Explore the medications commonly used to treat Fibromyalgia, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and other options to manage symptoms effectively.
A license to treat chronic pain with medicinal cannabis has been granted here for the first time, it has emerged. A 3-month agreement was given the green light by the Department of Health to use Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) people in constant agony.
THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It is currently illegal to use medicinal cannabis here – but medical consultants can apply for the license on a case by case basis. A three-month license can be granted on foot of an application made directly to the Minister for Health under section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Under guidelines from Chronic Pain Ireland, the THC would NOT be consumed via smoking. A patient would ideally take it by vaping or in their tea. Under the strict terms, a medical professional would administer a starting dose, monitor the patient, and adjust the dose accordingly, they say. Patients will be placed under constant medical supervision.
Last February, Health Minister Simon Harris announced that he would implement a Health Products Regulatory Authority recommendation that cannabis–based products be made available to some patients with multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, and those suffering nausea in chemotherapy.
However, chronic pain was not included in Mr. Harris’ plan. It was on this basis that Chronic Pain Ireland applied to the minister for a license, for one of their members, along with their medical consultant.
There were no formal application guidelines from the Department of Health, so Mr. McLoughlin created one from scratch. This is now available on Chronic Pain Ireland’s website.
The application included how THC would be administered, details of the patient’s medical consultant, and what dosage they would potentially start on.
The patient can take the medicinal cannabis either through tea or by vaping.
“Some people are desperate due to chronic pain,” said Mr. McLoughlin. “I personally know of people who use cannabis for chronic pain. Some say it works, some say it doesn’t. But you must always go to your doctor.”
Professor of pharmacology and therapeutics David Finn, who is also the co-director of the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, said the granting of the license was an “important development”.
“This is a very interesting and important development which demonstrates a recognition by Irish medical professionals and the minister for health of the potential therapeutic value of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of chronic pain,” said Prof Finn.
“Chronic pain is the most researched indication for cannabinoids, and the majority of clinical studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews conclude that cannabis or cannabinoids can be effective in alleviating certain types of chronic pain.
“Approximately 20% of the Irish population suffers from chronic pain, and up to 40% of patients report that the management of their pain is inadequate, either due to the limited efficacy of existing treatments or unacceptably high levels of side-effects.”
Solidarity-People Before Profit Alliance TD Gino Kelly has been a longtime campaigner for legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes and brought forward an opposition bill towards this end.
The Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill 2016, is now entering its third stage of debate and will go before the Oireachtas health committee early next year. “The tide has now turned. It is a significant day for people with chronic pain in Ireland,” said Mr. Kelly.
It’s not uncommon for the effects of fibromyalgia pain medications to wane over time. But what can you do about it? Here are seven different treatment options to explore.
If you are one of the approximately five million Americans with fibromyalgia, you know that pain can be severe, unpredictable, and exhausting. It can be constant for a period of time and then get better for a while — but it tends to just keep coming back.
Additionally, a painkiller that worked before may stop working, and what works for some symptoms may not work for others. Pain management needs to be constantly adjusted and may require a team of specialists who are familiar with fibromyalgia.
Common pain symptoms of fibromyalgia include stabbing, burning, shooting, or throbbing pain in any area of the body. Pain is usually worse in the morning. People with fibromyalgia may have tender areas on their neck, shoulders, back, or legs that are painful when touched.
And fibromyalgia pain can become even worse with physical or emotional stress. Common stressors that may make your fibromyalgia pain worse include a traumatic event, such as a car accident, repetitive physical traumas, or a physical illness.
Getting this pain under control is not easy. But it is possible.
Switching to a new fibromyalgiapainmedication is easier if you taper one medicine gradually before starting a new one. Always follow your doctor’s directions carefully and never stop a medication on your own.
Important options for treating fibromyalgia include finding the right pain medication, getting the proper psychological support, trying complementary therapies, and finding the right treatment team. If your fibromyalgia treatment is not working, ask your doctor to help you explore these options:
Pain medications. There are a number of medications now approved for fibromyalgia pain, including pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella). The narcotic-like painkiller tramadol (Ultram) has also been effective for fibromyalgia. “Switching between medications may be necessary and can be made easier with samples or vouchers to decrease the financial cost for the patient,” advises Dr. Abeles.
Sleep management. People with fibromyalgia often have trouble getting enough sleep — and lack of sleep can make fibromyalgiasymptoms worse. Make sure you avoid caffeine and stick to a strict sleep schedule. Ask your doctor if a sleep aid medication might help.
Social and psychological support.The stress of living with a chronic painful disease like fibromyalgia can make your symptoms worse. Research shows that increasing social support reduces fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain. You may benefit from a fibromyalgia support group. Professional counseling to help you develop coping skills and better manage your symptoms has also been shown to be helpful.
