Fibromyalgia -- Need help on how to handle severe pain
I was told by a Rheumatologist last year that I have Fibromyalgia. She referred me to my GP for treatment, but he doesn't know anything about this disease. I need advice on how to handle the pain which is sometimes so severe and lasts all day. It usually eases some by bedtime, but lately I've been waking up about 3:00 AM with bad legs pains that keep me from falling back asleep. Since this started 18 months ago, the pain has gone into remission for a few months and flares up again for a couple months. The insomnia and other issues remain. My latest flare started about 5 weeks ago. The only meds I'm taking are Tylenol, which doesn't help, and sometimes Cyclobenzaprine at night. I am afraid of Cymbalta after hearing horror stories about terrible withdrawal issues when wanting to discontinue it due to it's side effects or when it stops working. It seems like all the drugs used for this disease have withdrawal problems. Any help would be appreciated.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.
Three weeks to 3 months is a guideline, with time off it for a few months, then resuming as needed. Those are what you are referring to. But I've been on it for many years, 10 mgs nightly seven days per week. I have regular checkups with rheumatologist and primary care physician, as well as periodic cardiology visits and full blood work.
No issues. It is a muscle relaxant, so the one concern is not taking more than what is prescribed because (as one doctor said) the heart is a muscle and you don't want to create issues with that organ in particular. I can't take amitriptilyne. Was on it and had to be "weaned" and released from it. Can't take other usually prescribed meds such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, etc. So cyclo it is for me.
I would take Life Seasons Relieve-R PM and Arnica. I also have Aches and Pains from Newton Laboratories. Muscle Ease from Newton Laboratories helps take away my Charlie horses. I hope you find relief. Tumeric or Curcumin is also great for pain.
This is a very strong muscle relaxant. I passed out after the first pill.
I do "edema massage" of legs also--from toes to torso, until legs are less sore. But the wall trick is superb, and really helps other systems. I agree with you; learned great stretches in PT, but Dr Jo on youtube is pretty good if you have other issues pop up. So glad to find another person with same issues.
What dosage was prescribed? Mine has been 10 mg consistently. I take one along with other prescribed meds (for other medical issues) and supplements.
How long have you been taking Cyclobenzaprine? Do you take it throughout the day? I take 5-10mg, 2-3 nights a week when I'm having a flare, only if the pain is bad enough at night to interfere with sleep. I haven't tried taking it during the day, but some days I really need something to curb the pain. My PC Dr is reluctant to keep prescribing this for me, so I'm going to see a new Dr soon and hoping she will prescribe this for me as needed. I think Drs today are afraid to prescribe the pain meds we need. Most of them do not understand Fibromyalgia and have no concept of how much pain it causes.
As in prior posts: 10 mgs nightly seven days per week. I take it along with other prescribed meds and supplements about 30 minutes after evening meal. We have dinner anywhere from 5:15 to 5:45. One of those supplements is magnesium, another is alpha lipoic acid.
No, I do not take it during daytime hours. I'd wind up sleepy and non-productive. I would never consider taking a daytime dose.
Thank you. How long have you been taking this nightly, as I read it shouldn't be taken long term? Did you have any push-back from your Dr before they prescribed this?
I'll repost what I wrote in a prior response: Three weeks to 3 months is a guideline for this medication, with time off it for a few months, then resuming as needed. I've been on it for many years (since 1990's), 10 mgs nightly seven days per week. I have regular checkups with rheumatologist and primary care physician, as well as periodic cardiology visits and full blood work.
No issues. It is a muscle relaxant, so the one concern is not taking more than what is prescribed and okayed because (as one doctor said) the heart is a muscle and you don't want to create issues with that organ in particular. You can't just self medicate with this muscle relaxant. I can't take amitriptilyne. Was on it and had to be "weaned" and released from it. Can't take other usually prescribed meds such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, etc. So cyclo it is for me. I didn't request it of the doctor that diagnosed the fibromyalgia, she prescribed it. I've had three rheumatologists since then (two retired) and each approved of the medication and dosage. One was in private practice, had been an internist as well as a degree in pharmacology, and absolutely knew his stuff. Incorporated specific supplements to ameliorate issues like inflammation, Raynaud's and neuropathy, and emphasized the important role that nutrition has. I was so sorry when he retired, but he went on to teach at a medical college in NYC, using his wealth of knowledge and experience to impart onto future rheumatologists. Two of my former rheumatologists okayed taking more than one does if in extremely painful flares, but I found that I became a drugged zombie with inability to focus and stay awake the following day. So that is not something that I'd do ever again. One dose of 10 mg nightly is all I need. I am baffled by your doctor's adamancy. Perhaps he/she is concerned about how the medication may impact aspects of your medical issues.
Correction: "dose" not "does"
I located the "edit" on another post that needed a spelling correction but for whatever reason, that feature is not offered when I click on the three dots at bottom corner of my post...