what is a good medicine for fibro? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

teacher2be · 02-19-2008, 04:25 PM

i have had fibro for 8 years and have dealt with it on my own, but am ready to go to a rheumatologist and get try something. what do they usually give you medicine wise to start off with. i am so sensitive to medicine and have been scared of medicine because i have had such bad reactions to anti-depressants before and scared to try anything new. i need something for pain and justwant to feel better but don't want to be "doped up" feeling if that makes sense. i have 3 children and am going to school to be a nurse so i want to feel good but be able to function. would appreciate any advice.

robbielee129 · 02-20-2008, 06:45 AM

I've had Fibro for 12 years. The first 5 I went undiagnosed. The doc's start out with the lowest possible medication, usually ultram or tramadol. Neither worked for me. Now I'm on Vicodin and that controls the pain. The fatigue is the worst! I'm also on Prozac and synthroid for my hypothyroidism. I hear that the new FDA approved drug Lyrica is good, if your insurance covers it as it's very expensive!

sherryrenee0423 · 02-20-2008, 07:53 AM

I would think a rheumy would put you on Lyrica and something to help you sleep. I've had bad reactions to every antidepressant I've taken except Lexapro, but I've read on the board that this one doesn't help most people...but it does the trick for me. My doctor prescribed me an anti-infalmmatory too. I can't remember the name, but it starts with an 'm' lol like that helps. I also take darvaset as needed for pain.

robbielee129 · 02-20-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherryrenee0423

I would think a rheumy would put you on Lyrica and something to help you sleep. I've had bad reactions to every antidepressant I've taken except Lexapro, but I've read on the board that this one doesn't help most people...but it does the trick for me. My doctor prescribed me an anti-infalmmatory too. I can't remember the name, but it starts with an 'm' lol like that helps. I also take darvaset as needed for pain.

THe one thing everyone with fibro needs to remember is that everyone is different. What works for one doesn't work for all. Unfortunately you have to experiment wth drugs and combinations of drugs to get it right. Also, I take a double dose of Vitamin D which helps my mood. Sometimes in the winter (Wisconsin is bitter cold!) I up the dose of Vitamin D on cold or dark days. Doesn't help the pain, but it does improve your outlook.

SusanG50 · 02-20-2008, 08:17 AM

I've had fibro for 20 years, 28 with Chronic Fatigue...........talk about tired.
AND I've tried almost everything.

They are so right..........you have to find your own remedy.

Ultram has helped me a lot. Traumeel (homepathic) I would not be without.
Fish Oil, (helps mood a lot too) Calcium, Vit. D, Magnesium, Zanaflex (muscle relaxer), Folic Acid, Panethenic acid, Vinegar with the Mother (buy at health food stores) mix with honey and water and drink. (our bodies are not alkalized). A warm bath soak with 2 bottles peroxide and 1 box of epsom salt (draws out inflammation and puts in magnesium), exercises (gentle stretches -yoga) water exercises, water walking.

I have never been able to take anti-depressants..........have tried almost all of them.............hate the way they make me feel. Don't like being DRUGED, but do take lorcet for breakthrough pain when ultram doesn't work well enough. Just started that this year after 19 years.

The things I have found most helpful are supplements, exercise, lower stress events, rest, laughing as much as possible, and exceptance that I cannot change this situation. I fought it for years and was angry and bitter over the loss of my life, but feel better now that I have just LET GO and try to live one day at a time in FAITH.

Hope this helps you in some small way.