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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition of constant pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, pain, disturbed sleep, and feeling depressed or anxious. Many people with fibromyalgia turn to over-the-counter medicines to relieve their pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol), aspirin and non-aspirin products like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as > ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis). For some, pain relievers do not seem to work well at all. Others find that pain relievers reduce the pain, although they may not take it away completely. Some people find benefit in combining these with other treatments. However, for people with fibromyalgia, these medicines seem to become less effective with long-term use. Nondrug regimens such as stress management and exercise are generally the most successful in relieving symptoms.

Sources:
Alarcon GS, Bradley LA. "Advances in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: Current Status and Future Directions." The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 315 (1998).
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1999.
Diseases and Conditions, "Fibromyalgia." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 10/27/2000.
This information updated 1/3/2007.