[Blocking of S2 receptors--a new treatment principle in generalized tendomyopathy (fibromyalgia)?]

In a pilot study, the effectiveness of the S2-receptor blocker ketanserin was investigated in patients receiving concurrent physiotherapy for primary fibromyalgia. This combined treatment was compared with physiotherapy alone. In the group treated with ketanserin, a significant reduction in spontaneous pain was observed, and the painfulness of "tender points" also decreased markedly. The patients experienced a significant improvement in the quality of sleep, the feeling of being rested after sleep, and psychological well-being in the evening. Significant improvement was also recorded on the Zerssen Mood Scale and the Erlanger Anxiety Scale. In the group receiving physiotherapy alone, the improvements were far less marked and usually were below the significance level. These results are now being verified in a double-blind, randomized trial.