Exercise.Exercise is an important part of feeling better if you have fibromyalgia. Studies show that exercise can help you improve your fitness level, feel better about yourself, and reduce the number of painful pressure points in fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture. One survey found that about 20 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and treated at a university-based clinic tried acupuncture within a two-year period. Some studies have found that acupuncture can help relieve fibromyalgia pain, but other reports say the effects are not long-lasting and the treatment doesn’t help with the fatigue or sleep problems common with fibromyalgia.
If you are being treated for fibromyalgia and your pain medications are not as effective as in the past, you have options. Remember that it is common for people with fibromyalgia to try different types of medications and other management strategies. It is also important to make sure you have a sympathetic, knowledgeable team of experts to help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is an unpredictable disease that requires a flexible treatment plan. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself about fibromyalgia so that you can work closely with your treatment team and be a good advocate for yourself.
Cannabis topicals are providing significant relief to Fibromyalgia patients across the continent.
Cannabis topicals can be used to treat Fibromyalgia pain, like tender points and muscle stiffness, but how?
Fibromyalgia affects approximately five million Americans, yet treatment is notoriously difficult. Many believe their condition isn’t taken seriously by physicians, and symptoms are wide-ranging, including chronic pain with tender points, a widespread stiffness of the muscles, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, and more. According to a 2014 survey conducted by the National Pain Report, cannabis is a “very effective treatment” for two-thirds of Fibromyalgia patients. In fact, those same respondents said cannabis was more effective at treating their symptoms than prescription drugs.
Ingesting and inhaling cannabis can definitely help with symptoms, but for extra pain relief on tender spots, stiff muscles, and migraines, many Fibromyalgia sufferers are opting for cannabis topicals that can be massaged directly onto painful areas. That’s because the body’s endocannabinoid system has receptors all over the skin. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can be absorbed directly to decrease inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Thinking of trying a cannabis topical for pain? We’ve rounded up the 10 best cannabis topicals to help relieve Fibromyalgia pain, check them out below!
Apothecanna Extra Strength Creme is one of the best cannabis topicals on the market for pain. The cannabis lotion is great for aches and stiffness and is also infused with essential oils known for their pain-relieving properties, like arnica, peppermint, and juniper. It provides a relaxing cooling effect that can be used during a full body massage or rubbed directly into tender spots for fast-acting relief.
Om Body is made by Om Edibles, an award-winning line of cannabis-infused products. Om Body’s Lion Balm is made with beeswax and shea and cocoa butter. Plus, it’s packed with spicy essential oils, Thai Liniments, and THC. You can rub it directly onto problem areas for pain and inflammation relief that feels a bit like Tiger Balm – if Tiger Balm was infused with weed, that is.
Papa & Barkley makes an array of “Releaf” cannabis topicals, including balm, massage oil, bath salts, and transdermal patches. Through research, Papa & Barkley have found the “right ratio” of THC to CBD for topical pain relief: 3:1 THC: CBD, which all of their “Releaf” products have. All Papa & Barkley goods are made with top-shelf quality cannabis and other ingredients, like coconut oil and dead sea salt, to decrease pain and stiffness naturally.
CAD’s CBD pain cream won Best CBD topical at the 2017 Emerald Cup for a reason. Made with certified organic ingredients, this CBD pain relief rub is great for fibromyalgia pain as well as arthritis, psoriasis, and severe back pain. CAD’s cannabis topical for pain is completely handmade and the cannabis extract is sourced from pesticide-free, sun-grown California buds.
Whoopi & Maya is a line of topicals and edibles designed by actor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Founder of Om Edibles, Maya Elisabeth. Their products were originally designed to relieve menstrual cramps and discomforts, but can be used for all sorts of cramping, stiffness, and pain. They make a legendary bath salt, “Soak”, infused with THC as well as lavender, essential oils, and aloe vera, which is great to relieve discomfort before bed. They also make an exceptional pain-relieving cannabis balm called “Rub” infused with THC, CBD, white willow bark, ginger, and St. John’s Wort; all herbs are known for their medical properties.
All Sagely products are made from hemp-derived CBD, so there’s no THC and they can be shipped to all 50 states. Their “Relief & Recovery” cannabis topical was created by Ph.D. chemists and is infused with peppermint and menthol for their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, safflower seed, and argan oil to hydrate the skin, and of course, CBD, to relieve aches, pains, and inflammation.
Be Trū products are also made with CBD derived from the hemp plant, and so, contain no THC. The BODY pain relief cream is packed with essential oils known to relieve pain, like lavender, rosemary, and menthol, plus, of course, plenty of CBD. Be Trū’s CBD pain relief rub has a cooling effect and is great for fibromyalgia pains, like muscle aches, joint pain, and stiffness.
