I really wish I could offer a better answer, but unfortunately there is no one cure for everyone. It’s a lot of trial and error to see what works for you. It’s a long process that unfortunately can’t really be solved any other way, and the bonus good news is that your body chemistry is always changing, so the answer that works now may change at any time! Just try to remember that you’re not alone in the journey- we’re all here for you any time you need to chat. 💜 Sending lots of love and support!

@A MyFibroTeam Member I agree about Wellbutrin. I take that for my ADHD and SAD and it doesn't seem to interfere with my fibromyalgia or cause any side effects. It doesn't do anything for my pain, but it's a great mood med. For those wondering, duloxetine isn't an SSRI. It's an SNRI, which is why it helps with ADHD.

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A MyFibro...

There's no universal treatment, but for me, the best med is duloxetine. I switched from fluoxetine to duloxetine and went from using a cane in fall/spring to climbing trees again (Yes, I still do that in my thirties lol). I still get flare-ups where my pain is worse again, but I've only used my cane once or twice in the last 6 years.

Since no one else has mentioned it yet, my mom takes fluoxetine for her mood and chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia. I took that for about 15 years for my mood, but then it suddenly stopped working for my SAD. Apparently, this is fairly common and has to do with serotonin fatigue. It also didn't help my pain, so I switched to duloxetine + Wellbutrin XL. Fluoxetine isn't for everyone, but it got me through my twenties, and it does help my mom a lot.

Caveat: I got severe night terrors as a side effect of fluoxetine, but I didn't know that was why until I switched medication. I no longer wake up screaming or thrash in my sleep! That being said, my mom has never had a night terror and that side effect is super rare, so it could still be worth trying. Just be aware that antidepressants can cause some really strange side effects your doctor may not be aware of.

I’ve heard good things about Duloxetine as well, but I know some people have severe adverse reactions to SSRIs, and if that’s the case for you, I’ve had really good results with Wellbutrin.