A drug used
for depression called duloxetine has been approved for the treatment of
fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia
is a chronic condition wherein patients suffer from pain arising from multiple
tender spots spread all over the body. However,
no demonstrable inflammation or other changes are observed at these spots. Patients also suffer from symptoms like
sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and
concentration. They are greatly disabled by fatigue and require a lot of effort to
undertake physical tasks.
The researchers found that treatment with duloxetine significantly improved various dimensions of fatigue. Significant improvements were noted in the MFI scale, BPI pain, anxiety, depressed mood, and stiffness during the first 12 weeks of the study. The improvements continued even at the end of 24 weeks of treatment with duloxetine.
Some patients were initially treated with a placebo or an inert drug during the first 12 weeks and were later switched to duloxetine. These patients showed a significant improvement in fatigue-related symptoms at the end of the study.
The researchers reported side effects of fatigue and either excessive or reduced sleep.
The researchers concluded from the study that duloxetine results in improvement of various dimensions of fatigue when used in fibromyalgia patients.
Reference:
Source-Medindia