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Treating Fibromyalgia

Build a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan


There are many ways to manage fibromyalgia pain, including taking a prescription medicine. But your prescription is only part of a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan. One way to approach your treatment is to think of it as a series of steps.

1.  Learn all you can about fibromyalgia
2.  Work with your doctor to set a treatment goal—even one as simple as "be in less pain"
3.  Work with your doctor to form a fibromyalgia treatment plan. Consider using more than one method—for instance, complement taking medicine with alternative treatment approaches
4.  Track progress over time—this will help you know when you’ve met your first goal

You may benefit from creating a fibromyalgia treatment plan that combines medicine and alternative treatment approaches. Read through the ideas below. Decide which ones appeal to you.

Tips for building a complete fibromyalgia treatment plan


Speak with your doctor before making changes to your diet or exercise routine.


Fibromyalgia is not caused by nor can it be treated by eating certain foods. But there are certain dietary guidelines that are good for anyone to follow. Always maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Proper nutrition will give you more energy and generally help you feel better.
Sleeping well may help ease the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. So tell your doctor if you have problems sleeping. Improving your sleep may improve your symptoms.
  • Go to bed at the same time each night
  • Give yourself the time to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
  • Turn off electronic devices, such as the television—these can disrupt sleep
LYRICA is not a sleep aid. Ask your doctor what you can do to improve your sleep.
Research has shown that regular activity is one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia. This can often be challenging for someone with fibromyalgia. So look for simple ways to add light activity to your day:
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Park at the far end and walk across a parking lot
  • Get off the bus one stop early and walk
Talk to your doctor before making changes to your exercise routine.
Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. It might include alternative treatment approaches. Many people with fibromyalgia find it beneficial to consider adding one or more of the following alternative treatment approaches to manage their condition: physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, nutritional counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, massage, yoga, or hydrotherapy (using water, ice, and steam). Adding any of these approaches may help you manage your fibromyalgia.
For many with fibromyalgia, prescription medicine is an important part of treatment. Learn how LYRICA can help relieve fibromyalgia pain on the next page.
LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles. LYRICA is also indicated to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take 1 or more drugs for seizures.

Important Safety Information

LYRICA is not for everyone. LYRICA may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions. Stop taking LYRICA and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or blisters.

Drugs used to treat seizures increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. LYRICA may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, do not stop LYRICA without first talking to your doctor.

LYRICA may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with heart problems. LYRICA may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling "high." If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores.

You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling of your hands or feet or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. Do not drink alcohol while on LYRICA. You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if you take LYRICA with alcohol, narcotic pain medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

Before you start LYRICA, tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

In studies, a specific type of blood vessel tumor was seen in mice, but not in rats. The meaning of these findings in humans is not known.

Do not stop taking LYRICA without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea or trouble sleeping and if you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

View the Medication Guide

View the Full Prescribing Information
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
Copyright © 2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PBP01545A/291119-01