Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for Fibromyalgia

Summary: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which is characterized by muscular pain and stiffness. Read on to learn more about Fibromyalgia and find out how Duloxetine can help.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by extensive pain, stiffness, tenderness of the soft tissues, fatigue, and disturbed sleep. The pain mainly occurs in the hands, shoulders, pelvic girdle, neck and back. In contrast to arthritis, fibromyalgia does not involve pain or swelling in the joints. Instead, pain is felt in the soft tissues around the joints.

Fibromyalgia Causes:

There are no concrete causes that have been identified. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia is the malfunctioning of the central processing system involving impairment of neuroendrocines and neurotransmitters. Scientific research has shown multiple abnormalities which include low blood flow to the thalamus area in the brain, high levels of substance P in the spinal cord, hypofunction of HPA axis, abnormal functioning of cytokine and reduced levels of serotonin and tryptophan.

Other studies have shown fibromyalgia to be caused due to hereditary factors. Fibromyalgia may occur by itself or arise due to other diseases, like systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

Fibromyalgia is marked by a number of tender points in the body, as well as a plethora of symptoms. The most significant symptom of fibromyalgia is the pain which is experienced throughout the body. This pain is consistent throughout the day or may vary. The pain can also increase in cold weather conditions as well as after rigorous physical activity. Muscle spasms and pain are experienced in the muscles and ligaments, and not in the joints. The most common areas of pain which are known as trigger points include, the back, shoulders, neck and hips. Muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness and tingling, sleep disorders, and weakness in the limbs are some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some of the other symptoms include bowel disturbances, frequent urination, depression, anxiety, palpitations, irritability, migraines and headaches.

Fibromyalgia Treatment:

Fibromyalgia still remains a mysterious disorder, with virtually no evidence regarding the exact causes. As a result of this, other diseases are confused with fibromyalgia, due to similar symptoms. For this reason, doctors conduct a thorough and detailed examination of the patient's symptoms and history before confirming it to be fibromyalgia.

The treatment for fibromyalgia mainly focuses on relieving the pain. There are quite a few drugs, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants and pain killers available in the market for treating fibromyalgia. In addition to these drugs, doctors also recommend physical therapy, exercise and a special diet for fibromyalgia. 

 

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for Fibromyalgia:

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) has proven effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor drug which is used for treating anxiety disorder, depression and pain involved in diabetic fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy. This drug affects the neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that the nerves within the brain use for communication. The exact mechanism of Duloxetine for treating pain is not yet known, but it is thought to affect the serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. Cymbalta is an effective prescription drug which is approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia and to reduce the pain involved with fibromyalgia. Buy Duloxetine for effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, consult a doctor before deciding to use this drug to treat fibromyalgia.