WebMD reports that the United States Food and Drug Administration has rejected a drug called Xyrem as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Although public comments (primarily from users testing the drug as part of the manufacturer’s trials) supported approval, and the FDA physicians acknowledge that the drug can reduce pain, the FDA advisory panel rejected the drug because of its similarity to GHB – the so-called “date rape” drug.
Read more on FDA Panel Rejects Xyrem as Fibromyalgia Treatment…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - alternative treatment, Fibromyalgia - research, Medical Develoments by on Aug 22nd, 2010. Comment. 
It is great when a medication currently used to treat one condition is found to have properties that positively affect another health problem. This is because much of the research has already been conducted and most of the side effects of the drug have been detailed. Finally, the FDA has already given its stamp of approval for the use of the drug and doctors have been able to evaluate how individuals respond to taking the medication. Such is the case with the sleeping pill Xyrem, which has been FDA approved to treat narcolepsy, but has been recently discovered to improve fibromyalgia symptoms as well. It may also help with symptoms of fatigue, stiffness, and other varied symptoms, according to WebMD.
Read more on Narcolepsy sleeping pill Xyrem seems to improve fibromyalgia symptoms as well…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research by on May 26th, 2010. 1 Comment.
Chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and often, symptoms are characteristic of other conditions. People may live with fibromyalgia for years, never knowing why they are suffering with such severe pain. What may be worse is that they can be diagnosed with another condition entirely and not receive the medical attention they need. Their work, relationships, and daily lives can be adversely impacted, with no answers or relief. Now, a researcher from the University of Grenada has developed a new tool to accurately diagnose fibromyalgia. The unlikely method concentrates on the way a person walks, and when combined with specific diagnostic criteria, is very reliable in diagnosing the condition.
Read more on New way to diagnose fibromyalgia: Just look at someone’s gait!…
Filed under Diagnosing fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia - research by on May 25th, 2010. Comment.
So many times chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia cause problems with daily living that most of us take for granted. Fibromyalgia is most known for the debilitating pain that it causes, which can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life. She can be in pain all over her body or in specific areas and be unable to work, go to school, or simply engage in daily activities such as cooking, walking the dog, or playing with a child. Aside from the pain, however, fibromyalgia is also responsible for decreasing an individual’s balance, especially in women. Now, according to Reuters, a study has shown how tilt platform vibration may be able to improve overall balance for fibromyalgia patients.
Read more on Vibration therapy may help reduce balance problems associated with fibromyalgia…
Filed under Associated conditions, Balance Problems, Fibromyalgia - research by on Apr 22nd, 2010. Comment.
2 separate studies show that women suffering from fibromyalgia are not seeking appropriate treatment
We have all heard the old adage that men are from mars and women are from Venus. It is true that men and women may approach some things very differently. One of the areas that these gender differences exist in is in how men and women deal with pain associated with a chronic condition. I was amazed this week when I came across two wholly unrelated articles discussing how women, who are more likely to suffer from a painful condition such as fibromyalgia, are also much more likely to dismiss their pain and not seek a proper diagnosis or treatment. There were a variety of reasons as to why they did not seek medical advice about their pain; however, one common thread seemed to be that they felt they would not be taken seriously by a professional and that they could manage it on their own. It seems that it is important for women to recognize that pain, especially chronic pain like that associated with fibromyalgia, is a medical condition, not simply a state of mind.
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research, Fibromyalgia web resources by on Mar 31st, 2010. Comment.
When people are angry, become stressed, or get upset over circumstances in their lives, they are often told to “take a deep breath.” The thought behind 
this is that taking in a slow, deep breath will allow them to refocus their energy and handle the situation more easily. Some new studies show that this same type of breathing technique may also work for people who suffer with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. Some researchers even believe that practicing breathing techniques on a regular basis can take the place of traditional drug regimes for certain individuals.
Read more on Altering Your Breathing May Help Reduce Pain Associated With Fibromyalgia…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - alternative treatment, Fibromyalgia - research by on Feb 11th, 2010. Comment.
The difficulty in diagnosing fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions is widespread among those who have the disorders. People go for years suffering from unexplained pain and fatigues, unable to determine the cause. New research indicates, however, that even when a person is diagnosed correctly, they are often undertreated. Reports show that at least thirty percent of individuals living with moderate pain and more than fifty percent living with severe chronic pain are not getting adequate relief. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy and in The RX Consultant.
Read more on Under-treatment of chronic pain associated with Fibromyalgia…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research by on Jan 28th, 2010. Comment.
A local Denver news affiliate recently investigated a unique and controversial form of therapy for fibromyalgia patients. As most fibromyalgia sufferers know, there are few effective treatments for the debilitating pain. Although patients may take various medications, change their diets, or reduce certain environmental factors, the pain associated with the disease persists. This pain often leaves the six million sufferers in the United States unable to work, complete menial daily tasks, or even get out of bed. The chronic condition is further complicated by the fact that doctors are often unable to diagnose it and that the symptoms of fatigue and persistent pain never completely disappear.
Read more on Can Tanning Help Alleviate Pain Associated with Fibromyalgia?…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research by on Jan 27th, 2010. Comment.
A remarkable study published in the journal Pain has discovered that the body may possess a unique sensory system apart from the nerves that gives individuals the ability to touch and feel. This new found sensory system has been located in two patients throughout blood vessels and sweat glands. Most people have various nerve endings located right below the skin, allowing them to feel their environment. The study was conducted by a research team supported by various pharmaceutical companies and the National Institutes of Health.
Read more on Hidden Sweat Glands may Help find Cause for Fibromyalgia…
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research by on Jan 5th, 2010. Comment.
A new study published in the journal Sleep may provide insight into the mysterious disease known as fibromyalgia. The disease impacts over 6 million individuals, with most of those being women. Additionally, the disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Because fibromyalgia has no known cause, traditional treatment options are limited, and many do not keep the symptoms at bay for very long. This new study regarding sleep disorders, however, may be able to show a link between disrupted sleep patterns and fibromyalgia.
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research by on Dec 28th, 2009. Comment.
