Drugs and side effects ... what else is new?
Since 2007, the FDA has approved three drugs to help fibromyalgia patients ease their physical pain: Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella. But just because they have been approved doesn't necessarily mean they're risk-free. They all come with potential side effects of varying severity.
Health.com recently examined ten potential side effects of fibromyalgia drugs. Here's what they came up with:
1. Dizzinesss
According to doctors and patients alike, dizziness is one of the most common side effects of fibromyalgia drugs. A clinical study for Lyrica revealed that approximately 31% of users experienced dizziness.
If you're taking Lyrica, it's imperative that you are cautious when performing activities that require a good balance. The point in taking these medications is to feel better, not hurt yourself even more.
2. Nausea
It seems like nausea is a default side effect for all drugs, and that doesn't exclude fibro drugs. Although it's a less common side effect for those taking Lyrica, a good number of Cymbalta and Savella users are affected to the point where they stop taking the drug: at 20% and 25%, respectively.
3. Fatigue
One of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is fatigue, so it seems ironic that a drug developed to help fibromyalgia could cause ... more fatigue. But that's how the story goes, with roughly 22% of Lyrica users in a clinical test claiming to have experienced sleepiness and fatigue.
4. Dry mouth Don't be alarmed if you find that you're unable to produce saliva. If this is the case, eat sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum to help with saliva production to prevent cavities, suggests the medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. 5. Interactions with other drugs Mixing drugs can increase the level of serotonin in your brain, causing you to be anxious. If this is occurs, a lower dosage may be needed. 6. Hypertension Cymbalta and Savella, but not Lyrica, can raise your blood pressure and increase your heart rate. 7. Suicidal thoughts Lyrica is an antiseizer, and Cymbalta and Savella are antidepressants. This means you may experience suicidal thoughts every now and then when on the medication. Make sure your behavior is monitored by a close family member. 8. Difficulty concentrating There's a symptom called "fibro fog," that those with fibromyalgia may experience even if they aren't taking medication. 9. Swelling Although it's a less common side effect, it's still a side effect nonetheless. Swelling has been seen in the legs, hands, and feet of patients. 10. Weight gain Dr. Teitelbaum explains that "the average weight gain in fibromyalgia is 32.5 pounds," but only doses of Lyrica higher than 300 mg/day will increase a person's weight. To read more on the ten potential side effects of fibromyalgia drugs, see the full article here: http://health.msn.com/medications/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100261392
