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Lyrica for Fibromyalgia
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Research presented at the American College of Rheumatology meeting shows that Lyrica an anti-seizure drug, may relieve pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic syndrome characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. It affects more females than males, with a ratio of 9:1. It is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, and is thought to be related to abnormalities in the central nervous system and how people process pain.
The researchers conducted a clinical trial on 1000 patients. On average, patients had fibromyalgia for more than seven years and reported their pain scores as 78 out of 100.
After six weeks, 63% of the patients who received Lyrica had at least a 50% reduction in their levels of pain.
The researchers also conducted a second part to the study. In the second phase patients who initially responded to treatment were randomized to receive Lyrica for an additional 6 months or placebo.
Researchers found that, one in four patients who received placebo had worsening symptoms by 7 days, in contrast, 3 in 4 patients who received Lyrica maintained benefit beyond 34 days. Overall nearly two thirds of placebo patients had lost their initial beneficial response to Lyrica, as compared to one third of those who continued to take Lyrica.
While Lyrica has side effects- notably dizziness, drowsiness and anxiety, this is the first study to show a long-term benefit of the medicine in those with fibromyalgia.
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