One such treatment option is baclofen, a medication that is commonly used to treat muscle spasms and spasticity. Baclofen works by suppressing the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and brain, which can help reduce pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia. While baclofen is not specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, it has been used off-label for this purpose with some success.

Key Takeaways

• Baclofen is a medication that can help alleviate pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia.
• While not specifically approved for this purpose, baclofen has been used off-label to treat fibromyalgia with some success.
• Baclofen works by suppressing the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and brain.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the muscles and joints, as well as sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, as they often overlap with other conditions. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Widespread pain and tenderness
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Depression and anxiety

To diagnose fibromyalgia, doctors will typically perform a physical exam and review the patient’s medical history. They may also order blood tests to rule out other conditions. In some cases, doctors may perform a tender point exam, where they apply pressure to specific points on the body to determine if the patient has tenderness or pain.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and the Central Nervous System

Fibromyalgia is believed to be related to abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia may have increased sensitivity to pain, as well as changes in the way their brain processes pain signals. This can lead to widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.

In addition to pain, fibromyalgia can also cause sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. People with fibromyalgia may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and they may wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed. They may also have trouble with memory and concentration, which can affect their ability to work and perform daily tasks.

Overall, fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve overall functioning. One of these treatments is baclofen, which has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving sleep in people with fibromyalgia.

Baclofen as a Treatment Option

Pharmacology of Baclofen

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that works by binding to and activating GABA-B receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This results in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release, leading to a reduction in muscle spasms and spasticity. Baclofen is rapidly absorbed and eliminated by the body, with a half-life of approximately 3-4 hours.

Baclofen’s Role in Managing Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is believed to be related to abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system. Baclofen has been studied as a potential treatment option for fibromyalgia due to its ability to modulate pain transmission in the central nervous system.

Several clinical trials have investigated the use of baclofen for fibromyalgia, with mixed results. Some studies have shown that baclofen can significantly reduce pain and improve sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia, while others have found no significant benefit.

Despite the mixed results, baclofen may be a viable treatment option for some patients with fibromyalgia, particularly those who experience muscle spasms or spasticity as a result of their condition. It is important to note that baclofen should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

In conclusion, while baclofen may not be effective for all patients with fibromyalgia, it is a potential treatment option that may provide relief for some individuals. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of baclofen in managing fibromyalgia, but it remains an important pharmacological therapy for muscle spasms and spasticity.

Comparing Medications

Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants

Antidepressants and anticonvulsants are commonly used to treat fibromyalgia. Duloxetine, amitriptyline, pregabalin, gabapentin, and milnacipran are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia. These medications work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and spinal cord that are involved in pain processing.

Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is used to treat depression and anxiety. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve sleep in patients with fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat depression and chronic pain. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve sleep in patients with fibromyalgia.

Pregabalin and gabapentin are anticonvulsants that are used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain. They have been shown to reduce pain and improve sleep in patients with fibromyalgia. Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is used to treat depression and fibromyalgia. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with fibromyalgia.

Analgesics and Muscle Relaxants

Analgesics and muscle relaxants are also commonly used to treat fibromyalgia. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are some of the most commonly used analgesics for fibromyalgia. They work by reducing inflammation and pain. Opioids are also used to treat severe pain in patients with fibromyalgia.

Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine are used to treat muscle spasms and pain. They work by reducing muscle tension and improving sleep. However, they can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Overall, there is no single medication that works for everyone with fibromyalgia. Patients may need to try several different medications before finding one that works for them. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

Side Effects and Management

Common Side Effects of Fibromyalgia Medications

Like any medication, baclofen can cause side effects, some of which are common among fibromyalgia medications. These side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and constipation. While these side effects are generally mild, they can be bothersome.

Managing Adverse Reactions

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other medications to help manage these symptoms. In some cases, it may be necessary to stop taking the medication altogether.

It is also important to note that stopping baclofen abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. To avoid this, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing your dosage over time.

In rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction to baclofen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Overall, while baclofen can be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to speak with your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Lifestyle

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it can also be beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. Exercise can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and increase overall physical function. It is recommended that patients engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Strength training exercises can also be beneficial, but it is important to start slowly and work with a physical therapist to avoid injury.

Physical therapy can also be helpful for those with fibromyalgia. A physical therapist can work with patients to develop an individualized exercise program that takes into account their specific symptoms and limitations. They can also provide manual therapy, such as massage or joint mobilization, to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Self-Care Strategies

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can be helpful for those with fibromyalgia. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can contribute to pain and other symptoms. This therapy can help patients develop coping strategies and improve their overall quality of life.

Self-care strategies can also be beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress. Patients may also benefit from relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help manage their symptoms.

In conclusion, a combination of therapeutic approaches and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. Patients should work with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that takes into account their specific symptoms and needs.

Regulatory and Clinical Considerations

FDA Guidelines and Prescription Practices

Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, is approved by the FDA for the treatment of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. However, it is not approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Despite this, some healthcare providers prescribe baclofen off-label to treat fibromyalgia symptoms.

According to the FDA guidelines, off-label use of a drug is permissible if the healthcare provider believes it will benefit the patient. However, it is important to note that off-label use may not be covered by insurance and may not be supported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses.

Off-Label Use and Clinical Trials

There is limited clinical evidence supporting the use of baclofen for fibromyalgia. A few small studies have suggested that baclofen may improve pain, fatigue, and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia. However, larger RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Despite the lack of clinical evidence, some healthcare providers still prescribe baclofen off-label to treat fibromyalgia symptoms. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of off-label use with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

In summary, while baclofen is not FDA-approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia, some healthcare providers prescribe it off-label to treat fibromyalgia symptoms. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of off-label use with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Larger RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of baclofen for fibromyalgia.

Special Populations and Precautions

Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Baclofen is classified as a pregnancy category C medication, which means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Although there is no conclusive evidence that baclofen is harmful to the fetus, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid taking this medication unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution when taking baclofen, as the medication may be excreted in breast milk and could potentially harm the nursing infant. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers discuss the risks and benefits of baclofen with their healthcare provider before taking this medication.

Considerations for Elderly and Patients with Other Conditions

Elderly patients and those with certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to the side effects of baclofen. It is recommended that these patients start with a lower dose of the medication and be closely monitored for any adverse effects.

Patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury may also require special consideration when taking baclofen. These patients may experience increased muscle weakness or fatigue while taking the medication, which could make it more difficult for them to perform daily activities. It is important for these patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor for any adverse effects.

In summary, while baclofen can be an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia, it is important for special populations to exercise caution when taking this medication. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, while elderly patients and those with certain medical conditions should be closely monitored for any adverse effects.

Practical Information for Patients

Dosages and Administration

Baclofen is available in tablet form and is usually taken orally with or without food. The dosage of baclofen for fibromyalgia varies depending on the patient’s age, medical condition, and response to treatment. The recommended starting dose is usually 5mg three times a day. The dose can be increased by 5mg every 3 days until the desired effect is achieved. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 80mg per day.

Interactions with Other Medications

Baclofen may interact with other medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they are taking before starting baclofen. Taking baclofen with other medications that cause drowsiness may increase the risk of side effects.

Monitoring and Healthcare Provider Consultations

Patients taking baclofen for fibromyalgia should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider. This may include a tender point exam, blood tests, and monitoring of vitamin D levels. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience any side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or muscle weakness.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication, including baclofen. Patients should also inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking baclofen.

In conclusion, baclofen can be an effective medication for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Patients should follow the dosages and administration instructions provided by their healthcare provider. They should also inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking and report any side effects. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider can help ensure safe and effective use of baclofen.

Tired. No energy, every day. Sleep that does nothing and pain throughout the body. These are the classic symptoms of fibromyalgia disorder.

Problems with memory and concentration, muscle spasms, numbness in the extremities, and even problems with the digestive tract often accompany the common symptoms.

The worst of all of these is the pain since it often prevents sleep and will cause a feedback loop of symptoms as actual exhaustion stacks on top of the fatigue from the disorder.

You would expect pain medication to be central to treatment, right? Treatment for this disorder is more complex than simply relieving pain. 

Current research shows that the disorder is one of the central nervous systems, with measurable and observable abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms are not constant, can come and go with varying intensity, and can even enter into an extreme level referred to by patients often as a ‘flare-up’. 

One of the types of pain experienced can be treated using specific opioids, such as tramadol (sold under the brand name Ultram), but this is a simple answer to a complex question that is not intuitive.

It will not directly treat any symptom of fibromyalgia, but there is a place in the treatment of fibromyalgia that it fits.  

A Complex and Tangled Web of Symptoms

The common symptoms of fibromyalgia are typically not constant in intensity and can vary from day today. The less common symptoms come and go with a little warning and no discernible pattern.

Poor quality sleep increases symptom variety and intensity, as does moderate physical activity. This seemingly random frequency can make understanding the condition difficult because one day sufferers can be nearly fully functional and the next day they can barely get out of bed. 

The full list of symptoms is extensive and seemingly unrelated. The most common are poor sleep quality, generalized pain, pain in the joints, neuropathic pain, constant fatigue, intolerance to exercise, stiff joints in the morning, muscle spasms, numbness of the extremities, problems concentrating (referred to by patients as ‘fibro fog’) and feeling pain from light touches in certain areas of the body known as ‘tender points.

Less common symptoms include intolerance of hot or cold environments, problems with the digestive system, problems with urination, anxiety, depression, and problems with language. 

With this shifting and a random group of symptoms, fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as either another condition or as a psychosomatic, or imaginary, condition.

Since there are no clinical tests for fibromyalgia and it is diagnosed by eliminating all other known causes for the symptoms and signs in a patient, it often takes years for sufferers to receive a proper diagnosis.

The idea that the disorder is entirely caused by mental illness is false and should not be assumed. The symptoms are real. The pain is real. 

The most debilitating symptom of the disorder is the ‘flare-ups‘. Symptoms increase to extreme levels that leave untreated sufferers bedridden during a flare-up.

Even with treatment, they can rob a patient of full function when they occur, even to the point that they are unable to work while the flare-up is happening.

The sufferer may be nearly fully functional on all other days and only have symptoms during flare-ups.

Although they can be triggered by too much physical activity or having poor sleep the night before, flare-ups can also happen with no known trigger.

Their frequency varies from patient to patient, with two or more in a month being a common rate. 

The numbness in the hands, flare-ups, difficulty with concentration, and intolerance of physical activity limit what a person with fibromyalgia can do.

Without effective treatment, they often can not work and have difficulty with even household chores or personal hygiene.

The sensitivity to hot and cold environments can stop them from enjoying activities in their personal life since going outdoors can be very uncomfortable and even trigger symptoms.

The constant fatigue and concentration problems can make social interaction difficult or even impossible, depending on the current severity of the symptoms. 

Successful treatment for most with fibromyalgia is possible and returns almost all functions. They can work and suffer only mild symptoms.

They are typically limited to working in sedentary jobs that are indoors because of the risk of exacerbating symptoms.

There are also those patients that can not take all of the medications or the drugs are not effective enough at treating their symptoms. Treatment can improve function and quality of life for these patients, however.  

What We Know About the Disorder 

As has been the case since when the disorder was first identified in the early 1990s, there is no known cause for fibromyalgia.

Without a known mechanism that causes the observed signs and symptoms of the disorder, doctors are limited to trying to counter the symptoms directly through medication, diet, and exercise.

This method of treatment has yielded results for most patients and even full remission in some. Not everyone can tolerate all of the medications that are effective at treating the disorder, however. For them, even minor improvements in pain level and reduced symptoms is the goal of treatment. 

Current research has narrowed down the area of the body responsible for fibromyalgia to the central nervous system, as reported in Science Daily.

Scientists can now focus their search on this area of the body. It is a difficult area to analyze and experiment with and research specifically into fibromyalgia is not funded as largely as other medical research, such as for Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. 

