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Fibromyalgia Medications
There are currently two drugs approved as specific fibromyalgia medications. However, several drugs approved for other purposes can be used "off-label" to treat some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. In addition, a few experimental drugs are currently being tested to see if they can become safe and effective treatments for fibromyalgia.
There are several treatment options for a person diagnosed with fibromyalgia. One treatment option is medication. At present, three medications, pregabalin (Lyrica®), duloxetine (Cymbalta®) and Savella™ (milnacipran hydrochloride), have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating fibromyalgia.
Healthcare providers may also treat this condition with a variety of medications developed and approved for other purposes. Using these medicines for the treatment of fibromyalgia is known as an "off-label" purpose. While these drugs have not been licensed to treat fibromyalgia, a number of studies have shown that they can provide benefits to people with the condition.
Healthcare providers may also treat this condition with a variety of medications developed and approved for other purposes. Using these medicines for the treatment of fibromyalgia is known as an "off-label" purpose. While these drugs have not been licensed to treat fibromyalgia, a number of studies have shown that they can provide benefits to people with the condition.
(Click Off-Label to learn what off-label means, as well as off-label rules and how it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using a drug in this manner.)
The following are some of the most commonly used categories of fibromyalgia medications:
- Pain relievers (analgesics)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Antiseizure medicines
- A select group of other medications used to treat specific symptoms.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD