New Drug Approved for Fibromyalgia

On June 21, 2007 the FDA approved the first medication to specifically treat Fibromyalgia symptoms. Lyrica has been approved for use in adults only.The drug, marketed by Pfizer, was previously approved for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and as an additional therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. Lyrica has been found to reduce pain and improve function in Fibromyalgia sufferers, exactly how Lyrica works is unknown at this time.The effectiveness of the drug, for Fibromyalgia treatment, was established by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that involved 1,800 people. Participants given doses of 300 mg or 450 mg per day experienced a lessening of their symptoms, some as early as the first week of treatment. When patients stopped taking the drug their fibromyalgia symptoms worsened. There were some side effects reported during clinical trials for patients taking Lyrica compared to placebo, I do not have numbers at this time to tell us just how many patients, out of the 1,800 experienced side effects. According to Pfizer,some common side effects reported included: dizziness drowsiness dry mouth edema blurred vision weight gain swelling of hands and feet constipation exaggerated feeling of happiness or wellness balance disorder increased appetite difficulty with concentration/attention Some other things I have found out about this drug: Pfizer will began clinical trials on the use of Lyrica in children and young adults, under the age of 18. No studies have been conducted on the use of Lyrica if you are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant. Men planning on having children should consider the benefits vs. the risk of taking Lyrica as there may be an increased risk of birth defects. As always, inform your doctors of ALL medications you may be taking as Lyrica may interact with other medications or substances. Some possible interactions are: ~ Diabetes medications ~ Codeine ~ MS Contin ~ Morphine ~ Tricyclic antidepressants ~ Alcohol ~ Antihistamines ~ Barbiturates ~ Parkinson's medications, ~ Ativan,Xanax and Valium. Sources: New Fibromyalgia Drug Approved. June 22, 2007 . FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia. FDA. June 21, 2007. . Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved. FDA Consumer Update. June 21, 2007. . Lyrica Website. June 25,2007. .