Recent research has shown that inflammation of the nerve tissue and activation of white blood cells, the cells that make up your body’s immune system and fight infections, are present in the brain of fibromyalgia patients.

Inflammation is also seen in other tissues throughout the body in this disorder. This inflammation can be self-sustaining and is not seen in normal brains unless there is an infection of the brain tissue or the cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is used for cushioning impacts and for various vital functions. 

These functions include the regulation of blood flow in the brain and protection against infection. Some neurotransmitters are found in trace amounts in the fluid.

The metabolites of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine have been observed in abnormally low levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of those with fibromyalgia disorder. 

One current theory that is being explored by researchers is that abnormal brain chemistry and inflammation cause cascading bursts of nerve activity in the pain centers of the brain when stimuli, like touch, are experienced instead of the normal reaction.

Another, that is more promising at coming to a mechanism that causes the disorder, involves a combination of a metabolic disorder in the brain cells interacting with an infection or injury to cause chronic inflammation of the nerve tissue in the brain.

Both of these theories are years away from yielding any treatment that may help with the disorder, but this does show that impressive progress towards finding a cause has been made in recent years.  

Current Therapies in Use

With the menagerie of symptoms, our limited understanding of the disorder, and the inconstant and variable nature of the symptoms, a multi-pronged approach to treatment that focuses on addressing and countering symptoms is used by doctors for treating this confounding disorder.

Some medications can help or eliminate each of them, but some of them cause drowsiness in the majority of patients, which can take the fatigue that comes with fibromyalgia from problematic to debilitating. 

There are also the side effects and tolerability issues related to whether or not patients have severe enough side effects from a medication that they can not take medication. Medication selection is tailored to the individual patient.

This can take months or even years of trial and error to find a combination of effective drugs.

In some cases, drug intolerance can prevent the effects of treatment from being achieved, but stability and even slight improvements in symptoms are welcomed in such cases. 

The common route of treatment used by doctors to treat fibromyalgia is well summarized in this article by the National Health Service of the United Kingdom.

It addresses each of the common symptoms and what medication options are commonly used to address them. This is not exhaustive in its depth, but it will give you some idea of the wide spectrum of treatment options available for fibromyalgia. 

One of the cornerstones of the treatment of the disorder is the management of pain. Since there are multiple sources of pain and the level of pain can itself become fully debilitating, this symptom requires special attention?

Light exercise, even just walking a little, is highly effective in improving all symptoms of fibromyalgia, but pain levels need to be reduced to a point that will allow exercise to begin in the first place. 

As with any chronic condition, the goal of treatment is to restore as much normal function to the patient as possible.

In most cases, nearly full function can be achieved with therapy for patients with this disorder. This takes time, however.

Medications need to be introduced, exercise started, and even psychological therapy added while the function is restored.

It is very frustrating for patients to no longer be able to take part in activities or work they had done before.

This can lead to depression which is common in those with chronic conditions. Treatment of this depression, if it occurs, will help speed recovery of function and quality of life.  

Why Does it Hurt So Much and Can Medication Help? 

The pain felt by sufferers of fibromyalgia comes in four types, each with a different cause and treatment.

Untreated, the pain is intense enough to leave a sufferer bedridden and in tears, unable to function well enough to even bathe or cook meals. The pain can even become intense enough to cause nausea.

The first is called neuropathic pain. It is the same kind of pain that severe diabetic patients feel in their extremities.

Low levels feel like itching or insect crawling on your skin, with moderate intensity feeling like the sensation of local anesthesia, complete with numbness, pins, and needles, and severe is similar to the sensation of being stabbed with multiple small knives.

In fibromyalgia, this can occur anywhere in the body, however. This includes places that shouldn’t ever itch, like the teeth. It is treated using Lyrica (AKA pregabalin) or gabapentin. 

The second is pain caused by the imbalance of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

The metabolites, the leftover molecules from the processes of breaking down a substance by the body, of these neurotransmitters can be found in the cerebrospinal fluid.

This is similar to the pain that is felt by severely depressed patients and is treated with the same medications that treat mental illness.

The frequently used drug is Cymbalta (AKA duloxetine), but as is common for this family of medications, effectiveness, and tolerance varies greatly from person to person, so other medications are also used. 

The third is where more classic pain-relieving medications, like tramadol, can be used. Muscle spasms, experienced by almost all fibromyalgia patients, will cause pain as they happen, just after they are finished, and even during the following days.

The rapid contractions in the muscle quickly cause it to switch to an anaerobic energy source, producing lactic acid, just like when you exercise or use a muscle for an extended time.

That same soreness will occur in muscles that have been in spasms. Although muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine, can help prevent the spasms, their side effects include drowsiness while the regular dosage could be simply insufficient to stop the muscle spasms at all times. 

The fourth and last kind is a consequence of the numbness caused by neuropathic pain. This can cause issues with coordination, walking, and even result in falls.

This results in injuries to oneself without even realizing it until the sensation in the affected area returns. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), and low-level opioids like tramadol and codeine can easily treat this type of pain.  

The Dangers of Opioid Use 

Any time powerful and addictive drugs are going to be used, caution and care need to be taken to ensure safety and minimize the risks associated with such medications.

Your doctor will want to closely monitor your use of an opioid and refills for the medication will typically require a visit to the doctor’s office for an examination. There are also side effects to the long-term use of opioids that need to be accounted for and mitigated. 

As one takes medication like tramadol, an opioid, the body will become adapted to its presence. Over time, it will take a larger dosage to achieve the same results.

This will also increase the side effects, such as an upset stomach, drowsiness, and constipation. 

There is also a form of whole-body pain that can occur during withdrawal from opioids. This can start to happen between doses as your body becomes accustomed to having the drug present.

Increasing a fibromyalgia sufferer is extremely counterproductive since it will increase their other symptoms and could even cause a flare-up to occur. 

Then there is an addiction to consider. Opioids are addictive. They affect the reward center in the brain heavily and addiction to them is difficult to treat.

Even low doses can lead to addiction, especially when taken as part of long-term pain management. 

Lower level and newer opioids are safer, but there is no way to avoid all of the risks that come with using any drug in this family.

Pharmaceutical companies intended to create a safer opioid when they developed tramadol. For the most part, they succeeded, but no opioid is 100% without risk of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and side effects.  

The Right Tool for the Job

The common side effects of opioids are drowsiness, constipation, and nausea/vomiting. Long-term use causes dependence, addiction, and depression.

Alcohol and sleeping pills are taken with opioids that can lead to death since their suppression of the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that regulates breathing, heart rate, blood sugar, and body temperature which could be impacted so greatly that breathing can be stopped. 

With fibromyalgia disorder causing fatigue and sleep problems, along with other less common symptoms that affect the autonomic processes of the body, most opioids would compound with symptoms instead of bringing relief.

Fatigue, having drowsiness added to it, will result in excessive sleeping and all of the negative effects that would have on a patient’s body and life. 

A lower incidence of addiction reduces the intensity of side effects, and minimized withdrawal pain is found in tramadol when compared to other opioids.

It also does not cause the euphoria that most other opioids cause when taken at high doses, so the potential for abuse of the medication is greatly reduced.

This makes it a good match to use for pain in fibromyalgia when over-the-counter options, mainly NSAIDs, are insufficient to bring relief.

It is not perfect, however, and if you are considering bringing it up as an option with your doctor, I would recommend reading this article on the medication from the Mayo Clinic.  

How does Will Treatment help With the Pain? 

Even with the effectiveness of the available medications, some suffer from fibromyalgia that is not able to achieve full relief of their symptoms.

Many are unable to work because of the intensity of the symptoms or because of the flare-ups and random nature of their symptoms making consistent work impossible.

For these people, any improvement is beneficial and could even lead to a path of greater function and quality of life. 

There have been scientific studies that show the benefit of lowered pain levels in fibromyalgia when tramadol is added to a treatment regime.

This one from the National Institutes of Health in the US used a small group of fibromyalgia patients to test tramadol’s effectiveness in the treatment of fibromyalgia disorder.

Although it is not definitive, further research has come to the same conclusions and has led to tramadol being added to the treatment options for the disorder. 

Sleep quality has been shown to directly affect the intensity, frequency, and several symptoms. With the constant fatigue found in the disorder, sleeping pills are generally avoided since they commonly cause drowsiness during the day, even if they improve sleep quality.

Reductions in pain levels, such as those shown to come from treatment with tramadol, can easily allow for much more effective sleep.  

A Light at the End of the Tunnel Does Exist 

Reduction of pain levels by using multiple drugs is one of the keys to the treatment of fibromyalgia disorder.

This includes using classic pain-relieving medications like NSAIDs and the opioid tramadol. Stopping any part of the cycle of self-perpetuating symptoms will help. 

All of the symptoms of the disorder become worse with higher pain levels, causing more pain. When pain is reduced, improved concentration lowered neuropathic symptoms, and fewer muscle spasms will be experienced.

With lowered pain, improved sleep can be achieved, lowering symptoms further. Then exercise can be added and pain reduced even further. 

Now that you have all this information, you have a much better understanding of this disorder. If you, a friend, or a family member has fibromyalgia disorder, I hope that this work has helped you understand it more and how it can be treated.

With the help of a doctor and current treatment, it is possible to reclaim your life from fibromyalgia, even if it is just a little of what you had before.

But what is the evidence this plant-based, herbal remedy helps people with serious ailments like fibromyalgia? Is it safe to use? And what are the legalities of using CBD oil for patients and their caregivers?

What is CBD and How Is It Related to Marijuana?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of at least 60 chemicals known as cannabinoids uniquely occurring in cannabis plants.

Some of these chemicals have the psychoactive properties recreational marijuana is known for, but CBD and many other similar chemicals in cannabis are not psychoactive.

Yet, scientific studies and patients using cannabis-derived medical remedies report that CBD and related compounds contain remarkable properties, helping with the control of the symptoms of a wide variety of ailments, including fibromyalgia.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical with psychoactive properties known for the psychological high sought after by recreational users of marijuana.

THC has its medicinal uses, and it is often combined in small amounts with CBD where the two chemicals have a synergetic effect on each other, increasing the effectiveness of symptom relief and decreasing the probability of side-effects of one another.

While CBD and marijuana both come from the two main species of the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, CBD oil contains little or no THC and does not get a person high.

Hundreds of strains of cannabis have been developed by plant breeders, and each one has its unique profile of concentrations of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoid chemicals.

Many cannabis dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal provide consumers with information on the concentrations of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in their products.

Strains of cannabis with both CBD and THC also have medicinal properties, but depending on the level of THC, this can come with psychological effects many people do not want to experience.

Pure CBD oil is free from the psychological high of marijuana but still potent for controlling pain, improving sleep, increasing appetite, easing depression, and helping with other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an extract made from the mature flowers and leaves of high CBD strains of marijuana by soaking the plant matter in alcohol or another solvent and then completely evaporating the solvent, leaving virtually pure CBD oil. Water can also be used for the extraction of CBD oil.

Compounds in mature cannabis plants have been used as medicine for hundreds of years.

The United States Pharmacopoeia, the official book of standards for pharmaceutical remedies funded by the US government and still in use today, listed cannabis as a remedy from 1850 to 1942.

All forms of cannabis were made illegal in 1937 at the federal level. However, many states have legalized cannabis in recent decades, making usage of CBD preparations in those states easier and legally safer.

In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of CBD products for the treatment of two varieties of epilepsy.

This is the first FDA approval for medical cannabis except for an extremely limited program in place for many decades but available to only a handful of people.

CBD oil for treatment of fibromyalgia and other conditions can be taken internally by mouth or suppository, ingested as a vapor or smoke, or applied externally as a salve or massage oil.

What Scientific Evidence Supports Using CBD for Fibromyalgia?

Several research studies have specifically looked at the effectiveness of CBD and other cannabis products for patients with fibromyalgia.

One of these is a study done by Israeli researchers G. Habib and I. Avisar published online in June 2018 under the title The Consumption of Cannabis by Fibromyalgia Patients in Israel.

