Fibromyalgia: The diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment

Received 4 June 2009; received in revised form 28 June 2009; accepted 22 July 2009.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness along with a constellation of ancillary symptoms. The 1990 ACR criteria for classification of FM are important in enhancing much the research of FM. FM is part of a spectrum of functional somatic syndromes. FM is not a homogenous condition and several subtypes of FM had been determined. The best strategy for management of FM is to use a multidisciplinary approach to treatment using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Tramadol, tricyclic drugs, mixed reuptake inhibitors and anticonvulsants show efficacy in this condition. Recently, three drugs: pregabalin, duloxetine and milnacipran have been approved by the FDA for treatment of FM.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia, Chronic widespread pain, Functional somatic syndromes, Pharmacologic treatment, Reuptake inhibitors, Alpha 2 delta ligands

Head of Department of Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel

Address: Department of Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel. Tel.: +97 2507883360; fax: +97 286403201.

PII: S1754-3207(09)00013-3

doi:10.1016/j.eujps.2009.07.007

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