Prana makes an assortment of THC and CBD–infused cannabis topicals, including massage and body oil, roll-ons, and transdermal patches. Their CBD roll-on won second place in the CBD topicals category at the 2017 Emerald Cup and is be perfect for tender points and migraines. Prana prides itself on infusing whole-plant cannabis into essential oils, like sweet almonds, lavender, eucalyptus, roman chamomile, and juniper berry for transdermal pain relief that’s 100 percent natural.
Mary’s Nutritionals is the hemp-based, CBD-only line of Mary’s Medicinals, a medical marijuana company. Mary’s Nutritionals makes a variety of topical CBD products that are great for pain, including “Muscle Freeze,” a cooling cannabis cream that relieves muscle pain, soreness, and inflammation. For longer-lasting relief, they also make transdermal patches, the “Elite Patch,” which gradually releases 10 mg of CBD hemp extract over the course of eight to 12 hours. Also, check out their Gel pen for isolated relief on tender points like ankles and temples.
Manna Molecular specializes in transdermal patches that can be worn all day for extended pain relief and muscle stiffness. They were founded by MIT pharmaceutical chemists to create products with surgical precision and accurate dosing. Their transdermal patches are unique because they’re made with patented 3D printers, the “MannaBot One,” and can be completely customized for dose and cannabinoid profile. Meaning, you can choose the medicine that’s right for your unique pain.
Cannabis-infused sports creams claim to offer muscle relief. We spoke to experts to see if they’re worth a shot.
Chances are you’re no stranger tomuscle aches. Well, what if we told you that cannabis creams might help provide relief?
Yes, there’s a new type of topical ointment on the market, and it’s infused with cannabidiol (CBD) from marijuana. Manufacturers claim it can help alleviate acute pain and muscle soreness. CBD is similar to THC, except it’s non-psychoactive, meaning some researchers view it as the golden child of medicinal use.
Science has confirmed that cannabis is an effective pain reliever, reinforced in a massive new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But there’s a big difference between ingesting cannabis or its individual chemicals orally and absorbing it through your skin. Here, the lowdown on this new crop (no pun intended) of pain relievers.
The ointment is made from infusing high-quality cannabis flowers in some kind of quality oil—coconut or olive typically—which extracts the active compounds, either CBD, THC, or both depending on the type of hemp used. This oil is then blended with other therapeutic herbs, like arnica or lemongrass essential oils, which are well-known pain relievers.
If you read the ingredient list, often everything in the jar is straight from mother earth. As long as that’s indeed the case with the cream you have your eye on, the formula is immensely safe, chemically, says Gregory Gerdeman, Ph.D., neurophysiologist who researches cannabinoid biology and pharmacology at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, FL. And since they’re formulated to be topical—absorbing into the top layer of skin—and not transdermal—which would pass through the skin and into your bloodstream—there’s no risk of getting high.
“When it comes to cannabis-based topicals for muscle soreness or other pain relief, there’s absolutely no reason why it should be a big deal to try,” he says.
They may be safe, but there’s one massive problem: There’s practically no scientific data to support the idea that a CBD-infused topical cream is any more effective than other topical pain relievers, like Tiger Balm, BenGay, or Icy Hot. Michelle Sexton, a San Diego-based naturopathic doctor and medical research director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy says that her patients do seem to have a great interest in CBD ointments, and roughly 40 percent of them have indeed tried one. However, these people are in her office now because the topicals didn’t work for them. “As a medical professional, my opinion is there’s little evidence to back up the claims being made—it’s all marketing for now,” she says.
There is an argument to be made for the simple fact that science hasn’t caught up to the trend (and laws) of 2017 yet. And there are doubtlessly researchers testing the efficacy of CBD–infused creams for pain relief as we speak.
The theoretical logic is there, Gerdeman says. What exactly is that thinking? Well, there are a few different ways CBD could help regulate pain—by increasing your natural endocannabinoids, decreasing your inflammatory response, and desensitizing your pain receptors (although it’s still unclear whether this stands when absorbed topically compared to orally).
Let’s start simple: Endocannabinoids are natural signals in your body that help maintain homeostasis by detecting and regulating hunger, pain, mood, and memory. CBD helps elevate your natural levels of pain-relieving endocannabinoids by blocking metabolism as they’re moving around your body.
The second method of pain relief centers around the damage you do when you work out. When you strength train, you create micro-tears in your muscles, which is why you feel sore as you heal. Once your immune cells detect damage, they release inflammatory mediators in order to repair the tissue. CBD, though has the ability to limit the release of some proinflammatory signals, thereby helping with pain without thwarting the healing entirely, Gerdeman explains.
