A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis. A double-blind controlled study.
The efficacy of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), as compared with placebo, was tested in a 12-week, double-blind, controlled trial of 120 patients with fibrositis. Of the patients who received placebo, 52% dropped out due to lack of efficacy of the drug, compared with 16% of patients taking cyclobenzaprine. The dropout rate due to adverse reactions was similar in the 2 groups. Patients taking cyclobenzaprine experienced a significant decrease in the severity of pain and a significant increase in the quality of sleep. There was a trend toward improvement in the symptoms of fatigue, but morning stiffness was not alleviated. These improvements in symptoms were associated with a significant reduction in the total number of tender points and in muscle tightness. Our findings indicate that cyclobenzaprine is a useful adjunct in treating patients with the fibrositis syndrome.
Bennett
R M
RM
Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Gatter
R A
RA
Campbell
S M
SM
Andrews
R P
RP
Clark
S R
SR
Scarola
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D011897:Random Allocation
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D010919:Placebos; D000639:Amitriptyline; C004704:cyclobenzaprine