Determining the minimum significant change in the FIQ score. The data from three clinical trials of pregabalin (Lyrica) in the treatment of fibromyalgia were analyzed. These trials involved over 2,200 patients. Because these trials assessed each patient using multiple tests, analysis of the data allowed for the comparison of FIQ score changes with other…
Cymbalta modestly improves total FIQ scores. Just over 200 subjects were enrolled in a 12 week placebo-controlled trial of Cymbalta (duloxetine.) Just under 90% were female and 38% had a concurrent diagnosis of major depression. Approximately half the trial participants received a placebo, while the remaining half received duloxetine 60 mg twice a day….
Non-pharmacologic treatments are needed Fibromyalgia is a common and poorly understood pain disorder that afflicts an estimated 200 million or more people worldwide. Pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia are not available to the vast majority of these individuals. Even when available, prescription treatments for fibromyalgia are often marginally effective or entirely ineffective. Standard drug treatments…
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) appears superior to current FDA approved medications. An 8 week trial of sodium oxybate in the treatment of fibromyalgia resulted in a significant decrease in fibromyalgia impairment as measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ.) Among those receiving sodium oxybate, the 4.5 gm dose resulted in a 20.4 point reduction in…
Growth hormone deficiency in fibromyalgia. Growth hormone is one of the many chemical mediators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA,) a very complex regulatory system affecting nearly every bodily function but especially critical in homeostatic regulation of the stress response. Is growth hormone low in fibromyalgia? Some studies (including the second study referenced below) have shown…
A 12 week trial of Savella in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Approximately 500 patients received Savella, 50 mg twice a day, for 12 weeks. Prior to the 12 week period, patients had their dose of Savella gradually increased over 4 to 6 weeks in preparation for the 12 week stable dose phase of the…