Finally, you have receptors called TrpV1 that detect and regulate your body temperature. When activated, they put out heat, soothing your pain receptors. Using this channel, CBD makes these pain receptors hyperactive for a period of time, causing them to get hot, desensitizing them, and downregulating those pain–sensing nerve endings.
Phew—enough of that biology lesson. The real problem here is that all of this has yet to be proven in scientific studies on humans.
A study analysis in the Journal of Pain Research confirms that topical use of certain cannabinoid topicals can reduce pain in animals with inflammation or neuropathic pain. And science has found topical creams with THC and CBD help relieve pain for conditions like multiple sclerosis. But for the vast majority of chronic pain—and most certainly for acute pain like post-workout—the scientific jury is 100 percent still out. “There’s a little bit of data in support of CBD for pain relief, but to go from animal to human is a giant leap,” Sexton says.
“The pain and stiffness that comes post-workout or from overexertion certainly has a pro-inflammatory component to it, so it’s reasonable to think CBD or other cannabinoids might have benefits, but we have no research to support this yet,” Gerdeman adds.
The other issue? Topical creams will treat anatomical structures within 1 centimeter of the skin—and the muscle where your actual soreness is located is going to be deeper than that, explains Ricardo Colberg, M.D., a physician at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, AL.
The fatty tissue can only hold so much oil, so, theoretically, if you apply enough of a CBD–infused topical cream to your skin it might leak down into your skeletal muscle just out of diffusion, Sexton adds. But there’s no study to show this, and that means you’re going to be rubbing on a whole lot of the stuff.
This takes us to the next problem: There is no regulation around how much active CBD or THC is in each cream or how much of the compound is needed to see relief. Read: “If you have three products that say 1 percent CBD infused in coconut oil, one could be great and the other two could be crap—that’s the reality of cannabis medicine right now,” Gerdeman says.
That’s not to say CBD–infused creams definitely won’t reduce your acute pain or muscle soreness. That’s because pretty much all of these creams on the market right now have other scientifically-proven analgesic compounds, like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin which are also found in other, non-CBD topical pain relievers.
“Any cream with a heating or cooling sensation desensitizes the nerves to pain by distracting them with stimuli on top,” Dr. Colberg explains. Plus you’re often massaging the area as you apply, which improves circulation and reduces muscle spasms, he adds.
So do you need CBD? All our experts agree that until we have more peer-reviewed research, all claims are marketing hype and not evidence-based.
But there is an argument to be made for simply believing the CBD adds that special something. “Scientific literature says there’s a 33 percent chance of the placebo effect helping people, so for some, just using a cream they believe can help will provide some relief,” Dr. Colberg adds.
The short of it: Science hasn’t confirmed creams with CBD will have any greater benefit than those without, but there’s little-to-no risk in trying it out (other than wasting your money, of course). And if you believe in the power of CBD–infused creams, that may be enough to score some relief.
If your state has legalized both compounds, look for a cream with 1:1 CBD to THC as well as another cannabinoid BCP (beta-caryophyllene) if possible, which manufacturers have seen better results with, Gerdeman suggests. Try Apothecanna’s Extra Strength Relieving Creme ($20; apothecanna.com) or Whoopi & Maya’s Medical Cannabis Rub (yes, that’s Whoopi Goldberg’s line), which was designed specifically for menstrual aches and pains (whoopiandmaya.com).
If you don’t live in a legalized state, you can typically still get CBD–infused creams. Since there’s no regulation or standardized testing, your best bet is to find trustworthy brands that use creams free of toxins but with additional pain relievers like menthol, capsaicin, lemongrass, or camphor. Try Mary’s Nutritionals Muscle Freeze ($70; marysnutritionals.com) or Elixinol’s CBD Rescue Balm ($40; elixinol.com).
A recent clinical study looked at the effects of topical magnesium on forty female patients who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
We’ve covered a lot of topics on this website about fibromyalgia, both the symptoms and possible ways to treat it. But if you’ve spent time researching fibromyalgia, you know it’s not often that you come across good news. That’s why some of the information coming about the use of topical magnesium for treating fibromyalgia is so exciting. It actually seems to have a significant impact on symptoms.
Magnesium is an element that plays an important part in the way your body functions. It helps your body create many of the proteins you need and plays a role in the regulation of DNA. It also helps regulate muscle and nerve functions.
Generally, you can get all the magnesium you need through your diet. Nuts, leafy greens, and grains are all high in magnesium and can provide the 300-400 mg that the average adult needs. The problem is that it can be tough to eat a healthy diet, and many people don’t take their magnesium levels into account when planning their meals.
And if you go a long time without magnesium, it can lead to serious problems. The most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency are fatigue, weakness, and vomiting.
