Questions to ask when starting a new medication for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty with memory and concentration (sometimes referred to as brain fog or "fibro fog"). These symptoms may be present at some level most of the time or may periodically occur/worsen in episodes called flares.

While the exact cause is unknown, fibromyalgia is believed to be the result of anomalies with how the nervous system processes pain signals.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment plans typically include non-medication treatments (like exercise and mobility work), support for mental health and daily functioning, and interventions to improve sleep. Medications are also a part of many treatment plans.

The role of medications in managing fibromyalgia

A healthcare provider may prescribe a variety of medications based on your symptoms and treatment needs. Different medications have different treatment goals:

• Reduce pain. There are specific medications indicated to treat fibromyalgia pain. Common pain relievers (like NSAIDs or acetaminophen) are ineffective, and opioids are not used in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
• Improve sleep. A healthcare provider may prescribe medications or other therapies to improve sleep or treat coexisting sleep disorders.
• Treat psychiatric symptoms. Fibromyalgia can affect mood, and psychiatric disorders are common among people with this condition. The relationship is complex, but medications to treat psychiatric symptoms may be a part of a treatment plan.

In addition to sleep disorders and mental health conditions, fibromyalgia can occur alongside other health conditions, like other pain conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and obesity. A treatment plan may also include medications to treat or manage coexisting conditions.

Questions to ask when starting a new medication

It’s important to understand the medications you are taking, why those medications have been prescribed, and what to expect. A pharmacist can also be an excellent source of information about dosing instructions, drug interactions, and side effects.

Here are some questions that you should discuss with a healthcare provider whenever you are prescribed a new medication:

• What is the name of the medication? What dosage am I taking?
• How should I store this medication?
• How does this medication work?
• What is the goal of taking this medication? For example, is it meant to help with pain, sleep, mood, or another health condition?
• How is this medication taken? How often is it taken?
• How will we know if the medication is working? How long does it usually take before symptoms improve?
• What happens if this medication does not work?
• How should I expect to feel while taking this medication?
• What side effects can this medication cause? Is there a risk of serious side effects?
• Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of side effects?
• What should I do if I experience a side effect?
• Is there anything I need to avoid while taking this medication? For example, certain foods, alcohol, or activities.
• Can this medication interact with other medications I am taking? Keep a list of everything you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal supplements).
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What is the out-of-pocket cost of this medication? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost?

Working with your healthcare team

Always know the dosing instructions for any medication you are taking. To get the most benefit from a medication, you will need to take every dose and take every dose on schedule. If you have difficulty taking any of your medications for any reason, tell your healthcare provider.

It’s important to remember that fibromyalgia is a different condition for every person. A treatment plan will need to be built around a person’s symptoms, the severity of symptoms, any coexisting conditions, overall health, and the impact all this is having on quality of life.