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Curious what medication to discuss with doctor regarding fibromyalgia
I’ve had whole body pain most of my life but managed. Had back surgery in 2023 for sciatica pain. Got diagnosed with hoshimotos/hypothyroidism. Now just diagnosed in 2025 with fibromyalgia. I see a therapist and psychiatrist for cptsd and sorts. Had a nerve function test and it showed damage (failed surgery) carpal tunnel, nerve damage from head to toe. So the question is what’s a good medicine to start with for fibromyalgia? I’ve been on a couple of medications for pain. Not looking for medication with a dependence. Any suggestions I’d gladly take
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Some people see a benefit from Amitriptyline and/or Cymbalta. Personally, I was on a lot of opioids, and I would suggest staying away from them if you can.
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2 ReactionsI also have a thyroid disorder. I refused the meds typically prescribed for Fibromyalgia: Lyrica, Savella and Cymbalta due to side effects and withdrawal symptoms when stopping. I read they only help about 30% of patients and then don't really offer much relief. I would especially warn against Cymbalta, which can have terrible side effects when trying to discontinue. Lawsuits have been filed against its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, alleging that they did not adequately warn patients about the risks of withdrawal and dependence associated with Cymbalta.
I would recommend three drugs that help me: 1. Low dose naltrexone. This must be purchased from a compounding pharmacy. You slowly work up to a maintenance dose, usually 4.5mg. 2. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) a muscle relaxant. Studies are finding it helps, also in low doses. I take 5mg about 30 minutes before bed. 3. Magnesium Glycinate helps relax muscles. It's OTC and I take 250-300mg about 1 hour before bed.
I also take a B Compex vitamin and vitamin C.
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4 Reactions@daisy17 thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. I see pain management this week. I’ll ask about your recommendation. I stopped tramadol six months ago. Really trying not to startup again. Wish me luck
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1 Reaction@daisy17 me too! Wow! Like exactly! Except 6mg LDN and cyclobenzoprene once in a blue moon.
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1 Reaction@daisy17 Thankyou for the information, I have been on Topamax for years for Fibromyalgia, it's now starting to cause other issues. I'm on Medicare and Medicaid do you know if they cover the compounded LDN?
@lilli64
No insurance or Medicare covers LDN because it's being used off-label and is not FDA-approved for Fibro. Because it has to be compounded, it's not cheap. My Dr recommended a pharmacy not far from my home. The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association website lists some on-line compounding pharmacy's. Good luck.
There is a way to make your own LDN from Naltrexone 50 mg. I remember being told how but found it too much trouble, so I buy it from a compounding pharmacy.
There is a new drug for Fibro, supposed to be available before end of year, TONMYA. Sounds wonderful so I hope my dr will prescribe it. The first fibro drug in 15 years they say. I want it for the fatigue. if it also controls the pain, then i wont need the LDN. Hoping!
TONMYA, the newest fibro drug, supposed to be available by the end of the year. Sounds wonderful.
@4corazon
New drug is actually flexeril to use under tongue! Look it up!
Most medications for fibromyalgia patients include pain meds, muscle relaxers, or meds that work on the central nervous system. Nonsteroidal pain meds, opioids, muscle relaxers, or drugs that work on the central nervous aystem that interrupt the pain loop so that the brain doesn't sense the pain that is there-such as Gabapentin, Neurontin, Cymbalta, Savella. All drugs have side effects, some more severe and effect people differently. Nonsteroidals can damage the gut, opioids have other effects, the cns drugs can cause cognitive dysfunction and in most cases a lot of weight gain. More recent drugs are a low dose nasal spray of the narcotic inhibitor Narcan. This can be used in the lower dosage in patients on opioids. The latest FDA approved drug is a bedtime low dosage of sublingual cyclobenzaprine called Tonmyia. And lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise and good sleep hygiene are important.
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