Fibromyalgia : treatment alternatives

Dear Ask The Doctor: Almost 15 years ago, I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia. Due to a move I've had to find a new rheumatologist. This new doctor has prescribed 300mg of Trazadone (after taking me off of 300mg of amitriptyline) He took me off of the amitriptyline because I don't wake up feeling "well rested and refreshed". I also take 30 mg of flexeril. Is there any reason that I should not take these 2 medications simultaneously? In the past, when I've tried to come off the flexeril I started getting severe muscle spasm's in my legs. At this time, these are the only medications he will give me for the fibromyalgia as he has taken me off of lyrica because he doesn't feel as though it works. In the course of the last 6 months since I've started seeing him my fibromyalgia symptoms have gotten worse (my pain level has increased significantly and my memory has continued to decline"

Dear MaryAnn: Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, home treatment may help to relieve some of the symptoms. The most important therapy for muscle pain is regular, low-impact exercise. Keeping muscles conditioned and healthy by exercising three times a week decreases the amount of discomfort. It is important to try low-stress exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and biking rather than muscle-straining exercises such as weight training. Besides helping with tenderness, regular exercises can also boost your energy levels and help with sleep if you have problems. No single treatment will take away all the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. But most people do get some relief by trying a combination of therapies. ’Lyrica’, ‘Cymbalta’ and Savella, but you said that Lyrica wasn’t working for you. Flexeril: which is a muscle relaxant, that you are currently taken, not only decreases muscle pain but also improves sleep. Mirapex: is another drug that is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. When used to treat fibromyalgia, it may reduce pain in 80% of patients. Also for chronic pain low doses of antidepressant medication may improve sleep and decrease pain as well as eliminate depression. The anti depressants with better effects to achieve this goal are the Tricyclic (TCA) (e.g: Amitriptyline). The Trazodone, according with some research studies, is not as effective as the TCA in decreasing pain.You may try Biofeedback and relaxation techniques, besides lessening pain, these therapies also decrease the number of tender points. Acupuncture may be another holistic treatment option for you to explore: Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture may decrease tender point pain.