It usually takes a significant amount of time for people to develop the condition, and most people with low levels of magnesium will probably never experience it. But if you have other health problems, like impaired kidney function, your odds are much higher.
The most common way to treat the condition is simply to take magnesium supplements. And there are two options as far as supplements go: oral and topical magnesium. Oral magnesium supplements are taken through the mouth, and topical supplements are applied directly to the skin.
Research has shown mixed results as to which form is better. Some have seen more of a benefit with the topical supplement, possibly because it enters the bloodstream faster. But other studies have noted that the difference isn’t really large enough to say that it’s definitely better than the oral route. And some have suggested that because the purpose of the skin is to keep things out, the argument that it is absorbed better through the skin isn’t well-founded.
Science is still out on the subject. And ultimately, it probably doesn’t matter how you take the magnesium. The good news is that studies done on topical magnesium specifically have shown that it has benefits for people with fibromyalgia.
A recent clinical study looked at the effects of topical magnesium on forty female patients who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants were asked to spray a magnesium supplement at the site of their fibromyalgia pain twice a day for four weeks. At the end of the four weeks, they had the patients fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms.
The results showed that the patients who used the magnesium solution had a significant improvement in their symptoms.
Obviously, we need more studies to fully understand what the benefits of magnesium are for people with fibromyalgia. But these early results are promising. They suggest that a simple, over-the-counter supplement like magnesium can actually have significant benefits for people suffering from fibromyalgia.
We aren’t sure why magnesium helps with fibromyalgia, as the study suggests it does. It could be that magnesium helps regulate nerve function in people with fibromyalgia, which seems to be a condition that affects the nervous system. And while there’s no evidence that fibromyalgia is caused by magnesium deficiency, it could be that keeping healthy magnesium levels leads to real benefits in symptoms.
Of course, like all supplements, there are some things you should be aware of before taking magnesium. While rare, it is possible to take too much magnesium, resulting in abdominal pains and cramping. In very high doses, it can even lead to heart problems. Always be careful about how much you’re taking. This can be a special concern when it comes to topical magnesium.
Unlike oral magnesium, it can be hard to tell exactly how much you’re taking with topical magnesium. Follow directions carefully and always consult with a doctor before taking any supplements. It may also be a good idea to get regular blood tests, so your doctor can monitor your magnesium levels both before and after treatment.
So, let us know. Do you take magnesium? Do you take it orally or topically? Does it seem to help with your fibromyalgia symptoms? Tell us in the comments.
We have reached too far in the field of technology as well as in the field of medical use. We have also reached too far in the study of our own bodies. But still, there are a lot of mysteries to be solved in the medical world.
There is no proper cure for Cancer and cancer is spreading all out there for a very long time. And there are a lot more other conditions that haven’t been cured yet. For example, fibromyalgia is still a mystery and almost more than 10 million people are suffering from it. Researchers don’t even believe that it is a stand-alone condition.
Most of them believe that it is a physical form of depression. Even now, medications used for treating fibromyalgia are also used in treating depression.
Fibromyalgia is like a mystery that’s ending hasn’t been written yet. One clue leads you towards another clue and the mystery remains the same. Fibromyalgia is not a condition just like cancer leads you towards death but it is a condition that severely affects your life. It leads you towards a life where it is constricted to lying around the home and not being able to do anything because of the severe pains and other symptoms.
We know that fibromyalgia is a syndrome and the symptoms are different in many patients. Several theories are there that refer to “what actually causes fibromyalgia.”
It seems like the body feels pain due to the low levels of serotonin in one’s body, that’s what we call “fibromyalgia”. Some people connect it with the brain. Others relate it to sleep disorders, depression, and many other conditions. Some people connect it with genetic also.
The last researchers showed that changes made in the genes of a person make this syndrome hereditary. The research is still in process. Maybe we can find the actual cause of fibromyalgia.
The Fibromyalgia category includes fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder syndrome, muscle pain, muscle twitching, restless leg syndrome, thyroid issues, muscle spasms, headaches, dizziness, and cognitive disorders.
So many conditions overlap with the same symptoms. Researchers took some time to develop an actual test that has the ability to spot fibromyalgia. At first, 18 tender points were tested in the human body and the responsiveness of patients when pressing these points.
But now, a test has developed that searches precisely for the elements in the human blood, which are specific to patients who have FMS. This test is still new which means insurance companies will not cover it.
There is no actual cure for it. You can’t just take a pill and make this disease go away, at least not now. However, there are certain medications that have proved so effective for patients. Following are the drugs approved by FDA in the USA:
It is the very first drug that has been approved by FDA in 2007 (Marketed by Pfizer Inc.,). Originally, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, seizures, and pain related to the shingles rash were mainly intended to be treated with this drug, but now it is approved for fibromyalgia as well. You should keep in mind that there can be some side effects of this drug like dizziness, lack of focus, poor memory, weight gain, dry mouth, or even swelling. Some people might have allergic reactions to this drug.
