Fibromyalgia Relief for Women

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The antidepressant duloxetine, also known as Cymbalta, may significantly reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia in women, according to a new study.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that is characterized by body pain, muscle tenderness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. The condition is nearly six-times more common in women than it is in men.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine studied more than 200 men and women with the disorder. Nearly 90 percent of these patients were women.

About half of the participants received 60 milligrams of duloxetine twice a day, while the other half received a placebo.

Researchers say the women in the study reported significant improvement in symptoms, while the men did not. The female patients treated with duloxetine reported improvements in pain and tenderness. However, the men did not report any significant changes.

Researchers say, “The reasons for the sex differences in response are unclear. Because the male subgroup was small, reflecting the much higher prevalence of fibromyalgia in women, the results of the study may not be generalizable to all men with fibromyalgia. There may also be sex differences in fibromyalgia that affect treatment response.”

Duloxetine works by stopping the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two of the brain’s neurotransmitters that are linked to mood.

Authors conclude, “Our results suggest that duloxetine improves pain and tenderness, the hallmark characteristics of fibromyalgia. The effect of duloxetine on the reduction of pain appears to be independent of its effect on mood.”

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004;50:2974-2984