happyfibrofamily

Mind Altering Medication - What Do You Think?

This week a new drug was approved to treat fibromyalgia. It’s called Cymbalta, and it affects the production of serotonin and norepinephrine. Here’s the link.  This drug has also been used to treat nerve pain in diabetics, as well as depression and anxiety disorders. I know that Lyrica, is also used to treat nerve pain in diabetics, marketed as a pain reducer for shingles.

Does anyone else feel that there may be a correlation here?

I have never been diagnosed with shingles, but I have had the chicken pox multiple times and my immunity to immunizations doesn’t always hold. Could the same virus (Varicella Zoster Virus, VZV) that causes shingles and chickenpox be somehow linked to fibromyalgia? Anyone have any additional insight on this? I’ll have to see if any research is being done on those possibilities.

I’ve mentioned before that I do not feel comfortable taking many medications. It worries me that the medications that are being designed to treat fibromyalgia seem to target serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters. I grew up watching the commercials of “This is drugs” and “This is your brain on drugs” and am leery of any medication that messes with my brain.

At one time, I tried Ultram for 3 days and had major pain relief, but felt so anxious and disconnected that I have no interest in trying any more of those types of medications. I’d rather be in pain and feel in control, than pain free and out of touch. I’m a Mom - that alone can make my brain feel fried at times. I don’t need medication to enhance that experience!