Pharmacologic treatment of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, unrefreshed sleep, disturbed mood, and fatigue. Until such time as we have a clearer understanding of the trigger and/or pathophysiologic mechanisms producing these symptoms, pharmacologic treatment should be aimed at individual symptoms. Such treatment should ideally be offered as part of a multidisciplinary treatment program using both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment modalities. Critical components of any successful fibromyalgia treatment program include addressing physical fitness, work and other functional activities, and mental health, in addition to symptom-specific therapies. The main symptoms that should be addressed include pain, sleep disturbances including restless leg syndrome, mood disturbances, and fatigue. Pharmacologic therapy should also be considered for syndromes commonly associated with fibromyalgia including irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, dysequilibrium including neurally mediated hypotension, sicca syndrome, and growth hormone deficiency. This article provides general guidelines in initiating a successful pharmacologic treatment program for fibromyalgia.