Novel pharmacotherapy for fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a common disorder that is characterized by chronic widespread pain, tenderness to light palpation, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The present lack of a well-accepted model of the disorder has hampered progress towards adequate treatment. A review of potential models to explain the pathophysiology underlying its primary symptom (i.e., chronic widespread pain) lends insight on the therapeutic potential of novel therapies. Following this, a mechanistic evaluation of those medications that are under consideration for the treatment of the disorder is offered. Adequate treatment will be likely to involve the identification of biologic subgroups within the greater fibromyalgia construct. Key insights from basic research are the basis for increased optimism for effective relief among patients and clinicians.
Wood
Patrick B
PB
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center--Shreveport, Department of Family Medicine, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA. pwood@lsuhsc.edu
Holman
Andrew J
AJ
Jones
Kim D
KD
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014179:Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; C425903:CACNA2D1 protein, human; D015220:Calcium Channels; D002186:Cannabinoids; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D014179:Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D019382:Human Growth Hormone