Topamax for Fibromyalgia

A number of clinical studies suggest that using Topamax for fibromyalgia treatment is effective. Since the medication appears to be useful in relieving various types of nerve pain, it is expected that it would also be beneficial for treating fibromyalgia pain (which may actually be nerve pain). However, the drug is currently not approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

 

Topamax for Fibromyalgia: An Overview

Topamax® (topiramate) is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy and to prevent migraine headaches. Although some studies have suggested that Topamax may be effective for other types of nerve pain, no adequate studies have looked at Topamax for fibromyalgia treatment.
 

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have "tender points" on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs; these points hurt when pressure is put on them. Other fibromyalgia symptoms may include:
 
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Morning stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Painful menstrual periods
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
  • Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog").
     

Research on Topamax for Fibromyalgia

Many studies have suggested that Topamax may be effective for treating various types of nerve pain. Since fibromyalgia pain may actually be nerve pain, it is reasonable to expect that Topamax may be effective for fibromyalgia. However, no adequate studies have evaluated the use of Topamax for treating fibromyalgia.
 

Topamax for Fibromyalgia: Final Thoughts

More research is needed before it can be concluded that Topamax is safe and effective for fibromyalgia treatment. It is important to remember that Topamax is not approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia, and the full risks of Topamax for this use are not known.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;