In this study, participants were found through online fibromyalgia forums and support groups and surveyed their fibromyalgia symptoms and cannabis usage.

They were also asked about cannabis dependency, driving and cannabis usage, and personal demographic information such as age, gender, income, and education levels.

Of 383 study participants, 84 percent said they regularly used cannabis for relief of their symptoms.

Of these, 94 percent reported significant improvements in pain levels, less difficulty sleeping, and an improvement in mood with only 12 percent reporting mild side effects.

Only 8 percent of these study respondents reported feeling dependent on cannabis, and almost half of the respondents used cannabis without getting a medical permit, even though these are required by law in Israel.

Unfortunately, this study did not address the specific levels of CBD present in the cannabis used by these patients.

Also, the amount of CBD in cannabis varies considerably by strain, ranging from zero percent to as much as 30 percent of the total of cannabinoids in the sample, making dosage comparisons difficult.

Researchers who have looked more closely into the effects of specific dosages of CBD on fibromyalgia symptoms say the effectiveness is likely explained by the fact that the body produces a group of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain and nervous system, which use cannabinoid chemicals to signal nerve impulses.

This biological system is called the endocannabinoid system, and it was only recently discovered.

CBD and other cannabinoids affect the body because they interlock with the same receptor sites in the brain and nervous system as chemicals produced by the body’s endocannabinoid system.

According to Doctor Ethan Russo, who has extensively studied the medical effects of CBD, endocannabinoids and CBD restore the body to the balance of homeostasis, and in this way, this one substance can be helpful for so many different diseases, including fibromyalgia.

In this video link, Dr. Russo explains how the same people often suffer from a combination of symptoms of fibromyalgia, migraine, and irritable bowel syndrome, and that these conditions all appear to be a result of endocannabinoid deficiency in the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.

In this video, Dr. Russo gives in-depth information about the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the medical effects of CBD on a variety of diseases, including fibromyalgia, from the perspective of endocannabinoid deficiency and explains how CBD and CBD combined with small, non-psychoactive amounts of THC can help with symptoms.

Another study published in the medical literature on the use of cannabis for medical purposes reviewed all 28 clinical studies on medicinal cannabis published between 1948 and 2015.

This meta-analysis found high statistical evidence for cannabis as an effective and safe treatment of neuropathic and chronic pain as well as nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and loss of appetite in wasting syndrome illnesses.

Researches and patients have found that for many people, CBD has significant anti-inflammatory properties.

This effectively blocks pain signals between the muscles and organs and the nervous system, reducing the overall experience of pain.

Some research also indicates that CBD is more effective when combined with small amounts of THC.

THC appears to have its healing properties, however, many people find it causes anxiety, elevates heart rate, and has psychological effects they find unpleasant.

When taken together with significant levels of CBD, however, these adverse symptoms of THC are reduced.

Researches have also noted that not all people respond in the same way to CBD treatment, as is the case for any other pharmaceuticals.

How is CBD Oil Used by Fibromyalgia Patients

People who are thinking of using CBD for the treatment of fibromyalgia should always discuss this option with their doctor before starting treatment.

Because CBD affects people differently, it is best to start treatment at a low dose and then increase the amount gradually while paying close attention to how treatment affects symptoms and whether or not any side effects appear.

Discontinue CBD use immediately if you experience any adverse reactions.

A small percentage of patients using CBD experience some of these side effects: 

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea

Products containing CBD oil are available commercially in US states with laws protecting medical cannabis usage or recreational usage.

In these states, many locations now have dispensaries and delivery services providing CBD-containing products to people with the correct medical or age documentation.

Other patients grow their own high CBD strains of cannabis and process the oil themselves.

However, this is a lengthy and involved process often requiring highly flammable solvents and a risk of fire. Extreme caution is advisable for anyone seeking to produce CBD oil at home.

Because medical science is only starting to research CBD oil for the treatment of fibromyalgia and other diseases, there is currently no standardized treatment.

Some dispensaries do test their cannabis products for CBD content along with the levels of other cannabinoids, including THC, and show these concentration levels on the packaging of their products.

CBD products come in different concentrations and preparations including, liquid oil, paste, capsulated oil, topical salves, sublingual sprays and drops, edible foods and candies, and vapor cartridges resembling electronic cigarettes.

CBD dosages in commercially available cannabis products usually state the number of milligrams of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids present in one serving or dose of the product.

This can range from a low dosage of 1 milligram per serving up to several hundred milligrams per serving.

While many physicians are still reluctant to specify dosages for CBD, those with experience often suggest starting dosages at 5 milligrams per day and increasing this dosage by an additional 5 milligrams every three weeks until relief of symptoms occurs and stopping the dosage altogether at any point adverse side-effects appear.

Examples of a commonly prescribed dosage of CBD are 2.5 to 20 milligrams per day for relief of pain or eight sprays of 2.7 milligram THC combined with 2.5 milligrams of CBD in a sublingual spray taken approximately every half hour for symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Many fibromyalgia patients and doctors treating them with cannabis preparations report that topical CBD salves and massage oils are especially effective for relieving the pain associated with this condition.

Topical CBD penetrates the skin and interacts with receptors in cells, releasing an anti-inflammatory protein that reduces pain in the surrounding nerves.

It is important to note that CBD is not a cure for fibromyalgia, and any treatment will be more effective when combined with lifestyle changes supporting better health, such as adequate sleep, exercise, and good nutrition.

In states where CBD oil is still not legal, patients must carefully weigh the benefits of using this treatment against the legal risks in their state before starting a CBD treatment plan.

What is the Legal Status of CBD Oil for Medical Use?

State and federal laws concerning the medical use of CBD oil and other cannabis-derived products are changing.

The federal government, through the FDA, recently approved the use of CBD products for two types of epilepsy, however, all other forms of cannabis, including CBD, remain illegal at the federal level.

While the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) still considers CBD illegal, DEA spokesperson Rusty Payne has stated publicly that the agency is not going to prosecute people using CBD for the treatment of serious diseases.

Currently, forty-six states have some form of legalization for CBD. Seventeen of these states have specific laws regulating the amount of THC that can be present in a CBD-containing product.

Thirty-one states and U.S. territories have full legalization for the medical use of CBD. The four states where CBD products remain illegal are Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

People who suffer from fibromyalgia and other health concerns who are considering CBD treatment should check the current cannabis laws in their state before buying or using these products.

CBD for the treatment of fibromyalgia and other diseases is increasingly protected by law.

There is no known toxic dosage for CBD and many fibromyalgia patients find it helpful.

CBD is increasingly available in standardized, easy-to-use dosages as capsules, lozenges, beverages, foods, candies, and sublingual sprays.

In the past decade, we have seen very many medications that have been screened to treat fibromyalgia. Some of the medications include corticosteroids, relaxants, sedatives, NSAIDs ( Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), and tricyclic antidepressants.

There is some history in the use of tricyclic antidepressants to treat fibromyalgia. It is not a surprise that some antidepressants like amitriptyline, doxepin, and nortriptyline are given to patients who have fibromyalgia. Although amitriptyline is the most popular drug to treat fibromyalgia. But what is fibromyalgia?

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that causes extensive musculoskeletal pain. We still don’t know what causes fibromyalgia, but some of the symptoms include:

• Painful tender joints
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Twitching and muscle pain or tightness

Even though there is no known cure, a combination of medication and therapies like stress management, exercise, healthy living habits, and medication can ease off the symptoms of an active life.

What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline which is also known as Elavil is a TCA drug used to treat depression symptoms. It can also be used in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

Amitriptyline is used to increase the natural substance that controls the brain’s mental balance. It is also the most popular TCA drug that is frequently prescribed for patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and Antidepressants

The most common fibromyalgia medications that are used to treat the symptoms include sleeping pills, antidepressants, and painkillers.

Since antidepressants are the most common fibromyalgia medications, they have been used for years by many patients. The category of antidepressants we are talking about is tricyclic antidepressants (TCA).

According to Boostmood, TCA medications have been used over the years to boost levels of neurotransmitters and brain chemicals. When there is a boost in the level of neurotransmitters, the brain is prevented from getting any impairment in its natural function.

Neurochemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin are boosted by these antidepressants. People who have chronic pain usually feel better after taking these antidepressants.

TCA is also an important player in relieving pain from the muscles. The body’s natural painkillers, known as endorphins are also boosted by TCA.

Although there are positive results with medications on fibromyalgia, the side effects that come along with these medications can make it tough for anyone to stick to the drug regularly.

Some of the TCA medications that are prescribed for fibromyalgia include milnacipran, duloxetine, and venlafaxine. According to the FDA, milnacipran and duloxetine are approved as medications for fibromyalgia.

On the other hand, venlafaxine has not been well researched to be recommended as the proper medication. Other antidepressants have been recommended as medications for fibromyalgia, they include:

• Fluoxetine
• Paroxetine
• Citalopram

Is Amitriptyline a good drug for fibromyalgia?

According to Dr. Andrew Moore of the University of Oxford and his associates, they concluded through research that TCA drugs have a much stronger effect on fibromyalgia, compared to placebo drugs. Controlled studies have been done, and the results have shown that amitriptyline improves stage 3&4 sleep disorders.

Additionally, the studies have highlighted that people suffering from fibromyalgia experience pain relief after using Amitriptyline.

The study that was taken comprised of 70 fibromyalgia patients, who were provided with 50 mg of Amitriptyline. These patients showed a considerable change in their quality of sleep after a few days.

These patients woke up without morning stiffness, experienced less pain and they had a general improvement in how they felt throughout their bodies. Although the improvements were several, the tender point score did not change.

After Amitriptyline was taken, it had some side effects to the patients which included:

• Confusion
• Urinary retention
• Morning sedation
• Dry mouth

After the study was done, it was concluded that the medication needs to be personalized, so that change can be experienced at the maximum level after understanding someone’s physical capacity and extent of the condition.

Dosage of Amitriptyline

When the drug is administered one or two hours before bedtime, you can minimize feelings of hangover or morning sedation. If a response is not noted, then an increase of the dose can be done after two weeks.

Seven random trials were tested on the efficacy of amitriptyline as a fibromyalgia treatment. It was discovered through the study that 25 mg of amitriptyline a day in six trials resulted in a therapeutic response, compared with a placebo drug that didn’t have that much of an effect, after being inducted in the domain of sleep, pain, and fatigue.

After six to eight weeks, the treatment seemed to benefit the patient, but after twelve weeks, there was no effect at all. After 50 mg of amitriptyline prescription, a day trial test in four random people was made, but there was no therapeutic effect witnessed.

After the trials, there was no effect of neither 25 mg or 50 mg of amitriptyline on tender joints.

In conclusion, for short-term treatment, there was some evidence that supported the efficacy of 25mg of amitriptyline, while no evidence came out to support higher doses of amitriptyline for periods longer than eight weeks.

Disclaimer before amitriptyline dosage

Before taking any dosage of amitriptyline, you need to understand your medical history first, to avoid any complications. If you are struggling with fibromyalgia, you should consult your doctor before taking amitriptyline medication.

Some of the conditions that might bring issues with the medication include:

• Pregnant women
• Heart disease
• Breastfeeding
• Prostate problems
• An overactive thyroid gland
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy

Amitriptyline side effects

Before taking any amitriptyline medications, you should be aware of their side effects.

Just like most drugs, amitriptyline causes some side effects that may not be exhibited on every patient. Some of these effects include:

• A headache
• Drowsiness
• Low blood pressure
• Blurry vision
• Increase in hunger
• Dry mouth
• Challenges in urinating
• Diarrhea

Below is a list of some techniques you can use to limit some of these side effects.

• When you start feeling dizzy, sit down and let the feeling pass.
• You can control some of the side effects when you wake up slowly in the morning.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Don’t use machines or tools when you are experiencing the side effects.
• Eat a balanced diet that has lots of fiber to help relieve constipation.
• Suckle on sugar-free sweets or Chewing gum to counter dry mouths.

