Does Lexapro help fibromyalgia? (+3 treatment options)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will explore whether Lexapro helps with fibromyalgia or not. The link between these two and other treatment options will also be discussed.
Does Lexapro help fibromyalgia?
Yes, Lexapro can help with fibromyalgia. It is usually prescribed off-label to help the condition. Lexapro is approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders but does not necessarily treat fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body and its management typically involves a multidisciplinary approach including medications that help with the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Some antidepressants may be prescribed for fibromyalgia to help with associated symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood disorders. Lexapro is not a first-line option for this treatment and may cause some early side effects, such as nausea, insomnia, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc.
What does research suggest?
A study was done in 2015 to determine the effects of SSRIs on the condition of fibromyalgia. The effects were compared to the placebo groups. Low-quality evidence was found. There were reduced effects on mood disorders, fatigue and sleep problems (1).
Another research concluded that escitalopram is well tolerated in patients with fibromyalgia to alleviate pain in patients. Positive results were reported on chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia (2).
Research done in 2006, showed the positive effects of antidepressants on the treatment of multiple symptoms of fibromyalgia. The research tested the effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and SNRIs but SSRIs were not thoroughly studied (3).
In 2010, researchers treated 12 patients with fibromyalgia with escitalopram at a fixed dose of 10mg/dl. A significant improvement was observed in the mean intensity of pain and the disability caused by fibromyalgia in patients (4).
Some researchers have also studied that some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are due to the imbalance of serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, SSRIs such as Lexapro can increase serotonin levels and help with these symptoms (5).
What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Some of the commonly observed and reported signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include (10):
- Widespread pain
- Tender points
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Cognitive issues
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Mood disorder
Is Lexapro a primary treatment option for fibromyalgia?
Lexapro is not a primary treatment option for fibromyalgia but it can help with the pain and some of the other conditions like depression and anxiety caused due to fibromyalgia.
Some people with fibromyalgia develop mood disorders like depression, anxiety and OCD as a result of chronic pain and other symptoms (6). In such cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressants such as Lexapro to address this condition.
The primary treatment option for fibromyalgia focuses on addressing the pain, sleep disturbances and other associated symptoms.
What are the approved treatment options for fibromyalgia?
The treatment of fibromyalgia is typically a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that aims at treating the multiple symptoms of the condition. It typically includes a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy.
Pharmacological treatment
The pharmacological treatment regimen may include:
Analgesics: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs may be used to relieve the pain caused by the syndrome. Prescription medications like duloxetine and milnacipran are FDA-approved for the treatment.
These drugs help in relieving pain by inhibiting the neurotransmitter transporter, especially serotonin and norepinephrine (7).
Antidepressants: Some antidepressants such as amitriptyline, and nortriptyline are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain, enhance sleep and manage mood disorders that can accompany fibromyalgia (8).
Others: Some other drugs such as anticonvulsants and opioids can be used for the purpose of relieving pain in the case of Fibromyalgia (9).
Non-pharmacological treatment
The non-pharmacological treatment may include:
Physical therapy: Physical therapists 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.
Other options: Techniques such as mindfulness, Tai chi and yoga can help in relieving pain. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care can also help manage pain
Conclusion
In my perspective, Lexapro can be used to treat symptoms associated with fibromyalgia but the syndrome itself cannot be treated or eradicated by the use of Lexapro alone.
Lexapro can help with mood disorders and anxiety issues comorbid with fibromyalgia. However, if your condition is not getting any better, consulting the healthcare provider is essential as they can tailor a treatment plan according to your specific requirements and necessities.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Walitt, B., Urrútia, G., Nishishinya, M. B., Cantrell, S. E., & Häuser, W. (2015). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for fibromyalgia syndrome. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2015(6), CD011735. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011735
2.-
Patetsos, E., & Horjales-Araújo, E. (2016, January 1). Treating Chronic Pain with SSRIs: What Do We Know? Pain Research & Management; Hindawi Publishing Corporation. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2020915
3.-
Moret, C., & Briley, M. (2006). Antidepressants in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 2(4), 537–548. https://doi.org/10.2147/nedt.2006.2.4.537‘
4.-
Çetin, M. (2010, January 1). P02-162 – Escitalopram treatment of fibromyalgia: a pilot study. European Psychiatry; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(10)70777-x
5.-
Üçeyler, N., Häuser, W. and Sommer, C. (2008), A systematic review on the effectiveness of treatment with antidepressants in fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 59: 1279-1298. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.24000
6.-
Hussain, Ahmad., Sher, Ayub, Dawar., Qasim, Sarwar, Riaz., Kiramat, Ullah., Asif, Kamal. (2023). Association of Depression in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, doi: 10.53350/pjmhs2023172762
7.-
Kia S, Choy E. Update on Treatment Guideline in Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Focus on Pharmacology. Biomedicines [Internet]. 2017 May 8;5(4):20. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines5020020
8.-
Goldenberg DL, Burckhardt C, Crofford L. Management of fibromyalgia syndrome. JAMA. 2004;292:2388–95. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
9.-
Kwiatek R. (2017). Treatment of fibromyalgia. Australian prescriber, 40(5), 179–183. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2017.056
10.-
Häuser, W., Zimmer, C., Felde, E., & Köllner, V. (2007, December 21). Was sind die Kernsymptome des Fibromyalgiesyndroms? Der Schmerz; Springer Science+Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00482-007-0602-z
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
