Pharmacotherapeutics in fibrositis

Abstract

Fibrositis (fibromyalgia) is best treated by attaining patient acceptance of and compliance with a comprehensive treatment program. This includes education, physical therapy, muscle and mental relaxation, examination and adjustment of goals and priorities, and pacing of activities, as well as pharmacotherapeutics. Of the medications in use, anti-inflammatory agents with a high degree of analgesia are more effective than "pure" anti-inflammatory agents. Tricyclic derivatives are beneficial muscle relaxants. The use of long-acting agents improves compliance and is therefore favored. Local agents are of adjunctive value in some cases. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show cyclobenzaprine to be an effective medication in the treatment of fibrositis (fibromyalgia).