A randomized trial of cyclobenzaprine for the treatment of fibromyalgia

J Rheumatol Suppl. 1989 Nov:19:140-3.

Abstract

We attempted a randomized, double blind trial of placebo vs cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) in 40 female patients with fibromyalgia from a private rheumatology practice in Maine. Patient reports and physician global assessments indicated that cyclobenzaprine was more effective than placebo in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia in a subgroup of patients. However, most patients in the study had more accurate perceptions of drug effects than had been predicted and were able to identify the test drug. How much this awareness contributed to the perceived effectiveness of cyclobenzaprine is unknown.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amitriptyline / analogs & derivatives*
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Depression / psychology
  • Fibromyalgia / drug therapy*
  • Fibromyalgia / physiopathology
  • Fibromyalgia / psychology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Palliative Care
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sleep / drug effects

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Amitriptyline
  • cyclobenzaprine