargy; difficulty concentrating and shortened attention span - not good news if you're trying to revise; looking pale and feeling faint; breathlessness.

And the news gets worse, because if you've got iron deficiency and you don't do anything about it, you could end up with anaemia. But don't worry, the news isn't all bad, because it's easy to get enough iron.

Young women should be having 14.8 milligrams (mg) iron a day (men need 8.7mg a day).

You can easily pump up your iron stores, but first you need to know which foods are rich in iron: roast beef and other red meat (beef, lamb, pork,

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Hi hudsonchristina1, Wow what a challenge you have dealing with Fms and raising five children, I hope you have some support!!!! As for pain as many have already stated all our situations are somewhat different. Some seem to be able to handle thier pain without any opiates I unfortunately am not one. Are you currently seeing a rhuematologist or physiatrist? It's imperative that you work with medical practitioners who are well versed in Fms treatment.
I'm not sure about your situation but along with Fms I'm battling a double lumbar scoliosis, rib hump, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and nerve damage to my spine, arthritis. These I developed after a accident 4yrs ago, so the need to take stronger meds may have more to do with these other conditions. I currently take 6-8 percs a day, flerxoral, pantoloc, tylenol migraine, and vitamin D. But I'm going for my interview at a pain clinic in Toronto this evening, I've been waiting almost 3yrs. So I'm hoping to be able to start my nerve block injections, as well as a comprehensive rehab to hopefully restore some of my mobility. Fingers (and toes crossed)!!!
Exercise is also extremely important, I know at times that is the last thing we feel up to doing. I personally love pilates, but yoga is also very good not only for your body but your mind. That is if you can find the time, you are one busy lady!!!! I wish you all the best :) Patty

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I am not ignorant, Ritalin is very close in its chemical make up to cocaine. Did you know that Ritalin was created before they knew about ADD and ADHD, yet it is the drug prescribed to treat it? And aren't you the same person that said if someone is looking for a natural treatment they are usually ignorant? Maybe it is you who is ignorant. Just because I strongly disagree with you basically prescribing a myriad of medications to someone you don't even know, I am ignorant? Are you a doctor?

I do not believe in popping pills for every little thing. It is believed that part of the cause of FMS is an over exposure to synthetics and chemicals. Kind of like a human canary in a mine. So it would be wise for us to use pharmaceuticals as a last resort, especially the ones you have suggested.

Considering the first line of this woman's post indicates that she more than likely has multiple-chemical sensitivity, what would make you think the medications you suggested would have a different effect?

We aren't just chronic pain patients, we are FMS patients and that complicates the treatment of our chronic pain.

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I work in the health care field as well Im a psychology student. Most of chronic pain patients including FMS patients are using polypharmacy, some have as many as 10 medications. If you want to go lone ranger without medication then by all means go ahead. The OP asked for medication suggestions and I gave some.

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I read her post. My point is that she also said she has tried several different medications and hasn't been able to tolerate any of them well.

Would that not lead you to believe she, like most FM patients, has an intolerance to pharmaceuticals?

While I will tell people which meds I have tried for what symptoms, and any reactions I've had to them, unless the poster asks for recommendations on a specific medication, I would not suggest one.

I guess I just think it is inappropriate for someone who isn't licensed to prescribe medication make those kinds of suggestions. Maybe part of me is also a little cynical in thinking that I would want to protect myself from any liability arising out of someone taking that medication on my recommendation.

And I don't *want* to go "lone ranger without medication". I do take medication, I am just very limited in what works for me. The treatment of my FM is based mainly on diet restrictions and supplements. I want to feel better, not in so much a drug induced fog that I can't remember what pain is.

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I like this forum, but don't like that last few comments, so please try to be friendly to each other, we all have different opinions, but remember even doctors don't agree on how to treat patients the same way.

I thank you all, be nice to everyone. Remember we can give our opinion not a treatment.....

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axxie,

Perhaps it is because I am passionate about what I am writing that it comes across as heated. I didn't realize I was being mean in giving my opinion.

If someone calls me ignorant, I am going to defend myself. However, asking someone to explain why they think they should tell this one person to try half a dozen or more medications is not really something that can be sugar coated.

It was not my intention to offend anyone, and I apologize if I have, axxie. I didn't take Noca's comments as being mean and I wasn't insulted by them; a debate isn't always like a cheery song.

:V

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Canada17, thats why theres a disclaimer policy link at the bottom of EVERY page. Try reading it first.

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“If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind”.

For those of you who don’t speak ‘politician’, (which is another language entirely, made up of 10% English, 40% media-friendly doublespeak, and 50% waffle), here’s the translation:

“You can have an opinion if you want one”.

And that’s where the problem begins. Because people are basically... well... people, the fact that it is within everyones' rights to have an opinion means just that.

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Actually I have read the disclaimer and it is there to absolve the people responsible for keeping the site running from any liability, not myself. Furthermore, it also says that you are not to use this site to do anything illegal.

Wouldn't you feel responsible if someone took your advice based on the fact that you are a medical student and *must know* what you are talking about only to have it harm them? Even my mother-in-law, who was an RN for 30 years would not make those kinds of suggestions to me, her only advice on medication is to talk to my doctor.

