Cymbalta Approved for Fibromyalgia Treatment

Cymbalta has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of fibromyalgia. Cymbalta, generic name duloxetine HCl, is a medicine developed by drugmaker Eli Lilly and is available only by prescription. Cymbalta is the first serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that has been proven to reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients.

According to Eli Lilly, some researchers believe fibromyalgia may be caused by a combination of alterations in brain and spinal cord chemistry, genetics, and stress. Other researchers emphasize a heightened sensitivity to pain. How Cymbalta works to relieve fibromyalgia pain is not entirely understood but it's thought that by increasing the activity of two naturally-occurring substances -- serotonin and norepinephrine -- it suppresses pain.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap with symptoms of arthritis and other conditions -- making the syndrome difficult to diagnose. In 1990, criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis was established which includes a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body (above the waist on both sides; below the waist on both sides of the body) for three months or more and pain at 11 of 18 tender points. Approximately 90% of fibromyalgia patients suffer with severe fatigue or sleep disorders. Other than muscular pain, fatigue, and tenderness, patients also may experience:

• anxiety
• depression
• headaches
• pelvic pain
• memory problems
• restless leg syndrome
• irritable bowel or bladder
• noise and temperature sensitivity
• temporomandibular joint disorder

Cymbalta is an important new fibromyalgia treatment option for the estimated 5 million Americans who have fibromyalgia, but the medicine is not for everyone. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits and risks associated with Cymbalta and if you decide to start using the medication -- pay attention to possible side effects and do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's supervision.

Related Resources:

• More About Cymbalta
• Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
• Test Your Knowledge: Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
• 10 Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia

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