Melatonin therapy in fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a painful syndrome that is more common in women than in men. Whether FM has an organic basis or whether it is psychosomatic is debated. Of the numerous treatments that have been tried, rarely have any been completely effective in relieving the pain of FM. Preliminary evidence indicates that melatonin, a molecule that is endogenously produced and is available as an over-the-counter supplement, may be effective in treating the pain associated with this syndrome. Although melatonin is commonly known as a sleep aid (sleep/wake problems are common in FM sufferers), it has a variety of other beneficial effects that may account for its potential benefits in the treatment of FM.
Reiter
Russel J
RJ
Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. reiter@uthscsa.edu
Acuna-Castroviejo
Dario
D
Tan
Dun-xian
DX
D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008550:Melatonin