Medication Q&A is an informational service only. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice of a personal health care provider. Please consult your personal health care provider for advice regarding your medications and health conditions
Question: Is Cymbalta (duloxetine) effective for treating fibromyalgia?
Answer:
Only two prescription medications are approved by the Food & Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. The first was Lyrica (pregabalin). The second was Cymbalta (duloxetine), which was just approved for this use in June 2008.
Cymbalta is classified as an antidepressant, but it works a bit differently than some other antidepressants. It is referred to as an “SNRI” by pharmacists and physicians. SNRI stands for serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Many antidepressants (e.g., Prozac, Paxil) mainly affect just serotonin. Since Cymbalta has potent effects on both serotonin and norepinephrine some experts think it might work better for reducing pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Cymbalta does work for many people, but it might not work for everyone. After 6 months of treatment about 50% of patients have a 30% reduction in pain. About 35% have a 50% or greater reduction in pain.
This sounds pretty good, but its important to point out that 20% to 35% of people taking a sugar pill (“placebo”) can also have a 30% to 50% or greater reduction in pain.
Nonetheless, Cymbalta should be considered an appropriate approach to treating fibromyalgia.
Although Cymbalta can reduce pain, it might not improve sleep in people who have difficulty sleeping. Sleep medications (e.g., Ambien) might be appropriate in these cases.
Related Q&A:
Can prednisone be used long-term for treating fibromyalgia?
Answer Posted: July 1, 2008
Answer:
Only two prescription medications are approved by the Food & Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. The first was Lyrica (pregabalin). The second was Cymbalta (duloxetine), which was just approved for this use in June 2008.
Cymbalta is classified as an antidepressant, but it works a bit differently than some other antidepressants. It is referred to as an “SNRI” by pharmacists and physicians. SNRI stands for serotonin-
Many antidepressants (e.g., Prozac, Paxil) mainly affect just serotonin. Since Cymbalta has potent effects on both serotonin and norepinephrine some experts think it might work better for reducing pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Cymbalta does work for many people, but it might not work for everyone. After 6 months of treatment about 50% of patients have a 30% reduction in pain. About 35% have a 50% or greater reduction in pain.
This sounds pretty good, but its important to point out that 20% to 35% of people taking a sugar pill (“placebo”) can also have a 30% to 50% or greater reduction in pain.
Nonetheless, Cymbalta should be considered an appropriate approach to treating fibromyalgia.
Although Cymbalta can reduce pain, it might not improve sleep in people who have difficulty sleeping. Sleep medications (e.g., Ambien) might be appropriate in these cases.
Related Q&A:
Can prednisone be used long-
Answer Posted: July 1, 2008