A new breed of antidepressant, duloxetine, has been credited with
easing the pain of female fibromyalgia patients, according to results
of a university clinical trial.
Duloxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of two of the brain's
neurotransmitters -- serotonin and norepinephrine. In one of the
largest trials conducted for the treatment of fibromyalgia, researchers
claim duloxetine was shown to safely and significantly reduce pain
and improve a range of disease symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Patients experience
extensive body pain and muscle tenderness, as well as headaches,
sleep disturbances and fatigue.
According to researchers, it is about six times more common in
women than in men.
While no one has identified what causes fibromyalgia, it has been
linked to abnormalities in serotonin and norepinephrine. These two
chemicals also play a large role in depression. However, not all
fibromyalgia patients have depression or respond to antidepressant
medications.
In the study, scientists gathered 207 patients who met specific
criteria for fibromyalgia.
- 89 percent were women
- 87 percent were Caucasian
- The mean age was 49
- 38 percent had been diagnosed with depression
Subjects were randomly prescribed one of two treatments for 12
weeks. Researchers gave 60 milligrams of duloxetine to 104 participants
twice a day, while the remaining 103 received placebos. To determine
improvements in their condition, each subjects was evaluated and
scored according a standardized questionnaire and other methods.
Females treated with duloxetine reported significant improvement
in variety of symptoms -- including pain, fatigue and tenderness
-- compared to those in the placebo group. Women treated with the
drug had less "tender points" and could withstand more
pressure. Duloxetine also seemed to improve mood, ability to function
and general well being.
On the flip side, the 23 male participants did not seem to benefit
from the drug.
EurekAlert
September 9, 2004
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