There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, which more commonly affects women. The risk of developing fibromyalgia increases as you age. Scientists are not sure of the cause of the condition, but its suffering is very real to those who are diagnosed with the condition. Fibromyalgia is the second most commonly diagnosed condition seen in rheumatology clinics.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia may wax and wane throughout the course of the day, and may change with activity level, stress, and even the weather. Symptoms can include:
Pain occurring in several areas of your body at the same time-pain must occur above and below the waist and on both sides of the body for diagnosis
Multiple tender areas, or areas extremely tender to touch or light pressure
Extreme fatigue
Headaches
The diagnosis is often difficult to make, or misdiagnosed as another condition. Patients often suffer for years before being properly diagnosed, leading to depression in some patients.
Savella has been approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia, and should hit the pharmacies by this spring. The drug is classified as a dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and nor epinephrine, two chemicals in the brain that scientists have linked to fibromyalgia. The drug has been tested safely in clinical trials including 2,084 patients. Some of the mild side effects of the drug as experienced by the participants in the clinical trials included:
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Constipation
Heart palpitations
Rise in blood pressure
Savella may be great news for the estimated 6 million people in the US who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Related Links:
Video: Health Tip:Breathing Through Pain from illumistream
What is Fibromyalgia? from the National Fibromyalgia Association
Fibromyalgia from MedlinePlus
