Antidepressant medications appear to help with the symptoms of pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depression. Anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medicines may help reduce the pain and stiffness. Research results using oral interferon are encouraging. And research is being done which demonstrates the benefits of medications which block nerve receptors known as NMDA receptors. Our clinic has pioneered the use of one such medicine, Amantadine, with promising results.
Exercise appears to be a crucial, albeit difficult, part of the treatment.
Patients with fibromyalgia are extremely sensitive to activity and exertion and can experience flares of pain with minimal exercise. Yet, if the patient is to resume any normal function and quality of life, it is crucial for the patient to build tolerance to activity. When done slowly and properly, exercise can have tremendous therapeutic benefit. Besides traditional physical therapy, we have found that tailored programs of pool therapy and Tai Chi exercises can be very helpful. Crucial elements for overcoming the pain, debilitation, loss, and depression that accompany fibromyalgia are the psychological therapies including biofeedback, relaxation training, stress management and cognitive-behavioral therapy.