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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Narcotic pain relief?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Athens, OH

I wanted to know how many of you (if any) have had success with narcotic pain relief? I am currently taking a muscle relaxer called Tizanidine because I am not able to take Cymbalta or Lyrica, I have in the past had bad reactions to Cymbalta while using it as the first anti-depressant I was ever prescribed as a teenager. I took Lyrica for about 2 weeks when I was first diagnosed and had a bad mental reaction to that medication as well. Muscle relaxers help me to a certain degree but on the days… read more

May 23, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences navigating narcotic pain relief for fibromyalgia when traditional fibro medications like Cymbalta or Lyrica... Read more

Members shared their experiences navigating narcotic pain relief for fibromyalgia when traditional fibro medications like Cymbalta or Lyrica caused bad reactions or didn't help, with many describing a careful progression from NSAIDs and muscle relaxers to tramadol and eventually stronger opioids like Norco or Nucynta for severe flare days. Several members found partial relief with combinations of medications including tramadol, Tylenol, ibuprofen, meloxicam, gabapentin, and low-dose naltrexone, though many noted side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or itching that sometimes outweighed the benefits. A recurring theme was the challenge of finding doctors willing to prescribe opioids given current medical protocols, the importance of trying less addictive options first, and the reality that even with medication, pain management remains imperfect and highly individual.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I as well have had reactions to all the Fibro mess, I take 50mg of a new drug called Nucynta twice a day really takes the edge off.

May 23, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've never been able to tolerate narcotics. They make me really sick. I do take the generic of Lodine, Etodolac which is an NSAID. My husband took Celebrex for his pain but I have problems with sulfa and it contains sulfa. I know these aren't popular with doctors these days but they do help a great deal. I've been on Etodolac for over 20 years.

December 30, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Most Drs like @A MyFibroTeam Member won't prescribe narcotics. Not in their protocol based on the research out there. Have you tried Neurontin . I couldn't take Lyrica either.

December 30, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Muscle relaxers didn't help. I just started taking tramadol and hoping it helps

December 30, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

The reactions that are common in adolescence are usually not a problem as we get older. I had a bad reaction to Elavil at age 20 but was able to take it again in my 40s. I have really good results from Cymbalta. I have a fibro friend who couldn't take it and is now using Brintellex.

I have had so-so results from Norco. It will relieve the pain, but also causes terrible itching and sometimes nausea, so I prefer not to take it unless I really have to. While in Colorado, I had good results from a medicinal marijuana strain called Quirkle but I'm now in a state where it's not legal, so I'm out of luck until the laws change.

May 25, 2016

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