Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as extreme tiredness and multiple tender points throughout the body where even slight pressure causes pain. Presently, effective treatment options for fibromyalgia are limited.

However, according to an analysis published in the January 14, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, antidepressant medications are associated with improvement in fibromyalgia-related symptoms .

German researchers analyzed data from eighteen randomized controlled trials involving 1427 participants in order to determine the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of fibromyalgia. They found strong evidence that usage of antidepressants was associated with reductions in pain, fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep disturbances. They also found that antidepressants improved health-related quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia. Among the different classes of antidepressants, it seemed that tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline (or, Elavil®), were associated with the largest reductions in pain.

Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term benefits and risks of antidepressant therapy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. It is important to remember that, while antidepressant medications may provide symptomatic relief, they do not offer a cure for fibromyalgia.

Source

JAMA. 2009;301(2):198-209.