Do antidepressants work for people who have been identified as having fibromyalgia? Even for individuals who have no symptoms of depression, studies show that anti-depressants can lower the fatigue and generalized aches that accompany fibromyalgia. In one study, fibromyalgia patients who received antidepressants were four times more likely to show an improvement in their symptoms.

A recent research paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms the benefits of using antidepressants for treating individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Eighteen, credible, high quality clinical trials were analyzed by a group of German researchers, and they concluded that people with fibromyalgia can benefit from treatment with an antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants have been on the market since the 1960′s, and it is this category of antidepressants that seems to be the most effective in treating fibromyalgia. Less effective in fibromyalgia treatment are the newer and more commonly used SSRI antidepressants as well as other groups of antidepressants.

From this study it has been concluded that tricyclics are the very best type of prescription medication in treating fibromyalgia; they may be especially effective for improving the moodiness as well as sleep problems that often afflict individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Although there are benefits to using tricyclic medications, the numerous side effects involved from the medication usage indicates that such usage should be implemented only after a series of lifestyle changes have occurred.

Many patients with fibromyalgia report that exercise, which includes 30 minutes of regular aerobic exercise done each day, helps alleviate symptoms and improves sleep. Eating less sugar and processed food might help. Caffeine should not be consumed, particularly if there are issues with insomnia. People have reported a decrease in pain and fatigue and a better mood, after using meditation and massage therapy. In some cases, these non-invasive treatments can reduce or eliminate the need for the drug therapy that can cause unwanted side effects.

People who are identified as having fibromyalgia might be helped with a tricyclic antidepressant if their lifestyle alterations don’t help with the symptoms, however a natural method is still better.