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Fibromyalgia -- Need help on how to handle severe pain

Fibromyalgia | Last Active: Oct 29, 2023 | Replies (156)

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@delia74

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.

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Replies to "I'll repost what I wrote in a prior response: Three weeks to 3 months is a..."

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...

God Bless You! I have a lot of the same ailments (Fibromyalgia & Raynauds) like you, Flexeril is the only muscle relaxant I can tolerate. I was warned by my new primary that Flexeril can cause short term memory loss.....but he said it sounded like the quality of life outweighed that. It helps tremendously with fibromyalgia pain and restless legs syndrome. I can only tolerate 1/2 of a 5 mg. Hugs & Blessings to you....