This drug was approved in 2009 (marketed by Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc.). in the US, this drug is not used to treat depression but this drug seems like an anti-depressant, which means there can be side effects. Some of the symptoms include insomnia, dizziness, Suicidal thoughts, sweating, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure, vomiting, nausea, and constipation.
This drug was approved in 2008 (marketed by Eli Lilly and Co.). Originally, anxiety, depression, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were treated by it. There can be some side effects of this drug as well that includes dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, nausea, and excessive sweating. Suicidal thoughts can also arise in some people due to this drug as some anti-depressants do the same.
These drugs haven’t been properly researched in the case of teenagers and children. That is the reason why doctors retain from prescribing these. You should also keep in mind that some people got a positive response after using these drugs. They point out that results are linked to the low level of serotonin in the body in many cases.
We’re fortunate to live in a new era of cannabis where its social and political stigmas are losing credibility one state at a time. Patients are gaining better access while recreational consumers are regaining their personal liberties.
Every now and then, we see a burping up of the old Reefer Madness scare tactics that madly drove cannabis prohibition for many decades, and this Medical Minute looks at the latest example proliferated by the media, its implications, as well as other developments in our understandings of medical marijuana.
We’d be surprised if you haven’t yet heard of the latest study supporting the theory that even occasional cannabis consumption leads to permanent structural abnormalities in the brain; mainstream media covered the Harvard/Northwestern findings with sensational headlines that would be difficult for any cannabis advocate to miss. In case you did, here’s the short of it:
Neuroimaging MRI scans of 40 individuals (ages 18 to 25; 20 cannabis consumers and 20 non-consumers) showed that marijuana – even in small amounts – caused gray matter changes in the brain’s amygdala and nucleus accumbens, areas associated with motivation, reward, and emotional processing. In light of the results, one researcher responded,
“This research with the other studies we have done have led me to be extremely concerned about the effects of marijuana in adolescents and young adults and to consider that we may need to be very careful about legalization policies and possibly consider how to prevent anyone under age 25 to 30 from using marijuana at all.”
While it’s important to understand the impact of consumption on developing brains, this study draws conclusions without exploring how these structural changes actually affect cognitive functioning.
The researchers do state, however, that the marijuana users reported no problems with school, work, family life, or legal matters. Considering the fact that alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are also associated with changes in the brain, we have to wonder why this particular study of the myriad cannabis studies available was given such widespread attention.
Speaking of developing brains and the legalization policies that would supposedly enable adolescent consumption, a recent meta-analysis tracking 20 years of data showed that medical marijuana laws do not cause increases in teen consumption.
The study compared consumption trends in states with and without medical marijuana laws, as well as statistics from before and after legalization. Their analysis sample of over 11 million students demonstrated that legalmarkets have no more of a negative impact on our youth than the thriving black market. Surprised? Nah, we aren’t either.
Currently, only three legal medications are being prescribed to treat fibromyalgia, a central nervous system disorder that causes pain and sometimes other symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, sleeplessness, and psychiatric disorders. The National Pain Foundation recently surveyed over 1,300 fibromyalgia patients about the efficacy of their treatments. Here’s what they found:
Very effective – 10% Helps a little – 22% Doesn’t help at all – 68%
The differences in efficacy are staggeringly disparate, and the results really don’t require much commentary. While it’s easy to look at this information, fist pump, and move on, remember to also share emerging information with those who might benefit from it. You’d be surprised by the number of people who don’t realize what amazing relief lies behind the veil of stigma.
Most people affected by fibromyalgia are trying to find alternative remedies to cure the disorder then the pharmaceutical medications. There are documented several ways that helped people to deal with their conditions of fibromyalgia and proved to have a positive impact on their lives.
There are several supplements and herbs that can be helpful. They can be taken in order to ease the pain of fibromyalgia by increasing serotonin levels, decreasing pain sensitivity, improving immune function, and others.
The other natural remedy used to relax the sore muscles is massage. It is also highly recommended for fibromyalgia patients. It can be done by some professional or at home.
In several cases, it has been shown that having a masseuse not only helped people to release their muscle pain directly but also allowed them time to fully relax and ease stress. However, most people prefer to do daily massage at home. This can also be done using a tennis ball, rolled over the sore muscles to gently wipe the fatigue out.
The application of heat and cold (ice) can also help to ease sore muscles. The usage of cold packs and ice can be helpful for deep and achy muscles in order to soothe their pain. Heat in the form of a warm cloth or a warm bath can also be applied to release muscle tension. The heat from a shower or bath will relax muscles and refresh the body and is considered the best way for heat application.