Also, I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I don't think my posts said anything that would mean otherwise - unless of course you believe that by my believing that someone's opinion is faulty that means they are not entitled to it. It is neither appropriate, nor safe for anyone to suggest medications to someone without knowledge of their medical background, what meds they've tried, and the reactions they have to them.

Perhaps I should have kept such an opinion to myself and simply told hudsonchristina1 the best thing she can do is keep an open dialogue with her doctor and keep pressing *him* for new medication suggestions. But without showcasing the extent to which noca's comments could be detrimental to her treatment that message would have been lacking in importance.

Again I reiterate that I was not being mean, and if someone takes the comments I made to heart in thinking I am attacking them, perhaps they are being a little too sensitive. The whole realm of FMS is controversial and it is important for us to speak up. The more I learn about this disease, the more it becomes clear to me that while pharmaceuticals may be tolerated well by some, that doesn't mean it is the best treatment for our disease.

I suffer from FMS, and the issues I have are directly linked to that. Maybe I am lucky that I am not suffering from a myriad of other disorders, that I only have FMS gives me a more direct treatment option.

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hudsonchristina1-The best advise I can give to you is to talk to your dr. and keep trying things until you find what works for you. I went thru many different meds before i found what works best for me. It was fustrating but all worth it now.
Canada17- Noca wasnt prescribing anything to her other than suggestions and ideas. She can take them to her dr. and see what he thinks. Hudsonchristina1 asked for ideas and suggestions, so Noca gave her some. She should not be slammed on here for that. I ask people all the time for that, thats what makes this board so helpful.

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I wasn't slamming anyone. Noca suggested Ritalin for fatigue - while it may have indications for lethargy, that is not the same as fatigue. Given that our FM usually hinders our ability to fall into a deep restorative sleep, would a sleep aid not be more suitable to help with fatigue than Ritalin to force the body to stay awake when it is tired?

I don't see how any of us are qualified to suggest any medications. Telling another what we've taken is one thing, telling someone to try it is completely different.

I wrote what I wrote to be taken as just that, not to have any hidden meaning. Why is it that everyone looks deeper into what's written? If you don't like what I said, fine, but that doesn't make my point any less valid.

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Canada17 why don't you troll elsewhere and leave us alone? You dont see me bashing your ideas of sleep aids, (oh but one could get addicted to sleep aids or they may become dependent on them and not be able to sleep on their own or rebound insomnia when they stop yada yada yada) Annoying isnt it?

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No, actually, I don't find it annoying.

You are right, sleep aids can be addictive and should be used with caution. There are alternatives to heavy sleep aids, ones that have less incidence of addiction and dependency and there are also natural remedies, vitamins even that help to restore the natural balance of chemicals in our brains that would enable us to achieve a better night's sleep. Regardless, prescription sleep aids are usually prescribed for short term use.

Though you say you're not "bashing" my idea of sleep aids - even though I wasn't suggesting that someone use sleep aids, merely that it would have been a better suggestion than Ritalin - you went on to do just that.

As for "trolling" elsewhere, I'm not fishing, and I actually SUFFER from FMS, so why would I not have valid insight in this forum.

I sincerely apologize because, though I meant no ill will, I have obviously offended you. Truce?

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Wow, this is the only time I have encountered such a negative response to any post on this forum!!! Axxie thank you so much for speaking out, I was struggling with whether I should say anything about the negative outcome to this thread. No one was prescribing any medications for hudsonchristina1, merely suggesting, which was what she was requesting. To be quite honest I found it very difficult not to take offense to some of the statements made ie, popping pills for every little thing!!!! I think it's amazing if you are able to handle pain without any meds, but please don't belittle those of us who can't!!! Don't we face enough of that already? This forum has been a great comfort and support to me and I hope it continues to be so for all of us.
Take care, Patty

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I've been struggling with this discussion too. Refering to other guests on this site as ignorant is inappropriate. We are all entitled to have an opinion but it should be voiced in a respectful manner. As my mother used to say, "if you can not say something nice, than don't say anything at all."

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Canada17 ......I checked out your original advice and think it was wise and helpful. We do need to be careful what we take for Fibromylgia and what works for one doesn't always work for another. It is good to have a discussion about what has helped us but we need to support one another and be encouraging.I too have an intolerance to certain drugs which other people can take with no problems. I commend you for trying to make a truce, I hope whoever is 'offended' will respond in a positive way as well.

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Thank you.

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hi hudsonchristena1 , im from nz , im on 150mg of venlifaxine(efexor-fr) do you have it in canada?

it has helped me alot in my life in the last few years ive been on it.heave been like you, tried all sorts but this helps as well as 2 tramadol in the morning a at night if required.

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omg this is one place that i've found where every1 seems to get along and lots of suggestions are given. its up to the individual to go to there physician and talk to him or her about these. no one should take offense on what another says. i take some of these suggestion and run them by my dr and then let him make the decision. also even the vitamins cux they also can have contridictions with meds we're on.. just cux there natural doesn't mean that they can't have problems with rx's were already on. but the great part here is that we get to learn. we can't forget what this forum is about.. our experieces and our thoughts. we all have them, but all has to be run by our dr's and they ultimalley make the final decision. no reason for all to get upset over someone has to say... say it and that's it. if you want to respond then respond with your own ideas. i know this site has been nothing but wonderful for me. it lets me know i'm not the only one out there going thru this and suggestion are so welcomed, but its my responsibility to run these idea's thru my dr.
lorie

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