"Arthritis Pain Relief Medications Are Often Used To Treat People With Fibromyalgia!"
By Carol Ryland
Treatment of fibromyalgia can be problematic because of the wide variety of symptoms. Just getting a diagnosis can be a real challenge. Pain and fatigue are the two most widely recognized symptoms, but sufferers will tell you that they're just the tip of the iceberg. Sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, mood disorders, confusion and memory loss are only a few of the dozens of symptoms of fibromyalgia. And dozens of symptoms lead to dozens of treatments and medications... including arthritis pain relief drugs.
Commonly used medications in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients are as varied as the symptoms. Beside the arthritis pain relief medicines, sleep aids, anti-depressants like tricyclics and SSRI's, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers, narcolepsy drugs, gastrointestinal medications like prilosec and prevacid, and more... physicians must find the best treatments available for their patients' specific symptoms.
One of the first considerations by doctors in the treatment of their patients' symptoms is the management of their level of pain. It's the pain that usually causes fibromyalgia sufferers to seek help in the first place. Arthritis pain relief medications come in prescription and non-prescription tablets and capsules, as well as topical creams, gels and patches... and can be very effective in treating the pain of fibromyalgia. However, every patient is different and the effectiveness of a particular arthritis pain relief drug will vary from patient to patient. In any case, it's the stronger prescription drugs that appear to provide the most relief to sufferers... over-the-counter medications are generally not strong enough to provide real pain relief.
Out of all the pain relief medications on the market today, none have been approved by the FDA, including arthritis pain relief drugs, for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain. Fibromyalgia patients have basically become test subjects participating in the drug-trials, with their doctors keeping journals and reporting results to the medical community. Fortunately, insurance companies accept the word of the doctor that the arthritis pain relief medication is necessary in treating fibromyalgia, so most of the standard prescription pain-relieving drugs are covered for those who have prescription drug insurance.
The Following Are Examples Of Common Arthritis Pain Relief Medications -
Acetaminophen is a widely used pain relief medication for people who can't take other medications due to gastrointestinal issues or allergies. It is not usually effective for treatment of fibromyalgia except in prescription form as in an opioid like codeine (side-effects with codeine may include constipation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and slowed breathing). The maximum daily dosage should not go over 4 grams per day. Over that limit risk of liver and kidney damage increases. Acetaminophen is found in other products like cold remedies. Patients must be aware so they don't accidently over-dose. There is presently no solid evidence confirming that opiods actually work to relieve fibromyalgia pain, and there is a risk of the patient becoming physically or psychologically dependent. Opiods may, however, provide relief from other fibromyalgia symptoms including mood and sleep disorders.
NSAIDS(Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a classification of medications that includes aspirin, ibuprofen (examples Advil, Motrin), naproxen (example Aleve), and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex). Side-effects of traditional NSAIDS include upset stomach, ulcers, blood-thinning effect (especially aspirin), gastrointestinal bleeding as well as side-effects involving the heart and skin. Side-effects of COX-2 inhibitors include stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and may aggravate heart problems in some individuals. There is some risk of liver and kidney damage with prolonged use.
Other Common Arthritis Pain Relief Analgesics include Darvon, Ultram and Vicodin. These are general use pain-relievers which may work for some individuals although can cause side-effects like headaches, dizziness, allergic symptoms and flu-like reactions.
Creams, Gels, and Pain Patches are available over-the-counter at local pharmacies and grocery stores. Generally symptom relief is temporary but they can be helpful in relieving fibromyalgia pain if no allergies develop.
In the treatment of fibromyalgia arthritis pain relief medications are just one type of drug treatment. The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, so treatments include combinations of drugs working together. The challenge for doctors and patients alike is finding the right balance of medications that relax stiff muscles, dull pain, reduce stress reactions and support healthy, restful sleep... without undesirable side-effects. Finding the right combination of arthritis pain relief medications as well as other necessary drugs can be challenging for both doctors and patients.
A team approach is advocated by many medical specialists including Chief, Public Health Officer for the Arthritis Foundation, Patience White, M.D. "It is imperative that people understand the impact of any medications as they're prescribed (including arthritis pain relief drugs)... as well as exercise and diet, on their total health," she has stated. Include your general practitioner, pharmacist and rheumatological specialist in setting up your treatment program that will control your pain and reduce risks of serious complications. This is the best course in the treatment of fibromyalgia, just as with the treatment of arthritis.