Magnesium has potential that helps with nearly 300 biochemical body reactions. The deficiency of minerals is found in about 80-95% of people with fibromyalgia. The lack of this mineral is also found in a large number of the general population.
Another remedy that can relieve fibromyalgia is oleander extract. It is an immune modulator. It should always be taken in supplement form because raw oleander is toxic.
Acupuncture is a very old traditional Chinese methodology. In this technique, small needles are applied to the skin to open the energy fields. The acupuncture process helps to open up pathways to energy. This traditional medical and spiritual practice that has also been backed by the NIH has proven to be very helpful.
The energy levels in the body can be attained by using vitamin B12. The deficiency of this vitamin can give pain to people who have fibromyalgia. The usage of B12 supplements can ease the conditions of fibromyalgia and provide chances to improve the quality of life as it can increase energy levels in people suffering chronic pain and can also help to release depression and isolation due to pain and fatigue.
The regular liver cleanse process is a great way to clear out toxins. There is a number of natural ways to complete a liver cleanse. This is very important because the presence of toxins in the body can affect other organs and the liver. The regular process of flushing and cleansing of the liver improves the functionality of the liver and also helps the body to eliminate waste that has been stuck in the body.
5-HTP helps to increase serotonin levels and to reduce the number of tender points on the body due to fibromyalgia. This supplement helps the body to release pain by enhancing serotonin levels and stabilizing mood. This chemical affects the brain and should be taken after a doctor’s consultation.
An important compound in the body that is essential for the body’s proper immunity system is SAMe. It helps to maintain cell membranes and break down neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Meditation is a powerful technique to clear the mind by calming the body and thoughts. It can be done in a number of ways: sitting, lying down, walking, and others. It has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase the clarity and focus of the mind remarkably.
It is a good way to manage pain and overall provides a positive outlook. It helps to clear the mind from any negativity. The regular practice of meditation can reduce stress levels and bring optimism and balance to the lives of those with fibromyalgia.
These natural cure processes should be considered by the people who want to save themselves from any further harm of the traditional pharmaceutical drugs. However, for serious conditions, proper medication is required.
It is an anti-depressant that helps in regulating serotonin production and reuptake. This medication helps in an uplifting mood, counteracts pain, and restores normal sleep patterns by increasing the concentration of usable serotonin. Both depression and anxiety symptoms are alleviated by this medicine.
Researchers show that trazodone helps in improving cognitive rationality and functioning, enhancing the quality of sleep, and reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Of course, there are some side effects as well.
Clinical studies and researchers have shown that like other anti-depressants that are available in the market, trazodone is also effective. Of course, some side effects have also been mentioned in the studies.
Constipation and glaucoma are treated by this unmatched ability of Trazodone. Trazodone doesn’t make anticholinergic reactions like other medications, that is why it shows effectiveness in treating these conditions.
Sedative effects are also produced by Trazodone, which distinctly reduces agitation, anxiety, and sleeps deprivation symptoms. These sedative effects make fibromyalgia patients in trouble who experience chronic fatigue and lethargy.
Moreover, cardiac arrhythmias are the confirmed side effect. People with and without pre-existing heart conditions have experienced this side effect.
Priapism is another rarely observed but very serious side effect. This side effect makes the male penis not retreat from its erect state for almost 4 hours. As it is a rare condition, but it does indicate some concern among men with fibromyalgia. Treating this condition generally has a high risk for this side effect.
There is a need to take some precautionary measures, as it has some side effects. An individual can take a smaller dosage if he is highly sensitive to trazodone.
As youth combines trazodone with other anti-depressants, the warning signs given by researchers should be noted by doctors and parents i.e. suicidal tendencies among youth. Early interventions and precautionary measures are critical in suicidal thought processes.
For safety purposes, this medicine should be taken in small doses by both suicidal depressed children and adults. There are a lot of anti-depressants that induce an unresponsive mental state due to which suicide thoughts increases. The rare incidence of seizures is another serious side effect.
Trazodone is safer in overdoses as compared to some other anti-depressants. Moreover, usually, people less surrender to this medicine overdose, as its toxicity levels are mild. But in some cases, the toxicity levels are spiked in the bloodstream and lower the blood pressure when it is consumed in excess. There is a worst-case report ever that says, the blockage in the atrioventricular region of the heart was developed in a patient and several organ systems got failed with it.
There is an interaction between trazodone and a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. This enzyme has responsibility for metabolic processes that activate trazodone. The concentration of trazodone increases severely in the bloodstream when there is some enzyme hindrance in some way. The effects of CYP3A4 suppresses by specific foods, herbs, and medication, which might be harmful. Grapefruit taken in large quantity can be one of these foods.
