Does fibromyalgia cause depression?
Fibromyalgia and depression are closely connected. About 20 percent of people with fibromyalgia also experience depression or an anxiety disorder. The relationship works both ways - chronic pain and the challenges of living with fibromyalgia can lead to depression, while depression can Show Full Answer
Does fibromyalgia cause depression?
Fibromyalgia and depression are closely connected. About 20 percent of people with fibromyalgia also experience depression or an anxiety disorder. The relationship works both ways - chronic pain and the challenges of living with fibromyalgia can lead to depression, while depression can also worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
Several factors contribute to this connection:
- Isolation from spending time at doctor's offices or reduced mobility
- Constant worry about your condition
- Long-term inflammation from stress
- Chemical and hormonal changes in your body
- The emotional toll of dealing with an unpredictable, chronic condition
Many MyFibroTeam members share feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and grief related to their condition. Recognizing these symptoms is important because treating depression can actually help improve your physical fibromyalgia symptoms too. Has anyone taken Prozac for fibromyalgia?
Yes, a MyFibroTeam member shared their experience with Prozac. They had been taking Cymbalta, which helped with both pain and mood, but their psychiatrist switched them to Prozac. Unfortunately, when they stopped Cymbalta, the pain relief they'd been getting came back, and the Prozac "made me crazy."
It's worth noting that Prozac (an SSRI antidepressant) is sometimes prescribed off-label for fibromyalgia, though it's not FDA-approved specifically for this condition. The FDA-approved antidepressants for fibromyalgia are SNRIs like Cymbalta and Savella, which work differently than Prozac.
Everyone responds differently to medications, so what didn't work for one person might work for another. However, this member's experience highlights the importance of discussing your concerns with your doctor if a medication isn't helping your pain or is causing troublesome side effects.
April 19
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