How to take amitriptyline

When you are taking any kind of drug, you have to understand the drug, how to use it, and when to take it. Reading the instruction provided in the leaflet will help you to know what to avoid when taking the drug.

Generally, your doctor will advise you on how to take the drug. Most often, the drug is prescribed as a single daily dose that is taken before bedtime, but prescriptions vary for every patient.

Learn everything you can on amitriptyline, and in case of any queries, consult your doctor.

It is also common for a doctor to prescribe a small dose at first, and then gradually increase the dosage with time. Remember to take your dose on time, but do not take two doses to recover for the last one you missed.

Remember to keep track of your medication and don’t miss out on any doctor appointment for your progress to be monitored.

Benefits of amitriptyline, exercise, and more

In a 2012 study, it was suggested that amitriptyline should be placed as a treatment of fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain, even though very few people stated that they had satisfactory pain relief after using the drug.

But can exercise and amitriptyline help in the alleviation of fibromyalgia symptoms?

According to Healthline, it is possible to use a no-medical approach to treat fibromyalgia. Some of the approaches that can work include the uptake of strength training and aerobic exercises.

When you combine the proper use of amitriptyline with proper exercise routines, you can easily decrease the symptoms, have better-sleeping patterns, reduce the pain felt in joints and also reduce fatigue.

Below is a video that shows some home exercises that you can do to help you recover from fibromyalgia.

One such exercise that demonstrates a high relief effect in the long-term is aquatic exercises. The most appealing aspect of this exercise is the fact that it combines resistance swimming, cardio exercises, water aerobics, swimming, and other aquatic-based exercise programs that are effective for fibromyalgia patients.

Since patients who suffer from fibromyalgia are affected by cold temperatures, they need to swim in warm water pools in environments that are controlled.

The therapy programs we have looked at suggest that fibromyalgia patients can benefit heavily, even though they will have to work through the pain.

Therapy for fibromyalgia patients

Art therapy, counseling, and music therapy can work wonders with kids. But for adults, they have not been enough studies to indicate any significant effect.

In adults, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other psychological therapies, accompanied by amitriptyline are the preferred treatment according to Don L Goldenberg, MD. To provide comfort, patients experience a lot of pain alleviation after guided imagery and deep-breathing exercises.

Conclusion

When you combine the positive effects of exercise, amitriptyline, and therapy, you can improve pain management and the lifestyle of a patient. It is important to note that you need to consult your doctor regularly to ensure that you manage your condition well.

Traditional remedies for various kinds of conditions have existed since the early days of civilization.

Back then, the lack of technology-led man towards wanting to understand the interactions that different components of nature have with human bodies.

Through trial and error, early man was able to develop a number of remedies that showcased good results when trying to treat various kinds of conditions.

One prominent example of a traditional form of medicine is Ayurveda. The ancient remedies of Ayurveda first started emerging in ancient India and gained more prominence in the Indus Valley and Harappan Civilizations.

People during that time took to studying and understanding the various remedies that currently exist and began to perpetuate these practices with the hope of curing those who have been diagnosed with common conditions and disorders.

Even though today the Ayurvedic industry may seem like a small sector of medicine when compared to the net worth of big pharmaceutical industries, there is no doubt about the effectiveness of the remedies that this field offers.

One of the core aspects of Ayurveda is, of course, the ingredients that are used. There are eleven main ingredients that the remedies of Ayurveda revolve around.

These ingredients are Ashwagandha, Arjuna, Curcumin, Triphala, Amla, Boswellia, Shatavari, Holy Basil, Neem, Rauwolfia, Gymnema, and Sylvestre.

Ashwagandha – The Primary Ingredient Of Ayurvedic Healing

Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the most powerful ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine and is something that is included in a large number of Ayurvedic medicines.

This plant is often considered to be the backbone of this form of ancient medicine and is something that has been widely used since this form of medicine started seeing prominence.

According to Healthline, The health benefits that this plant provides are enormous, which is also why it forms such a large component of this kind of treatment.

Ashwagandha belongs to the family of nightshades, which is similar to vegetables and fruits like potato and tomato.

The plant that bears the Ashwagandha looks like a small shrub that has reddish-orange leaves and bears red fruit.

This fruit is no bigger than a plum and needs to be harvested at the right time to get the best medicinal properties out of this.

Typically, Ashwagandha can only be grown in dry and warmer regions, which is why it saw prominence in Asia and the Middle East.

Today, however, Ashwagandha can be grown in almost any part of the world provided that the plant is grown in temperature and moisture controlled environments.

Best Time of Day to Take Ashwagandha

Just like any other kind of medicine, the time that you take Ashwagandha is incredibly important.

This is something that improves the efficiency of the medicine and is something that can boost the positives that one attains when taking this.

There are two main times of the day when Ashwagandha has the most effect on the body. This is in the morning, and at night before you go to bed.

Taking Ashwagandha In The Morning

Indian Ayurvedic treatments have always prescribed Ashwagandha to be taken first thing in the morning when one wakes up.

This is because the body is able to process the Ashwagandha the best at this time, enabling the person to experience its maximum benefits.

One of the main reasons why Ashwagandha is best taken in the morning is because of its impact on one’s overall energy levels. For those who need a quick start to their day, taking

Ashwagandha is one of the best ways to do so. It can also serve as a good alternative to coffee which can sometimes have hindering effects on the body when taken in excess.

Ashwagandha, however, improves the metabolic rate of the body and helps the person stay more alert and active.

Because of this, taking Ashwagandha at the beginning of your day can ensure that you are more productive and energetic enough to do all that you need to do.

Ashwagandha is also considered to be great for those who work out and want to improve their energy levels.

Because of the impact that Ashwagandha has on the muscles and overall energy, a person taking this is able to have a more impactful workout.

Overall, this is something that can, in turn, improve your body’s overall health, leading to a fitter lifestyle.

Taking Ashwagandha Before Bed

The second time of the day, or night rather, when Ashwagandha ideally is taken is just before one head to bed.

As mentioned earlier, Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that is given to patients who are experiencing insomnia and other related disorders and can help you sleep better.

Because of this, taking Ashwagandha just before bed is incredibly beneficial. For those who also have trouble getting a good night’s rest because they are easily woken up by surrounding disturbances, Ashwagandha is something that can help with that.

This effect of Ashwagandha mainly happens because of its interaction with a component in the body known as cortisol.

The body normally produces cortisol before it gets ready to sleep, which in higher levels can lead to insomnia.

Ashwagandha tries to curb the amount of cortisol that the body produces, thereby making it easier to fall into a deep sleep.

How To Take Ashwagandha

There are several more benefits that Ashwagandha offers, which is why this is considered to be one of the best ingredients that one can incorporate into theirs.

While the time of the day that you take Ashwagandha is incredibly important, it is also important to use it in the right manner and in the right kind of recipes that would compliment the ingredient.

There are several YouTube videos and guides like this one by Christine Bullock that show viewers different ways in which they can incorporate Ashwagandha and other natural remedies into the kind of meals that they have.

It is important to note that different recipes work well for different kinds of treatments, and finding the right recipe for your needs is incredibly easy.

Uses Of Ashwagandha

Because of how widely this plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine, there are a number of applications that Ashwagandha can help with.

Ayurvedic medicine does prescribe different proportions of Ashwagandha for different kinds of symptoms. The applications of Ashwagandha are as follows:

1. Curtailing Stress

One of the first things that Ashwagandha can help with is the curtailment of stress. According to the ancient Vedic texts that Ayurveda is dependent on, there is a connection that this form of medicine establishes with the body and the mind.

This perpetuates the concept that someone who is stressed or under any kind of mental burden would then see an effect on their overall health and body.

Because of this, Ashwagandha is always used first as a way to ease the mind and relieve stress and then proceed onto helping with the other remedies that are needed.

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2. Improving Energy Levels

Another core aspect of Ayurveda involves the alignment of the chakras that control the efficiency and health of one’s body.

When one of these chakras is not aligned properly, the body then undergoes a number of changes that result in a number of problems. One of the effects that dawns out of this misalignment is reduced energy levels.

There are also several other contributing factors that can lead to reduced energy levels, and Ashwagandha tries to improve the levels that one experiences.

According to Ayurveda, improving the energy levels is something that can greatly contribute towards helping the body fight off infections, and maintain its proper functioning.

3. Helps With Concentration

Ayurvedic treatments have always been considered to be far ahead of their time, and even before western medicine was developing remedies for attention disorders, Ayurveda already had Ashwagandha as treatment options available to people diagnosed with these.

Ashwagandha is known to be a plant that can contribute towards better attention, and can improve one’s overall concentration.

In Indian households, it was considered a norm to give Ashwagandha to children in schools to improve their performance and help them study better.

Today, this application goes far beyond, which is why Ashwagandha is considered to be a vital ingredient in the treatment of ADHD and similar disorders.

According to the Natural Medicine Journal, A study conducted by Dr. Robin DiPasquale showcased the impact that Ashwagandha can have on concentration and memory retention.

4. Promotes Better Sleep

Sleep is one of the essential things that the body needs to stay healthy and fit. If a person doesn’t get the right amount of sleep, their body is more likely to undergo a number of problems as a result of it.

Because of this, getting the right amount of sleep is essential for the body for several prominent reasons.

However, there are always going to be moments when the body is unable to get the right amount of sleep that it needs, and Ashwagandha is something that can help immensely when it comes to this.

One of the core uses of Ashwagandha was in the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders, and taking Ashwagandha on a regular basis is something that can promote good health and proper sleep.

Dr. Weil, a prominent medical professional, further elaborated on the impact that Ashwagandha has on the body, and why it is essential for sleep.

5. Prevents Frequent Illnesses

Because of the immensely positive effects that Ashwagandha has on the body, it is incredibly useful to those who fall sick on a regular basis and who want to strengthen their immune system.

Because Ashwagandha tends to have a number of positive properties, it enables the body to fight off infections in a much easier manner and enables it to perform all its processes with absolute ease.

This is also one of the reasons why taking Ashwagandha on a regular basis can help improve your health and fitness as a whole.

6. Can Reduce Cholesterol

One of the reasons why Ashwagandha is prescribed to people who are in the above forty age bracket is because of its interaction with cholesterol.

Ashwagandha is considered to be great for those who want to take care of their heart health and want to take measures to reduce the occurrence of problems as a result of cholesterol.

According to the US National Library of Medicine, There have been several studies that have been conducted that showcase the effect that Ashwagandha has on the body and the impact that it has in relation to cholesterol.

When Should You Not Take Ashwagandha

Even though Ashwagandha mainly provides a wide range of benefits, just like any other ingredient, it does have those instances in which this should not be taken.

Understanding these can help prevent any side effects that one would otherwise experience as a result of this, and can reduce the ill effects that one would start to exhibit.

An article published on Livestrong further explains the impact that Ashwagandha can have on the body.

1. During Pregnancy

One of the instances where Ashwagandha should not be taken is during pregnancy.

Ashwagandha was known for being a plant that can induce a miscarriage, which is why taking even a small amount of it is something that can affect the body and the child that a woman is carrying.

2. Individuals With Stomach Ulcers

The second instance wherein a person should ideally stay away from Ashwagandha is when they have been diagnosed with some kind of stomach ulcers.

Stomach ulcers usually lead to a certain amount of irritation in the stomach, which is only aggravated with the use of Ashwagandha.

3. Adults Diagnosed With Autoimmune Conditions

Individuals who have been diagnosed with any kind of autoimmune disorder should stay away from Ashwagandha because of the interactions that it can have with the body.

While there is very little evidence to support this claim, it is something that can be done to prevent side effects from occurring, which can lead to further complications.

4. Surgical Patients

Because of the impact that Ashwagandha and other Ayurvedic treatments can have on the body, taking this just before or soon after surgery can lead to further complications.

However, once the patient has recovered, they can go back to taking a regular dose of Ashwagandha to improve their immune system.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Ashwagandha is an incredibly beneficial component that is used in Ayurvedic treatments and is something that anyone looking to go in for natural remedies to treat common conditions should choose.

