What is the best medication you have tried for fibromyalgia?

[pinkstrawberry]

Hello! I have only ever tried Gabapentin, which didn't work for me, so I'm currently just living with fibromyalgia and all of the symptoms it comes with. I'm curious as to if anyone has or does take meds for it, and, if so, what worked best. All my docs seem to think CBT is the magical cure.

[Painny]

Unfortunately medications do not work for me. Mild physio, hydrotherapy is good according to advice from my consultants. I know it’s tough! I have done CBT but hands on heart it has not made any difference to me. As a matter of fact made it worse

[Chloe_x]

Hi! I chose pregabalin over gabapentin for a couple reasons.

Pregabalin is the only drug I've tried, so I can't compare it to anything, but wow, I have so many side effects. Especially for the first month or so, I could barely stay awake (it was terrifying) and I slurred my words a lot. My coordination was also terrible. I still have those symptoms, and more (headaches, dry mouth, worse memory, etc). However, I think my pain is slightly reduced and I have more stamina. Ultimately I think it's worth it, but I'm hopeful that one day I might find and try an alternative.

By CBT, do you just mean cognitive behavioural therapy? I've used a couple methods but always refused therapy when it's been offered. I can't really imagine how it would help?

Also, if you haven't used a TENS machine before, I would 100% reccomend it. Not a cure by any means, and I know it's not for everyone, but I've found mine extremely helpful and they're fairly cheap.

Best of luck to you

[Hidden]

None really work! Best is a decent bed and pillows with real cotton bed wear and if need to wander off for a snooze feel far better than any pills n potions.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi, no fibro medication helped me. I just deal with each day at a time and each symptom as they raise their ugly head.

My go to first aid box. Is heat, ice, otc pain pills, tens machine, keeping as active as possible and rest when needed.

Momo

[Sally444]

HI. I take a low dose of Venlafaxine which keeps me going. When I tried to stop taking it, I knew about it instantly and was in so much pain. I hope you find something that works for you. x

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi the only thing that seems to work for me is nortryptaline which helps with the pain, it doesn’t take it away thought. I have had CBT for various issues and it doesn’t help with the pain unfortunately 🤷‍♀️

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Medications do not work for everyone. If gabapentin has not helped it may be worth asking your gp if you could try pregabalin - as some people who do not get any benefit from one do from the other.

Unfortunately, the Nice guidelines now only suggest antidepressant medications are tried, along with cbt - so it will depend on your gp whether they are following the guidelines or are willing to let you try something else

[Loo53]

I suspect I’ve had this for years and am awaiting a rheumatologist appointment. I’ve been prescribed Pregabalin but don’t take it. I exercise within my limitations but exercise regularly. I just learn to live with it and take care of myself when in a flare. It seems to be whether dependant for me as it’s been around 19 C for a few weeks and I’ve been feeling okay.

[Tjba]

Duloxetine helps take the edge off the pain for me, along with co-codamol when needed. I did try to come off the Duloxetine once but it was horrific and my doctor told me I should stay on it indefinitely.