An open-label study adding creatine monohydrate to ongoing medical regimens in patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is an ill-defined condition that causes pain and disability but still lacks effective treatment. The aim of this open-label study was to assess the efficacy of administering a food supplement, creatine monohydrate, in an "add on" to existing therapies in patients with fibromyalgia. This study included 30 patients with fibromyalgia. After 8 weeks of receiving creatine, we witnessed a significant improvement in parameters reflecting severity of fibromyalgia, quality of life and sleep, disability, and pain. These results deteriorated 4 weeks after stopping creatine therapy. The findings of this study are preliminary and limited due to the small sample and relatively high rate of dropouts.