Does Fluoxetine Help Fibromyalgia? (+3 Precautions)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Fluoxetine helps fibromyalgia. We will also discuss the link between Fluoxetine and fibromyalgia and other treatment options for fibromyalgia.

Does Fluoxetine help fibromyalgia?

Yes, Fluoxetine helps fibromyalgia. However, it is not an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of fibromyalgia but it is sometimes prescribed off-label for treating fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by long-lasting muscular pains often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood swings. The pains of fibromyalgia are felt all over the body. It is considered neurosensory pain because the patient cannot process the pain in the brain (1).

Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. It is a preferred choice for major depressive disorder and some other depressive conditions but is not a drug of choice for fibromyalgia (1).

Consult your doctor for the symptoms associated with pain and get yourself assessed for fibromyalgia. If your doctor recommends then start taking Fluoxetine at the prescribed dosage and frequency under your doctor’s supervision.

What is the link between Fluoxetine and fibromyalgia?

The link between Fluoxetine and fibromyalgia is not clear. Fluoxetine does not directly affect fibromyalgia but indirectly affects the associated conditions linked to fibromyalgia.

Sertraline, Citalopram, and Fluoxetine were given to a population for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain and the results varied significantly (2).

Fibromyalgia is linked with a decrease in brain chemicals such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. The decrease in these neurotransmitters is not only associated with pain but also leads to anxiety and depression. Improvements in these conditions may indirectly impact fibromyalgia-associated pain perception (2).

What are the other treatment options for fibromyalgia?

The FDA-approved medications for fibromyalgia include (3,4):

Duloxetine
Milnacipran
Pregabalin

Duloxetine and Milnacipran have shown affinity in improving pain and other fibromyalgia-associated symptoms by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine transporters.

Other drugs which are also used off-labelled for treating fibromyalgia and associated conditions include (4):

NSAIDs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Opioids
Anticonvulsants

Non-pharmacological treatment

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can create exercise programs and teach relaxation techniques to improve strength, flexibility and mobility thereby reducing pain and enhancing overall function.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is effective in helping with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. CBT is effective in developing coping strategies to manage pain, enhance sleep and address the emotional aspects of the condition.

Lifestyle changes

Improving sleep hygiene, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and managing stress are essential. A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can also have a positive impact.

What to do if Fluoxetine does not help your fibromyalgia?

If Fluoxetine does not help your fibromyalgia, you should wait for at least two weeks. If you do not observe any improvement in your fibromyalgia symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider. You can try over-the-counter painkillers for temporary pain relief during this process.

Your healthcare provider may evaluate your current symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and response to the treatment. They may increase the dose to get the desired therapeutic benefit of Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine is not an approved medication for fibromyalgia, so if Fluoxetine is not relieving fibromyalgia pain, you can contact your doctor to switch to an appropriate medication with better therapeutic outcomes for fibromyalgia pain.

Always remember not to stop taking Fluoxetine without medical supervision as it can cause withdrawal symptoms worsening your condition (5).

What precautions should be taken while using Fluoxetine for fibromyalgia?

The following precautions should be taken while using Fluoxetine for fibromyalgia:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Fluoxetine or other SSRIs before taking it.
Inform your doctor about your family history, and underlying health conditions and if you are taking any other medicines.
Take Fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and at the same time every day.
Avoid drinking while taking Fluoxetine as it may make you drowsy.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Do not stop taking Fluoxetine abruptly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

In my perspective, Fluoxetine can be used to treat symptoms associated with fibromyalgia but the syndromw itself cannot be treated by the use of Fluoxetine alone.

Fluoxetine can help with mood disorders and anxiety issues associated with fibromyalgia. However, if your condition is not getting better, rech out to your healthcare provider for proper guidance and treatment plans.