If you’ve ever heard of “mysterious” illnesses that cause chronic pain fibromyalgia is one of them.

It is sometimes called an “invisible” illness because it shares similar symptoms to other health conditions but can be quite difficult to diagnose.

There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia also known as “fibro” and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Researchers are still trying to figure out what causes it to find an effective and reliable treatment. In the meantime, Neurontin (Gabapentin) is being used to treat this chronic pain syndrome.

What is Neurontin (Gabapentin)? 

Neurontin is the brand name of the medication gabapentin. Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication used to treat epilepsy and neuropathy or pain from damaged nerves.

Pain caused by fibromyalgia is similar to neuropathic pain, except, there is no never damage.

According to VeryWell Health, gabapentin is chemically similar to pregabalin (Lyrica), which is another drug used in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Unlike pregabalin, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved gabapentin for treating fibromyalgia.

Doctors still prescribe gabapentin “off-label,” although questions arise about its effectiveness.

To understand how this drug works, you first need to understand what fibromyalgia is, what causes it, and what the symptoms are.

What is Fibromyalgia? 

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic pain disorder that causes fatigue and widespread pain and tenderness in the joints and muscles.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), approximately 5 million adults in the US, 18 and older, trouble with this pain disorder or pain syndrome.

Women are more at risk for developing the condition and make up more than 80% of the total number of people affected.

Because of its symptoms, fibromyalgia is often confused with medical conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Tendonitis, bursitis, joint inflammation, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are other conditions often confused with fibromyalgia.

However, fibromyalgia does not cause damage to the joints or muscles similar to arthritis or damage the nerves the way other pain syndromes do.

What Causes Fibromyalgia? 

It isn’t clear what exactly causes fibromyalgia, but researchers suspect it is due to an abnormal change in the way the nervous system (brain and spinal nerves) processes pain. This is according to the National Institutes of Health.

They also believe that certain events or preexisting circumstances, such as the following, can cause fibromyalgia: 

• Genetics
• Certain diseases or illnesses (e.g., lupus, spinal arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Repetitive injuries
• Stressful or traumatic events (e.g., a car accident)

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia? 

Chronic pain in various parts of the body is the overarching symptom of fibromyalgia. Simple physical interactions like hugs and handshakes can turn painful.

The pain could be a dull aching, sharp stabbing, or throbbing pain in the joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Pain could start at any moment, travel through the body, and come and go unpredictably.

Certain points around the joints may hurt when pressed with a finger. According to WebMD, these are called tender points or trigger points and are located at predictable parts of the body, e.g., under the surface of the skin.

People without fibro will feel no pain if similar pressure is applied to the same areas of their body.

In addition to muscle and joint pain and tenderness, the following are other common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

In fact, some of them are considered overlapping medical conditions. A person may not experience all the symptoms while some people will notice other symptoms not mentioned here.

The severity of the symptoms may also vary from person to person. 

• Pain or stiffness in the jaw or other points of the body
• Morning stiffness in the muscles and joints
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Problem sleeping or unrefreshed sleep
• Painful menstruation
• Difficulty urinating
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things (“fibro fog”)
• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
• Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (face/jaw pain)
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Anxiety or depression

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? 

Even if you experience fibromyalgia symptoms, they may be linked to another medical condition. This makes it difficult for doctors, even those experienced with the illness, to accurately pinpoint this pain syndrome.

Furthermore, there is no special test, such as blood tests, x-rays, or other imaging scans, to diagnose this complex disorder.

According to FibroCenter, it could take years for a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. Once other health conditions are ruled out this makes it easier to determine whether the symptoms are associated with fibromyalgia.

Your doctor will try to make a clinical diagnosis based on your feedback on the extent and severity of the pain and other symptoms.

You may eventually receive a positive diagnosis if the following applies to you: 

• You experience widespread pain lasting 3 or more months
• You felt pain at various points of the body within the past week
• Pain, especially on both sides of the body and above and below the waist (the 4 quadrants of the body)
• You wake to feel fatigued and have problem thinking, concentrating, or remembering things
• Pain or tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 tender points

Fibromyalgia Tender Points 

The tender points also called tender spots or trigger points, are found at specified areas of the body that hurt when pressure is applied.

There are 18 of them and are found in these parts of the body:  

• Knees
• Upper buttocks
• Hips
• Elbows
• Lower back
• Upper Back
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Front of the neck
• Back of the neck

In this YouTube video, Chief Medical Officer Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D. explains how this complex and often misunderstood medical condition affects people and how it is diagnosed.

Medications Used to Treat Fibromyalgia 

Pain medication including over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are used to treat fibromyalgia.

Narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, such as duloxetine and milnacipran, and anti-seizure drugs, such as pregabalin, are also used.

Even though it has not been approved by the FDA, doctors also prescribe gabapentin to patients.

How Gabapentin Works in Treating Fibromyalgia 

Glutamate is an important neurotransmitter released in the brain by nerve cells. This excitatory neurotransmitter helps with learning and memory. It also helps to send messages to the brain and nerves.

It is believed that excess glutamate is released by the brain in people with fibromyalgia. This interrupts the balance of glutamate resulting in pain and other symptoms.

Too much glutamate can lead to hyperalgesia, a condition described as making the body more sensitive to pain—as if it “turns up” the volume on pain.

According to Cochrane, gabapentin works by changing the way the nerves send messages to the brain.

Further, doctors believe the drug works by reducing the amount of glutamate the brain releases. This calms the nerve cells and helps the brain function better.

Gabapentin Dosage 

Gabapentin is frequently prescribed to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is supplied as a tablet or liquid and may be taken with or without food. Dosage may depend on age and severity of the symptoms.

According to VeryWell Health, doses are typically between 900 mg and 1800 mg and are divided into three doses.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose to reduce the side effects. Your dose may be increased once your body gets used to the medication.

Side Effects of Gabapentin 

Most, if not all, drugs cause some side effects. There is a list of side effects to be expected from taking gabapentin.

Some of them are potentially serious. If you notice any of them, as follows, you should call your doctor right away:

Serious side effects in adults

• Chest pain
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe tiredness or weakness
• Pain in the upper stomach
• Cough that worsens or is accompanied by fever
• Severe numbness or tingling feeling
• Rapid eye movements
• Pain or difficulty urinating, or urine stoppage
• Swelling of the tongue or face

Less serious side effects in adults

The following side effects are less serious and may go away on their own. You should talk to your doctor if they get worse or do not go away.

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Abnormal sleepiness

Behavioral side effects in adults

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following behavioral changes that typically show within the first week of taking gabapentin:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggression
• Extreme worry
• Irritability or restlessness
• Feeling depressed
• Panic attacks
• Unusual excitement
• Acting recklessly

Drug Interaction

Gabapentin may interact with other drugs and increase the risk of certain side effects. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before using this fibromyalgia medication.

Your doctor may also warn you against taking certain medications while taking gabapentin.

Or, your doctor may decide to treat you with gabapentin but may reduce your dose or change the dose of other medications you are taking.

Warnings When Taking Gabapentin 

• Take gabapentin only when prescribed by your doctor.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are allergic to gabapentin or any of its inactive ingredients.
• To avoid drug interactions, tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines, opiates, herbal products, or vitamins you are taking or plan to take.
• Follow all dosage directions given by your doctor, pharmacist, and the prescription label.
• Do not suddenly stop taking the drug.
• Ask your doctor for instructions on how to properly and gradually wean off the medication.
• Avoid taking alcohol as it could increase the risk of side effects.
• Patients over age 75 should not take gabapentin unless directed by a doctor.

How Effective is Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia? 

Gabapentin is a widely prescribed anticonvulsant used in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Its effectiveness led doctors to believe that it can also effectively treat fibromyalgia.

They considered that since the drug treats nerve pain caused by other conditions, and fibromyalgia is linked to problems with the way the brain and the nerves interact, then that same mechanism of action may work in fibromyalgia patients.

The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supports this finding that gabapentin can effectively treat pain and other symptoms associated with this complex pain disorder.

This is despite findings are unclear on how gabapentin reduces pain or improve other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping.

According to the National Institute of Health, in its publication, “Gabapentin Shown Effective for Fibromyalgia Pain,” studies on animals conclude that the drug has little or no effect on acute pain. But it appears to have a robust effect on pain in animals that have a low tolerance for pain.

Is Gabapentin Right for You? 

Your doctor will need to examine and evaluate you to determine if gabapentin is right for you. Once you show enough of the symptoms and have at least 11 of the 18 tender points, your doctor may decide to treat you.

If you’ve been treated with other fibro drugs that failed, your doctor may decide that this antiseizure drug is suitable for you. Besides, gabapentin is less expensive than the drug, Lyrica, approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia.

Conclusion 

Fibromyalgia pain and symptoms can be very frustrating for those affected as well as their relatives.

Because they are always in pain, but trips to the doctor show no signs of a medical problem, their family and friends sometimes believe they’re not really sick.

Pain management using OTC or narcotic painkillers, diet, exercise, or acupuncture may provide some relief.

Additionally, one of the three types of medications (duloxetine, milnacipran, or pregabalin) approved for treating fibromyalgia may be prescribed.

Although gabapentin is prescribed off-label, it provides patients with another treatment option—especially patients who tried other drugs that failed. It can also effectively relieve the symptoms on a long-term basis.

Finally, in spite of split reviews on the efficacy of Neurontin for fibromyalgia and the fact that it is not FDA-approved for treating this condition, there isn’t enough evidence to support or contradict the findings that it can reduce pain symptoms.

This pain manifests in their joints and tightens up their muscles until they are as stiff as boards.

This is likely a reaction to the inflammatory cytokines saturating their muscles and making their nerves hypersensitive.

Yet, they aimlessly seek help from doctors and are bounced around between acupuncture specialists, massage therapists, and wind up dependent upon highly addictive narcotics to manage the chronic symptoms.

Some doctors may suggest fibromyalgia as this catch-all phrase. This means that there is no solution other than dependence on Lyrica or painkillers to dull these debilitating sensations.

The savvier patients do their homework and search deeper into the recent studies to understand the underlying cause for their pain.

They use novel therapies like low-dose naltrexone to escape the grip of chronic pain, fibro-fog, and fatigue.

Below, we have made some in-depth discussions of the current and novel treatments for fibromyalgia to help you make an informed decision.

What is Fibromyalgia?

It is estimated that 10 million Americans are suffering from fibromyalgia in the United States. You may have fibromyalgia and not even know it.

On the flip side, if you know someone who has fibromyalgia, there is really no other explanation possible.

According to WebMD, it is the second most common musculoskeletal condition. However, because the symptoms are related to many disorders, it may be difficult to pinpoint at first.

The classic symptoms of fibromyalgia are fatigue and widespread pain in both joints and muscles. It can be easily misdiagnosed because medical science has yet to determine a definitive cause.

Although holistic living and medications are used to treat it, no cure for fibromyalgia currently exists.

The use of Lyrica to relieve pain has led to the belief that fibromyalgia is caused by difficulties in how the central nervous system processes pain signals.

People who have fibromyalgia suffer from a perception that their entire body aches like people withdrawing from opioids (See the description of opioid withdrawal pain by Dr. Marc Myer).

This may include muscle spasms, muscle knots, burning sensations, twitching, points of tenderness or a low tolerance for pain, insomnia-related disorders, ADD-like concentration/memory problems (fibro-fog), exhaustion, depression, nervousness, and worrying.

Women who rarely exercise and suffer from PTSD-related disorders, mood disorders, or diseases like arthritis, are at the highest risk for developing the disorder.

Even if you are a man with a family history of fibromyalgia who exercises regularly and is otherwise healthy, it is possible to suffer symptoms intermittently when your body is under inflammatory stress from IgE histamine-releasing food allergies or sensitivities to medications.

Fibromyalgia can also lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and irritable bowel syndrome, excessive urination, numbness or tingling in your extremities, headaches, dehydrated mucous membranes, photosensitivity, and other sensitivities to temperatures or sound.

