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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sacramento Area, CA

It’s the little film that dissolves inside your cheek. 💊

I’m currently taking Belbuca (buprenorphine) — a narcotic used for daily pain management — for Degenerative Disc Disease and peripheral neuropathy. I’m really curious how others are doing on it… how it’s helping your pain levels, what side effects you’ve experienced, and how you’re managing your dosing.

Right now I’m on 150 mcg three times a day, but honestly it feels like it only lasts about 4–5 hours for my pain. 😔⏳ And when you try to… read more

February 21
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A MyFibroTeam Member

That's an extremely strong painkiller, It's not used where I live. They are very strict here on narcotics. I have osteoporosis in my spine degenerative disc disease plus other stuff. If they try offering me anything that would be painful to stop I say no thank you. It's not the doctors who have to go through withdrawal. I'm really happy they are strict with these medications. If a doctor here signs off on a controlled substance they count their prescriptions monthly and it gets forwarded to the higher powers that be. I'm so sorry you are having to take this ❤️ Makes me angry that they do not explain the pro' and cons of certain medications. Once on a strong medication if something else was to happen the body is so used to the doses it just stops working and people need more and more to get the initial pain relief. So sorry to hear this, Sending prayers and healing 🙏🏻⭐️🌟❤️

February 22
MyFibroTeam

Are others with fibromyalgia taking Belbuca (buprenorphine) for pain management, and what are their experiences with dosing and effectiveness?

It's understandable that managing chronic pain feels overwhelming, especially when medication doesn't seem to last as long as needed. Unfortunately, opioids like buprenorphine are Show Full Answer

Are others with fibromyalgia taking Belbuca (buprenorphine) for pain management, and what are their experiences with dosing and effectiveness?

It's understandable that managing chronic pain feels overwhelming, especially when medication doesn't seem to last as long as needed. Unfortunately, opioids like buprenorphine are no longer recommended for fibromyalgia treatment due to associated risks including dependence, and the evidence doesn't support their effectiveness for fibromyalgia pain specifically.

The frustration you're feeling about doctors' responses is valid—many people with fibromyalgia have historically faced skepticism and dismissal, even from healthcare providers. Your pain is real and deserves to be taken seriously.

For fibromyalgia pain management, current recommendations focus on:

- FDA-approved medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella), and pregabalin (Lyrica)
- The newly approved muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine (Tonmya)
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline
- Non-drug approaches combined with medication

If your current pain management isn't working well, it might be worth discussing fibromyalgia-specific treatment options with your doctor. These medications work by calming overactive nerves and reducing pain signal transmission, which addresses how fibromyalgia pain works in the body.

You deserve compassionate care and a treatment plan that helps you function. Don't give up on finding the right approach for you.

February 21

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