Similar medicines derived from the guaiac tree were in use as a generic remedy by Native Americans when explorers reached North America in the 1500s, but guaifenesin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1952.
Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which people experience long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.
What can you tell me about guaifenesin as a treatment for fibromyalgia?
Guaifenesin (pronounced gwai-FEN-es-en) is an ingredient used in many cough syrups to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract. For years it has been promoted as a natural treatment of fibromyalgia by a Los Angeles physician, R. Paul St. Amand, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine at Los Angeles Harbor/UCLA Hospital. Dr. St. Amand claims that guaifenesin relieves fibromyalgia symptoms by ridding muscles, tendons, joints, and other tissues of harmful calcium phosphate deposits that result from defective kidney function.
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Although none have been well proven, possible causes or triggers of fibromyalgia include:
Men and women of all ages get fibromyalgia, but the disorder is most common among women aged 20 to 50.
The following conditions may be seen with fibromyalgia or mimic its symptoms:
The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain.
Fatigue and problems with sleep are seen in almost all patients with fibromyalgia. Many complain that they can’t get to sleep or stay asleep, and they feel tired when they wake up.
Other symptoms may include:
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least 3 months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the:
Sometimes, laboratory and x-ray tests are done to help confirm the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.
Treatment should focus on not only relieving symptoms, but also on helping patients learn how to cope with their symptoms.
Treatments usually involve trial and error:
Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for fibromyalgia.
Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.
Improved fitness through exercise is recommended.
Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles, which may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
Cognitive therapy usually lasts for 6 to 20 1-hour sessions. During this therapy, people with fibromyalgia learn to:
The goal of using medication is to improve sleep and pain tolerance. Patients should receive drug treatments along with exercise, patient education, and behavioral therapies.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and milnacipran (Savella) are medications that are approved specifically for treating fibromyalgia.
However, many other drugs are also used to treat the condition, including:
Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles, which may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
Cognitive therapy usually lasts for 6 to 20 1-hour sessions. During this therapy, people with fibromyalgia learn to:
The goal of using medication is to improve sleep and pain tolerance. Patients should receive drug treatments along with exercise, patient education, and behavioral therapies.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and milnacipran (Savella) are medications that are approved specifically for treating fibromyalgia.
However, many other drugs are also used to treat the condition, including:
Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic.
Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic problem. The symptoms sometimes improve. At other times, the symptoms may worsen and continue for months or years. The key is seeking professional help which includes a multi-faceted approach to the management and treatment of the disease. There is no proof that fibromyalgia syndrome results in an increased death rate.
Call your health-care provider if you have symptoms of fibromyalgia.
There is no proven prevention for this disorder. However, over the years, the treatment and management of the disease have improved.