Because fibromyalgia is similar to many other afflictions such as hypothyroidism, lupus, and arthritis, blood tests, and X-rays are initially used to eliminate other disorders.

How is Fibromyalgia Traditionally Treated?

Fibromyalgia can exhibit itself over a broad range of symptoms and has no standard formulation for treatment.

Most doctors will prescribe pain medications, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and sleeping pills to help patients mitigate the negative effects.

Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella have been approved specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

According to Pew Charitable Trusts research, these drugs have also been abused by people addicted to narcotics. It buffers the painful withdrawals when they crash and enhances the euphoric effects.

Holistic living methods require people to eat healthier, exercise more regularly, and to generally improve their overall health.

Some patients use chiropractors, yoga, acupuncture, and massage therapies to mitigate the symptoms. No matter what form of medicinal therapy you are taking, it would not hurt to mix in these risk-free methods.

What is the History of Naltrexone?

Naltrexone was initially approved by the FDA in 1984 for the treatment of opioid and alcohol dependence.

The late Dr. Bernard Bihari began to experiment with the off-label uses of naltrexone in 1985 by determining that 3mg doses were effective in enhancing the immune response in HIV+ patients.

The off-label use of naltrexone caught hold in the autoimmune and cancer fields in the 90’s when medical professionals noted its potential to regulate the immune system.

The Jarred Younger studies initiated the firm belief that naltrexone was beneficial for fibromyalgia patients. (See Studies 1, 2, 3). Since then, many other studies and conferences have followed.

Medical professionals all over the country are educating themselves and performing studies on the off-label use of low-dose naltrexone for autoimmune disorders and fibromyalgia.

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a drug that was approved by the FDA to reduce the cravings for opioids and alcohol.

It is the opposite of an opioid in the sense that it is an opioid antagonist. It binds to the opioid receptors to block the stimulation associated with the euphoric high effect.

The most popular methods of use are intramuscular injections and oral tablets. It should not be confused with naloxone which is used to reverse the overstimulation effects of narcotics.

Naltrexone is also used to treat obesity. It is now being used for the off-label use of treating fibromyalgia in low doses as a safer, cheaper, and arguably more effective alternative to prescription fibromyalgia drugs.

What are the side-effects of Naltrexone?

The common side effects are diarrhea and abdominal cramping because it blocks the same receptor associated with opiate withdrawal.

Some patients have suffered liver damage after taking excessive doses. Doctors may require liver function tests in patients who have liver problems and closer monitoring.

Many drugs like Depakote antiseizure medications and even Tylenol can cause damage to the liver if taken in high doses.

The liver toxicity should not be cause for concern if you are using the drug at recommended doses and do not suffer liver function or liver disease problems like Hepatitis. Interactions with other drugs should be discussed with your doctor.

Why is Low Dose Naltrexone Being Used to Treat Fibromyalgia?

The aforementioned pilot studies by Dr. Jarred Younger suggest that low dose naltrexone is an effective and safe treatment for fibromyalgia.

Daily doses of 50mg-300mg are typically used to treat opioid and alcohol abuse with minimal side-effects.

When taking naltrexone in doses of 1-5mg, there is almost zero risk of developing any negative side-effects beyond the discomforts of headaches, anxiety, or trouble falling asleep.

It is believed that naltrexone is effective for fibromyalgia at these doses because it reduces inflammation in the central nervous system and releases endorphins that help the body reduce and regulate pain on its own.

In this sense, it is helping to correct immune system dysfunction and the inflammation that is thought to feed chronic pain.

What are the Exclusive Features of Naltrexone?

It is believed that some aspects of fibromyalgia may result from inflammation of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The transition from acute to chronic pain is linked to inflammation in these regions.

The problem is that it has heretofore been very difficult to reduce this type of inflammation because the cells causing it are rarely activated.

Naltrexone may be one of the few medications capable of doing this at the very low cost of approximately $40/month.

Because every cell in the immune system has receptors for endorphins (the opioids produced by the body itself) it is plain to see how an antagonist that binds to the receptors on every cell in the immune system can play a vital role in correcting regulation.

How Does the Specific Mechanism of Naltrexone Work?

In one theory, it is believed that people who suffer from fibromyalgia have low beta-endorphin levels and higher levels of dynorphin and met-enkephalin.

Some doctors theorize that there is an opioid system imbalance or even a cellular resistance to endorphins like that found in type-2 diabetes insulin resistance.

If a low dose of naltrexone is taken at night to block the opioid receptors, the function of the endorphin system may begin to operate more efficiently after the drug is metabolized and the receptors are set free the next morning (See helpful YouTube video for more detail).

Because all immune cells have opioid receptors, it is believed that naltrexone has the ability to regulate the immune system.

Although fibromyalgia is not considered a per se autoimmune disease like Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, it may be causally linked to dysfunction of the T-cells.

An autoimmune disorder causes the body to launch an internal war against its own tissues instead of diseases and foreign viruses.

The T-cells in our body that are destroyed by autoimmune disorders like HIV are responsible for activating and deactivating the inflammatory responses to infections.

Our cells produce cytokines to inflame tissues and objectively alert us to the need for medical attention or rest.

If low-dose naltrexone therapy is able to regulate T-cell function and reduce inflammation responses, it is believed that chronic pain can be abated.

According to Dr. Ginevra Liptan, M.D., naltrexone reacts with the glial cell receptors on the brain and spinal cord.

This glia responds to chronic pain messages after your central nervous system has become saturated.

If they are not blocked by naltrexone, they will continue to activate pain hypersensitivity in the tissues surrounding the nerves.

It is believed that Lyrica works by temporarily interrupting synaptic function from the inflamed nerves at the root of chronic pain.

The logical reason why naltrexone works better is that it deactivates these glial cells and thereby reduces the tissue inflammation at the root of chronic pain signals.

This opened up the possibilities for low-dose naltrexone to reduce other inflammatory diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.

The problems faced with this therapy is that it is a generic drug that must be formulated at a compounding pharmacy at these doses.

The additional struggle is that doctors are not generally amiable to writing compounding prescriptions for off-label uses.

It is understandable that doctors would not want to isolate themselves in suggesting novel methods of care that can create malpractice liability.

It may also react with opioid pain medication management or limit its effectiveness since it is an opioid antagonist.

Low-dose naltrexone therapy has been studied heavily for multiple sclerosis (See Studies 1 and 2) and Crohn’s disease (See studies 1, 2, 3) patients over the last few years. The results are impressive and demonstrate that it is a very effective form of therapy for this class of disorders.

What are the Alternatives to Low-Dose Naltrexone for T-Cell Regulation?

There are many basic vitamins that our body needs for a healthy T-cell function that should be explored before trying prescription treatments.

Both Vitamin A and D play an important role in T-cell function. Glutathione and probiotics may play a role in T-cell regulation.

Trace minerals like zinc, iodine, and selenium are beneficial to the immune system as a whole.

Anti-inflammatory supplements including cold-pressed fish oil, Boswellia, turmeric, quercetin, reishi mushroom, and stinging nettle may also prove beneficial.

Conclusion

Patients who suffer from fibromyalgia have a diverse range of symptoms that can have a depth of causes. There are many external and internal causes for inflammation and imbalanced immune system functions.

When medical professionals begin to use experimental treatments like low-dose naltrexone on classes of patients with general trends of success noted, we can see how inflammation and immune regulation are substantially involved.

Because naltrexone is a generic drug, there is sadly a lack of financial incentive to fund major studies.

However, on the upside, there is an easier low-risk budget-based alternative treatment for anyone suffering these disorders to try themselves.

The symptoms that are possible at the low doses suggested for naltrexone therapy are a headache, insomnia, and anxiety.

These symptoms merely echo the milder symptoms of fibromyalgia itself. Such mild symptoms are effectively treatable with over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or sleeping pills.

There is a very little risk in trying naltrexone if you are otherwise healthy and not dependent on other medications that may interact.

The most difficult part of starting a low-dose naltrexone therapy treatment program may be finding the right doctor and pharmacist to provide it.

The answer to how someone can start is there, but it is not as straightforward. Some of the reasons that are available are invalid, and some even need preconditions to start with.

When some people start using it, there are a couple of symptoms that they stumble on, indigestion, constipation, and other stomach issues.

But the most basic effects that people experience include cerebral pain, nervousness, and loose bowels.

Since people are not sure about the buzz around Kratom consumption, we are going to discuss the details about it.

Why go for Kratom? 

Firstly, according to Southeast Asia Globe, Kratom is a plant that is commonly found in southeast Asia. It used to be an effective member of caffeine.

It grew in popularity because of its benefits and rare side effects. But the most popular use has developed to be a recreational one because of its therapeutic use.

For centuries, people have been using it. The effects that make people drawn to it include cognitive enhancement, mood boosting, acts as a painkiller, stress relief, and anti-anxiety. More than that, it is used perpetually for its health effects.

Are there side effects from using Kratom? 

Kratom is highly potent. There are lots of alkaloids that have considerable effects on a user.

For a user to experience a lot of effects, there has to be something that has high potential, this is why Kratom alkaloids’ nature makes them powerful.

The active elements in Kratom, the alkaloids, can also have an equal negative power. It all relies on how the users use it.

There a spectrum of effects that can be experienced, but they can only follow one track at a time. It’s either active or negative.

Kratom has lots of side effects. But if it is well ingested, it does not have any dangerous consequences.

The most important piece is its administration, because, if proper care is taken, its side effects reduce. People who complain about the side effects of Kratom take it in unrecommended dosage.

For a user who takes Kratom causally, the minor or moderate doses will be below 5 grams. This quantity has very low side effects.

When a user takes higher doses of more than 10 grams, it is easy to experience the side effects.

The use and health status of medicines are critical points to determine the possible interactions with Kratom. In most cases, Kratom does not fail anyone for any kind of effect.

Effects of Kratom 

The side effects experienced with Kratom are associated with hyper reactions to certain medicines, foods, and herbs.

For Kratom, the following effects can be experienced: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Digestive problems
• Sleeplessness
• Vomit
• Dizziness

By nature, these effects are minor. These effects tend to go away on their own without medication. But if they persist for more than 24 hours, then you need to seek medical attention.

Abdominal issues caused by Kratom

One of the major effects of Kratom is its interference with digestion. The first symptoms are stomach pains which grow and become abdominal pains.

The stomach pain will be accompanied by dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and constipation. These effects can be experienced all at the same time.

To make it clear, it is not just Kratom that has this kind of effect; even other plant extracts can do this.

However, these effects are not extremely harmful because they can be tackled easily. If its any consolation, there are quite a few instances where these effects can be materialized.

Additionally, some solutions can be prepared at home for these side effects. If a user has a bad experience, there is a way to fix it.

This is probably a way to show how beneficial Kratom is even if its side effects are not pleasant. What makes getting by easier is that there is a simple way to counter the effect.

Indigestion caused by Kratom

There are people who find it hard to digest Kratom. When they eat Kratom, the end result is unbearable stomach pain, but that is ideally an overdose effect and not a side effect.

The reason why such an outcome is caused is that Kratom is a new element that the body does not know.

It plays like an allergic reaction when the body causes a sensitive response. In this manner, it is better to introduce Kratom in the body in small doses and that taking a large dose that shocks the body.

How to fix it

In most cases, most plant medicines cause a stomach effect, but it is not a lethal effect. There are lots of home-based solutions that can counter the stomach pain caused by Kratom. For instance, one can do the following:

If you want to overcome pain, you can take grapefruit juice which works to inhibit the metabolization of Kratom.

Since Kratom has polyphenolic compounds, this is what enables it to create stomach issues. For users who use Kratom for pain relief, they can commonly get this side effect.

You can also take over the counter medicines for countering stomach pains caused by Kratom. It is advised to take the medication half an hour before taking Kratom to avoid stomach issues and also reduce any pain that springs up.

Abdominal pain and stomach cramps

When the digestive system is disrupted, you can easily get cramping and abdominal pains. There are users who complain of headaches which are caused at times by weak digestive systems.

