Emerging therapies for fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue. High prevalence marks the syndrome which is considered to reflect altered central pain processing. Fibromyalgia syndrome runs a chronic, non-progressive course, extracting high price owing to impaired quality of life, restricted vocational capacity, and increased health care utilization. Objective: To review current and emerging trends in the treatment of FMS. Methods: A rigorous search of published literature, abstract presentations, and industry provided data was performed. Results/conclusion: The recent FDA approval of pregabalin as a first specific medication for FMS may herald a new era for the development of medications with higher specificity and efficacy for this hitherto frustrating condition.

Keywords::

• dopamine agonists
• fibromyalgia
• growth hormone
• melatonin
• reuptake inhibitors
• α₂δ ligands