Doctors advise patients not to combine Trazodone with other medications. In some cases, the potency of alcohol, depressants, and barbiturates in the bloodstream increases with trazodone. Due to this, fatigue and scattered thinking induce. The digoxin and phenytoin levels spike in those patients who take trazodone with other medications. More research should be done in the field of trazodone and its impact on aesthetics.
Where there are benefits of trazodone, there are a few risk factors for it as well. So, before taking this medication, patients should thoroughly check both risks and benefits.
If a patient found it to be ill-suited for himself, he should take another anti-depressant as a solution. Fortunately, there are so many ways for recovery and patients can adopt different medications for treatment.
The risk of developing tachycardia, arrhythmia, and severe fatigue increases due to fibromyalgia in a lot of cases. If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or tendencies, you should consult your doctor for alternative medication. There are some additional treatments that include sleep aids, muscle relaxers, anticonvulsants, and steroid injections.
There are a lot of patients who have enhanced or replaced traditional therapies with homeopathic medications. One of the most useful methods is physical therapy, as it helps in aiding mobility and range of motion.
Moreover, energy blockages can be removed by massage and it promotes Qi flow, soothes trigger points. Muscle tension and pain are also reduced by massage. For fibromyalgia treatment, deep tissue massage, trigger point massage, and Shiatsu massage are well known. Shiatsu massage helps in interacting directly with nerve pathways in the central nervous system.
When some overwhelming risks occur in a patient’s health due to trazodone, biofeedback and acupuncture prove effective for treatment. Pain is relieved and chances of recovery are high.
It is also advised to fibromyalgia patients that they need to limit their diet by avoiding sugar, junk food, fats, etc. sugar and caffeine are the most devastating stimulants for fibromyalgia patients. So, there are some other options other than trazodone.
Fibromyalgia is such a kind of syndrome that makes life miserable. So, doctors have recommended numerous drugs and remedies to try for alleviating the pain and stress that arises with fibromyalgia. A lot of questions are still there like whether these drugs are helpful for a particular disease or not.
Fibromyalgia sufferers and people having chronic fatigue syndrome have a lot of symptoms that arise in their lifetime. Pain is included in these symptoms for which you have to try a variety of prescriptions for improvement.
Every drug has some sort of particular risk as well. When these drugs are used in conjunction with other medications, the risks become even worse. This article will tell you about some narcotics that are useful for alleviating pain related to fibromyalgia. This article will also ponder upon some important information to be remembered, in spite of the fact that which medication you are using.
People with fibromyalgia who are dealing with consistent pain are often recommended opioids or opiates. These medications often have the best results and doctors find it easy to see any differences in pain management that may occur during treatment.
Why is narcotics usually recommended to people battling with the stress and pain that comes up with fibromyalgia? This is because of their structure and their working on a person’s body and nerve systems.
Narcotics usually replicate the opioid peptides produced naturally in the body. Normally, pain is reduced by opioid peptides, but when a person suffers from fibromyalgia, this work stop. So, replicating these opioid peptides working can make a positive change in the body due to narcotics.
Narcotics work with the receptors in the brain and spinal cord just like other medications, to lessen the amount of pain that you are having. Shortly, narcotics will try to make everything good by making receptors work properly.
Numerous other narcotics are also used for treating the pain of fibromyalgia. Following are some of the most frequently used narcotics:
Few narcotics are used in combinations of two medications in treating fibromyalgia. Percocet (a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen), Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination), and Ultracet (tramadol and acetaminophen combination) are included.
You should keep in mind all the risks associated with these medications if you are using them.
A lot of doctors are recommending narcotics to patients, as narcotics have been tried and tested for fibromyalgia. More importance is gained by narcotics as this testing continues and more information is available for people with fibromyalgia.
The question that was mentioned above is, are narcotics safe? Are these a reliable way to treat fibromyalgia pain? Firstly, make sure to take them after taking the doctor’s advice. Always take medication under the doctor’s supervision.
A lot of risks are there while self-medicating, like the risk of addiction. Always take medication through legal means; this could be the only way to take medications.
A lot of concerns are there while taking narcotics. The nature of how they are is one of the concerns, as our bodies start getting used to it. If this issue arises, the medication will not be as effective as it was before. We don’t get the same output then.
This is the point where people understand the possibility of getting addicted. So, consulting a doctor before taking medication is important so he can be there to watch out for everything. He will be there to tell you that you have to switch your medicine and will guide you on how to proceed with your treatment further if these medications aren’t working for you.
So, narcotics have a great working if you take them under the supervision of a doctor. You will get to know that they are best for you. You will be safe from side effects as well if these side effects occur. So, make sure that you are getting a useful and effective treatment for your fibromyalgia. You can talk about issues that occur to you with your doctor.