It is not right to take Kratom when you have a weak digestive system.

If you want to have a healthy digestive system, you need to eat high fiber foods and hydrate occasionally.

This is general advice that you need to follow even if you are not using Kratom. These types of food help you to become healthier and happier.

Additionally, it reduces your chances of getting medications for your digestive system in the future.

To relieve the side effects of Kratom from your body, you need to hydrate your body more often. It works to give your body a good clean sweep.

When you drink lots of water, it washes away the Kratom elements from your stomach with minimum effort. If you want to enjoy your intake of Kratom, ensure that you take more water.

Constipation

When you take any medication or herbs that the body is not familiar with, you will most likely get constipation.

This is not a dangerous effect, but this is where Kratom kicks in. Years ago, Kratom was used as a treatment for diarrhea.

Kratom alkaloids help to diarrhea by contributing to the regulation of the bowel problems. When you improve the food intake, you will be helping the healing process.

You can go for certain remedies that can help you with constipation. According to Medical News Today, olive oil can help with easy bowel movements.

One spoon of olive oil can help to provide relief to your situation. At first, it may feel unpleasant, but it helps in the end.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is the net effect of constipation and nausea. If you feel a persistence of nausea, you will eventually start to vomit.

But in most cases, nausea is what will last for a few minutes without the chance of vomiting taking place.

When you are going for Kratom, it is important to take the right dosage for your body. You can feel nauseous when you start with a high dose as a beginner. It might not be a bad experience, but you can avoid it when you take a good dosage.

You need to provide the body with a good dose because your body has to prepare itself for receiving and sending signals throughout the body, while also looking at how to extract the waste material.

The body will also figure out how it can handle the medicine and its side effects.

Decrease in libido

People who take an overdose of the drug tend to have low libido, kratom is a natural opioid, but it can affect your sexual drive, although it works differently for everyone.

Someone who has good health and takes the right amount of dosage can have a good experience with it.

How to handle the problems

If you would like to lower the risk of getting any type of side effects, you need to take the minimum dosage. If you use Kratom two times a week, you are using a good amount.

You can also take Kratom in high dosage if you split the dose into two, by taking the second dose 45 minutes after taking the first one.

According to Kats Botanicals, 2-5 grams of Kratom is considered as low dosage. These levels help to provide a more stable and functioning body that is free from side effects.

You can also go for a mild strain when you start instead of going straight to the strongest strain as a beginner.

Now, if you want to know great ways to take Kratom, you can learn 5 different ways through the video below:

General guidelines for using Kratom

According to the DEA (Drugs Enforcement Administration), it has laid out its concerns about the use of Kratom because of its effects.

The following are the effects that are experienced by using Kratom as per different levels of dosage:

Overdosage

• Fatigue
• Illusions
• Paranoia
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Respiratory depression

High dosage

• Drowsiness
• Induce body itching
• Nausea
• Nausea and then vomiting
• Suppression of emotional break
• Insensitivity to physical pain

Low dosage

• Adds confidence
• Enhances stamina
• Increases sociability
• Promotes talkativeness
• Elevates energy
• Increases alertness

These effects are experienced once someone has taken them. They last for a long time as long as Kratom is in the body.

According to Addiction Rehab Centers, on average, they can stay active for 5 hours.

In case an overdose is taken, the experiences can last for up to 7-8 hours. There are serious complications when you abuse Kratom because you can get into a form of psychosis which makes someone hostile, confused, and aggressive.

Other possible reasons for the side effects

Dosage is not the only cause of the side effects. There are other reasons that are responsible, like the type of Kratom being used may be of low quality. When you purchase Kratom from a high-quality vendor, you reduce the risk of experiencing side effects.

Risk of severe side effects

We have already looked at the minor side effects that Kratom can cause, and as we said, there are no adverse effects that can cause death.

There has been no recorded incident where Kratom has caused death. The only side effects that are common are the ones that have are not anticipated.

To naturally control these effects, it is important to take a break from using and eating Kratom. The worst case scenario is that you will sleep for a long time, which is not a bad side effect.

Final thoughts of overdosing on Kratom

Kratom does not have severe side effects. When you look at the case of chemical medicine, the risk of side effects is lethal.

The best part about Kratom that makes it really easy to deal with is that the side effects vanish from the body as soon as Kratom is released from the body.

Once it is out of the body and the user takes a long peaceful sleep, the next time the individual will wake up, the body will feel fresh.

In the same breath, the home remedies are beneficial, alongside the use of over the counter medicine for stomach pain and other stomach related issues.

All the measures we have listed will only be useful if you take an overdose of Kratom.

If you want to avoid all of the effects for the future, it is important to create a balance between the doses of Kratom. You can prevent the effects easily without making a mess.

In summary, it is better to enjoy the benefits of a product when you take the right amount of dosage. When you take the tips we have listed above, you will enjoy the experience of Kratom when you try it.

People with a painful condition known as fibromyalgia may see a noticeable reduction in their pain levels while using kratom.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia or other painful issues, you may be wondering how kratom can help you.

In this guide, we’ll talk about kratom, how to use it, and how it can help the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. We’ll also go over any research and potential side-effects you need to look out for.

What is Kratom? Where Does This Plant Come From? What Can it Be Used for? 

Kratom is also known by the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa. It is a tropical evergreen tree that hails from wide areas in southeast Asia.

Did you know that Kratom belongs to the same plant family that coffee does? It can also create the same stimulant effects that coffee can. These trees can grow up to 80 feet tall while producing beautiful leaves and flower blooms.

People in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and other countries in Asia have been using this plant for hundreds of years. The use of this plant in medicine dates back as early as the 19th century.

The working people of southeast Asia have historically used it to treat diarrhea, a bad cough, or other gastrointestinal issues. However, it has gained popularity in western society over the past decade or so.

It is legal in most parts of the United States. However, some states have outlawed their use. Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Tennessee have all made it illegal. Kratom has also been outlawed in Sarasota, Denver, San Diego, Washington D.C., and parts of Florida.

Check out this map to find out if it is legal in your area.

The Food and Drug Administration is currently working with the Drug Enforcement Administration to make kratom illegal. They are waiting for more research in order to make a final decision.

Many people who suffer from chronic conditions are sad to see this happening. Kratom has many benefits that people cannot receive if they don’t have health insurance, cannot afford a doctor, or are worried about opioid addiction.

Kratom is commonly used to treat opioid withdrawal, pain, anxiety, intestinal disorders, and depression. That is why many people use it to help treat the painful symptoms that come with fibromyalgia.

It relieves pain with two main components. 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine are two active alkaloids that kratom contains.

They are both being researched due to their astounding pain-relieving qualities.

What is Fibromyalgia? How Can I Use Kratom to Help Me Relieve My Symptoms? 

Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder that affects your mood, energy, sleep, and state of mind.

This condition can also cause numbness or tingling in the extremities. It is usually caused by injury, infection, or mental stress.

However, fibromyalgia can also occur over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can build up until they become unbearable. The effects of this painful condition can vary greatly.

Symptoms Include:

Pain – A consistent and dull pain that lasts around three months can be associated with fibromyalgia. This pain needs to be widespread. That means it occurs above and below the belt. It should also affect both sides of your body.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Fatigue is a bothersome symptom of this condition. Sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome often accompany fibromyalgia as well.

Lack of Focus – People who suffer from this disorder experience extreme brain fog. They have issues focusing on everyday tasks or issues.

Other symptoms people with fibromyalgia may experience include irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, joint pain, and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Do you experience all or some of these symptoms? Maybe you have already received a fibromyalgia diagnosis. If so, you are probably wondering how you can naturally relieve your pain.

Using kratom is a great option. It is available in powder or pill form. Some people chew its leaves, but that is not a very tasty option.

You can try mixing kratom powder with water, or you might add it to your favorite chocolate smoothie mix.

Chocolate is a great way to mask the taste. However, mixing the powder with other food like yogurt or pudding is another way to take it.

Capsules are easily taken with water. They are a simpler way to control your dosages. In Asia, people drink kratom tea as well. It is mixed with honey or sugar to enhance the taste.

Dr. Marc Swogger works at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. He serves as an associate professor of psychiatry.

Doctor Swogger recently published a study about the reasons that patients seek kratom.

According to Doctor Mark Swogger, pain relief is the biggest factor that contributes to the use of kratom. Live Science says that Swogger touts the amazing analgesic effects of this plant.

He says that kratom isn’t fully understood. However, he goes on to say that it binds to the same receptors that opiates do.

Therefore, it acts as a natural painkiller. It is important to note that even though kratom binds to opiate receptors in the brain, it is not an opiate.

Edward Boyer is a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

He also serves as the director of medical toxicology. He has been studying the effects and possibilities of kratom.

According to Doctor Boyer, the mitragynine found in kratom binds to pain receptors in the same way as morphine.

However, unlike morphine, kratom does not cause respiratory depression. In fact, it has a mild stimulant effect.

Doctor Boyer said that he thinks a natural pain relief medication could be created with kratom.

So, what kind of kratom is best for fibromyalgia patients? There are three different strains to choose from.

These include red, green, and white vein kratom. Each will benefit sufferers of this disorder in a unique way.

Red vein kratom is wonderful for muscle relaxation. Additionally, it is effective in treating chronic pain and insomnia. The white vein strain is best for increasing energy levels.

If you suffer from fatigue as a result of fibromyalgia, this could be the strain for you. It can also treat mild pain without causing fatigue.

Green vein kratom is a fantastic strain to use for intense pain relief. Plus, it can give you a nice burst of energy. Some people choose to use all three to treat fatigue, stress, pain, and muscle tightness.

People have begun flocking to kratom as an alternative to prescription painkillers, antidepressants, and muscle relaxers.

Thankfully, it is shown to be less addictive than opiates. Additionally, it does not come with the large host of side effects that many prescription medications do.

Medicines to treat fibromyalgia have caused some controversy lately. Lyrica and Cymbalta used to be two of the most popular medications prescribed to fibromyalgia patients.

However, people have been filing lawsuits against the makers of these drugs for years.

This is due to the severe effects these medications can cause during and after use. They can cause brain and nerve damage. Some users even felt suicidal when using Lyrica or Cymbalta.

These medications could come with other severe side-effects such as dizziness, weight gain, blurred vision, drowsiness, lack of concentration, swelling, dry mouth, edema, constipation, balance disorder, and increased appetite. Therefore, people are searching for other options.

There is an opioid crisis going on across the United States. People with fibromyalgia are looking for something different.

They are afraid of forming a habit with their painkillers and antidepressants.

Additionally, doctors have cut down on their painkiller prescriptions due to this crisis. Some have canceled ongoing prescriptions.

Others almost refuse to prescribe painkillers at all. This is leaving fibromyalgia patients in pain and seeking help.

Tens of thousands of Americans die every year due to opioid overdoses. This crisis has crippled families and decreased the average life expectancy of American adults.

Check out this YouTube video to learn more about kratom and how it could help the opioid crisis.

Kratom can be addictive if used too much. So, it is important to use it for medicinal purposes only. However, it has not been shown to be as addictive as opioids are.

What Are the Possible Side-Effects of Using Kratom? Are Any of Them Serious? How Do I Avoid Them 

Like most drugs, kratom does come with a few possible side-effects. One study says that mitragynine can be addictive.

If a habit or dependence is formed, symptoms like nausea, sweating, tremors, insomnia, and hallucinations can occur.

When people try to break an addiction with kratom, they can experience intense withdrawals.

Symptoms of kratom withdrawal can include watery eyes, anxiety, anger, hot flashes, and fever.

Prolonged or heavy use of kratom can lead to other side-effects. These include constipation, lack of appetite, weight loss, facial discoloration, and insomnia.

Did you know that kratom contains nearly the same number of alkaloids as hallucinogenic mushrooms or opium?

According to Healthline, alkaloids have strong effects on the human body. More studies are needed to determine which dosages are the most effective without causing harm.