To further support and extend the developing pain relief treatment program, the AMA supports the addition of a nutritional supplement program to improve your diet and support your medical treatment regimen. It can go a long way toward healing the symptoms of fibromyalgia including reducing the pain. For more information on relieving the pain of fibromyalgia and improving your overall health naturally, contact me by clicking one of the links below.
http://www.overcomefibro.com/arthritis-pain-relief-fibromyalgia.html
Treatment of fibromyalgia can be problematic because of the wide variety of symptoms. Just getting a diagnosis can be a real challenge. Pain and fatigue are the two most widely recognized symptoms, but sufferers will tell you that they're just the tip of the iceberg. Sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, mood disorders, confusion and memory loss are only a few of the dozens of symptoms of fibromyalgia. And dozens of symptoms lead to dozens of treatments and medications... including arthritis pain relief drugs.
Commonly used medications in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients are as varied as the symptoms. Beside the arthritis pain relief medicines, sleep aids, anti-depressants like tricyclics and SSRI's, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers, narcolepsy drugs, gastrointestinal medications like prilosec and prevacid, and more... physicians must find the best treatments available for their patients' specific symptoms.
One of the first considerations by doctors in the treatment of their patients' symptoms is the management of their level of pain. It's the pain that usually causes fibromyalgia sufferers to seek help in the first place. Arthritis pain relief medications come in prescription and non-prescription tablets and capsules, as well as topical creams, gels and patches... and can be very effective in treating the pain of fibromyalgia. However, every patient is different and the effectiveness of a particular arthritis pain relief drug will vary from patient to patient. In any case, it's the stronger prescription drugs that appear to provide the most relief to sufferers... over-the-counter medications are generally not strong enough to provide real pain relief.
Out of all the pain relief medications on the market today, none have been approved by the FDA, including arthritis pain relief drugs, for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain. Fibromyalgia patients have basically become test subjects participating in the drug-trials, with their doctors keeping journals and reporting results to the medical community. Fortunately, insurance companies accept the word of the doctor that the arthritis pain relief medication is necessary in treating fibromyalgia, so most of the standard prescription pain-relieving drugs are covered for those who have prescription drug insurance.
The Following Are Examples Of Common Arthritis Pain Relief Medications -
Acetaminophen is a widely used pain relief medication for people who can't take other medications due to gastrointestinal issues or allergies. It is not usually effective for treatment of fibromyalgia except in prescription form as in an opioid like codeine (side-effects with codeine may include constipation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and slowed breathing). The maximum daily dosage should not go over 4 grams per day. Over that limit risk of liver and kidney damage increases. Acetaminophen is found in other products like cold remedies. Patients must be aware so they don't accidently over-dose. There is presently no solid evidence confirming that opiods actually work to relieve fibromyalgia pain, and there is a risk of the patient becoming physically or psychologically dependent. Opiods may, however, provide relief from other fibromyalgia symptoms including mood and sleep disorders.
NSAIDS(Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a classification of medications that includes aspirin, ibuprofen (examples Advil, Motrin), naproxen (example Aleve), and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex). Side-effects of traditional NSAIDS include upset stomach, ulcers, blood-thinning effect (especially aspirin), gastrointestinal bleeding as well as side-effects involving the heart and skin. Side-effects of COX-2 inhibitors include stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and may aggravate heart problems in some individuals. There is some risk of liver and kidney damage with prolonged use.
Other Common Arthritis Pain Relief Analgesics include Darvon, Ultram and Vicodin. These are general use pain-relievers which may work for some individuals although can cause side-effects like headaches, dizziness, allergic symptoms and flu-like reactions.
Creams, Gels, and Pain Patches are available over-the-counter at local pharmacies and grocery stores. Generally symptom relief is temporary but they can be helpful in relieving fibromyalgia pain if no allergies develop.
In the treatment of fibromyalgia arthritis pain relief medications are just one type of drug treatment. The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, so treatments include combinations of drugs working together. The challenge for doctors and patients alike is finding the right balance of medications that relax stiff muscles, dull pain, reduce stress reactions and support healthy, restful sleep... without undesirable side-effects. Finding the right combination of arthritis pain relief medications as well as other necessary drugs can be challenging for both doctors and patients.
A team approach is advocated by many medical specialists including Chief, Public Health Officer for the Arthritis Foundation, Patience White, M.D. "It is imperative that people understand the impact of any medications as they're prescribed (including arthritis pain relief drugs)... as well as exercise and diet, on their total health," she has stated. Include your general practitioner, pharmacist and rheumatological specialist in setting up your treatment program that will control your pain and reduce risks of serious complications. This is the best course in the treatment of fibromyalgia, just as with the treatment of arthritis.
To further support and extend the developing pain relief treatment program, the AMA supports the addition of a nutritional supplement program to improve your diet and support your medical treatment regimen. It can go a long way toward healing the symptoms of fibromyalgia including reducing the pain. For more information on relieving the pain of fibromyalgia and improving your overall health naturally, contact me by clicking one of the links below.
http://www.overcomefibro.com/arthritis-pain-relief-fibromyalgia.html