It is important to talk about the positive side-effects of kratom as well. It shows a lot of promise in the medical field.

These properties can be broken down into a few categories.

Stimulant Properties:

• You may become more alert when taking a smaller dose of kratom.
• As a result, you will be more likely to socialize.
• Kratom is known to cause feelings of intense happiness.

Sedative Properties:

• It can have a sedative effect when taken at large doses (around 10 to 25 grams of dried leaves).
• You could experience intense feelings of euphoria.
• People claim to feel calm after taking a high dose. These feelings of calmness can last up to six hours.

According to WebMD, kratom can cause additional side-effects if taken orally. These may include tongue numbness, vomiting, nausea, frequent urination, aggression, delusions, and constipation. Another reported effect of kratom use is a lack of motor coordination.

Like most drugs, if you take too much kratom you could end up in a serious situation. When taken in larger doses, kratom can cause brain swelling, trouble breathing, seizures, and liver damage. In some cases, kratom may even be fatal.

Possible Interactions:

• Alcohol
• Painkillers
• Antidepressants
• Sedatives

Do not use kratom if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant. Though research has not shown it to be harmful during pregnancy, it is better to be safe than sorry.

If you have been diagnosed with a severe mental disorder, do not use kratom until more research has been completed. It may worsen your symptoms.

What is the Most Important Take Away from All This? Is Kratom Still a Safer Option for People Living with Fibromyalgia? 

It is vital that you understand why kratom is still considered a safer option by many. Though it can be harmful, it does not cause respiratory failure. This side effect is the main cause of overdoses with opiates.

People with Fibromyalgia suffer greatly. They are looking for a good alternative.

Kratom is a more natural option for many people living with fibromyalgia. It can help with their intense pain, fatigue, and fogginess.

Kratom can be harmful, so it is important to start with small doses at first. Monitoring your doses will be the safest way to go about taking it.

This medicinal plant has been used for centuries in ancient Asian medicine. People in southeast Asia use it by chewing its leaves or making a tea out of them. Kratom’s benefits have been experienced by thousands of people.

It has been shown to treat illnesses such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Many users say it has helped them kick their opiate addiction as well.

]That is something to pay attention to with the American opioid crisis in full gear.

Kratom can also help issues like diarrhea, a bad cough, and other intestinal disorders.

More research must be done to decipher the exact benefits of kratom and how much should be taken.

This useful plant has been utilized for its analgesic properties for hundreds of years. If you are currently dealing with fibromyalgia, you may find some relief with it.

It feels like your stomach has the same bubbles as festering lava. You constantly pass gas, or you can not expel the gas causing your discomfort.

Simethicone is a compound designed to alleviate discomfort from gas. It is safe for both children and adults.

Plus, the medication comes in capsule, chewable and liquid formats. Simethicone could be the solution to your gassy days and nights.

How does simethicone work?

Simethicone is a compound to help expel trapped gas. According to Scientific American, gas bubbles naturally arise in the stomach from microorganisms that help the body digest food. Occasionally, these bubbles become trapped within digesting food.

Simethicone helps the body increase the rate of gas expulsion in two ways. The compound can prevent bubble formation by decreasing the surface tension of the gas bubbles. Secondly, it can combine small bubbles into larger bubbles for easier elimination.

Drug Bank states simethicone causes gas elimination through burping or flatulation. Additionally, the compound prevents the accumulation of gassy, mucus-enclosed pockets in the gastrointestinal tract.

According to the template for the drug, simethicone is a form of activated liquid dimethicone with silicon dioxide. The silicone dioxide enhances the defoaming properties of the silicone.

The fact that simethicone allows patients to excrete more gas at once means there are decreased instances of flatulating.

Thus, the compound reduces the presence of residual gas and corresponding pressure in the stomach and intestines.

Simethicone is expelled in human feces in an unchanged state. Furthermore, the compound does not interfere with secretion or absorption of nutrients during digestion.

What are the side effects of simethicone?

Simethicone does not have any reported side effects, and allergic reactions to the compound are rare, according to Kaiser Permanente. Nonetheless, every individual is unique, and it is great to be informed in case of an emergency.

Notify your doctor if you experience any adverse effects while taking the compound. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, rashes, itching or severe dizziness.

If you experience any additional symptoms not listed, reach out to your physician or pharmacist for guidance. Any side effects can be reported to the FDA by phone or online.

Pharmacist Miljan Krcobic states that the overuse of simethicone can cause side effects. These consequences include mild diarrhea, nausea, regurgitation, and vomiting.

Can simethicone help with constipation?

Simethicone should not help with constipation as it treats gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract. The University of California San Francisco Medical Center contrastingly defines constipation as the slow passage of stools through the colon.

Family Doctor reports constipation can result from a highly processed diet, lack of exercise and dehydration. Common treatments for this ailment include laxatives, enemas, and prescription medication.

Can too much simethicone cause constipation?

Simethicone has no known side effects, so it should not cause constipation. However, FDA reports as of May 2018 show that only 4.13% of individuals experienced constipation while taking simethicone.

People who experienced the highest cases of constipation were women and those ages 30 or older. It is important to note that some of these users were taking other medications too such as Humira, Miralax, Prilosec, and others.

Their constipation could be the result of the combination of drugs, or it is possible the other medication caused constipation.

Is simethicone considered an antacid?

Simethicone itself is not an antacid. Michigan Medicine states the combination of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone are key components of antacid medications. Aluminum and hydroxide are the actual antacids.

These naturally occurring minerals neutralize the stomach acids to raise the pH levels, according to MedicineNet.

The three compounds combine for a cocktail to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach and bloating from gas. The simethicone controls the bloating with its gas expulsion properties.

Does simethicone make you fart?

Dr. Bailey and Nakia Carter conducted experiments and concluded that while simethicone is highly recommended for flatulence and bloating, the compound has not proven itself effective for flatus. Numerous studies provided inconsistent results with simethicone.

They compare the compound with probiotics and rifaximin. Both of these compounds reduce the episodes of flatulence.

Gas expelled from the rectum poses the problem of bloating and discomfort due to volume. A nasty, embarrassing odor is another issue.

The volume of gas often derives from hydrogen, nitrogen and methane gas. The odor is the result of sulfur gases. You may need a specific product to address each issue.

The Foundation for the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders reports simethicone makes it easier to expel excess gas in the stomach through belching as opposed to farting.

Does simethicone work on intestinal gas?

Azpiroz and Serra conducted studies and concluded that simethicone has no consistent evidence as a gas-reducing substance for excessive intestinal gas. Dr. Steven Pray, DPh supports the claims of Azpiroz and Serra.

He states that pharmacists can recommend the nontoxic, hypoallergenic simethicone to break down any bubbles or froth in the gastrointestinal tract.

However, the total amount of gas will remain the same. Simethicone’s actions to reduce the froth may simply allow gas to pass more easily.

On top of that, more gas may be expelled at once, which reduces the perceived quantity of gas.

How does simethicone work in infants?

Simethicone provides the same gas-relieving effects for infants as it does for adults. The process is much the same, too. The simethicone decreases surface tension or coalesces gas bubbles for easier passing.

According to Dr. Kara Fine, simethicone is generally safe for babies. The compound could potentially lead to loose bowels, but this is uncommon. It is safe to give a baby 20 mg of simethicone up to four times a day.

They can safely take the compound daily if needed. Always make sure that baby gas drops do not contain any benzoic acid or sodium benzoate. These compounds are harmful to babies in large amounts.

Parents should be mindful that while simethicone will help with fussiness from gas, it is not likely to treat colic.

Colic is a condition in which a healthy baby cries for at least three hours a day, three times a week for longer than three weeks.

Does simethicone help with bloating?

Bloating usually occurs when the air is trapped in the colon or small bowel. The sensation makes the abdomen feel larger than normal, but bloating is not always accompanied by a distended belly. Intestinal gas could be one of the causes of bloating.

Natalie Egan of Brigham and Women’s Hospital recommends simethicone along with Pepto-Bismol as possible remedies to beat the gas behind the bloat.

How should I use/take simethicone?

Simethicone comes in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. The patient generally takes this over-the-counter medication after each meal and before bedtime. It is important to follow the directions from your physician or the package.

Regular tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole. Chewable tablets need to be completely chewed before swallowing. Usage per day should not exceed six tablets or eight capsules, according to Medline Plus.

What is the difference between brand name and generic?

Simethicone is the generic term for the antigas compound. Common name brand names, according to Medline Plus, include:

• Alka-Seltzer® Anti-Gas
• Colic Drops
• Colicon®
• Degas®
• Flatulex® Drops
• Gas Aide®

This small list only shows a few of the brand name simethicone products. Whether taking the generic or brand name, the effect should be the same.

What health precautions should I take with this medication?

According to Lahey Hospital, you should always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription drugs that you take. This does include vitamins, too.

They also need to be aware of allergies you may have to simethicone or any other drug. For women, notify your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

I take levothyroxine. Can I take simethicone, too?

Patients should avoid taking levothyroxine and simethicone simultaneously, according to Miljan Krcobic. Simethicone normally takes 15 to 20 minutes to begin working. When mixed with levothyroxine, it may lower levothyroxine’s effectiveness.

This may happen through the formation of an insoluble levothyroxine complex that is poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. To get the best effects from both drugs, take them at least four hours apart.

Patients should contact their doctor if they notice any signs of reduced thyroid function. Indicators include constipation, depression, muscle aches and sensitivity to cold.

Why do I even have so much gas and associated pain?

Mayo Clinic states it is normal to flatus around 20 times per day. Gas pains occur when gas is trapped or has difficulty passing through the gastrointestinal tract.

You should speak with your doctor if the gas pains are persistent or cause the following:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Bloody Stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Gas forms in the large intestine when bacteria ferment any carbohydrates that are not digested in the small intestine. Certain foods or habits can increase the incidence and production of intestinal gases.

Carbonated drinks like soda and beer increase the amount of gas in the stomach. Fiber supplements (Metamucil) may cause increased colonic gases as well. Artificial sweeteners are another food product that may increase colonic gases.

The act of eating too quickly or talking while chewing is a behavior that causes you to swallow more air. Certain medical conditions can likewise increase gassiness. These include chronic intestinal diseases, interior fauna changes, and food intolerances.

Changes in the intestinal bacterial fauna may cause excessive gas along with diarrhea and weight loss. On the other hand, food intolerances to dairy products, gluten and proteins may cause gas.

A food intolerance simply means your digestive system is unable to break down a particular food product. As a result, you feel discomfort or unpleasant side effects afterward.

What else can I do to help my gas besides taking simethicone?

Since diet greatly affects gas production, Mayo Clinic recommends experimenting with reduction and elimination of certain foods. As a result of the changes, your body may produce less gas, or the gas may move faster through your system.

Keep a food diary during this time period so that your doctor can recommend the best foods for you. Stray from the gas-inducing foods mentioned in the previous section (fiber supplements, artificial sweeteners, dairy).

Similarly, try to reduce or eliminate fried, fatty foods from your diet, as dietary fat slows the clearance of gas from the intestines. Make it a habit to drink water with your meals as well as throughout the day to prevent constipation.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies can help in addition to dietary alterations. Eat smaller portions of fiber-rich vegetables because while these foods are vital to the diet, your system may require less for optimal functioning.

Eat your food slowly, and chew as well as you can. The more you chew your food before swallowing, the less likely your digestive system is to form trapped gaseous bubbles. Exercise can help reduce gas by reducing constipation.

Check out this YouTube video for some fantastic home remedies to soothe your digestive tract and gas. Before implementing any practices, consult with your doctor to make sure no recommendations will interfere with current medications or treatments.

Conclusion

Simethicone works to decrease the surface tension of gas bubbles so that we can expel the waste easier.

The compound is generally safe for adults, children, and babies. However, check with your doctor before taking this or any other medication.

While studies tend to show simethicone is not consistently effective for rectal flatus, it can still help you to burp out some of those discomfort-causing gases. Let your doctor know about any medications you ingest along with any allergies.