What is fibromyalgia: An Introduction
Before dealing with the condition and its management, let us have a deep understanding of what this disorder really is and how prevalent this condition is. Did you know that, according to the CDC, at least 4 million Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia? Research has also revealed that women are more prone to getting this condition than men. It is important to note that as you grow older the chances of getting this disorder also increases. Doctors often prescribe medications like Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia treatment. But management of this condition is just as important. And so is awareness.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which you experience excruciating pain throughout your bhttp://medlifetime.com/order/order_details/59ody. The muscles, skin, and joints of your body ache, and the pain is so severe that it’s going to disrupt your daily life and functionality.
In this condition, sometimes you will see that your conditions are getting worse. These periods are called flare-ups. Any physical, emotional, or psychological event can trigger flare-ups. Balancing the painful peaks of the condition and stable phases can be really frustrating. It is crucial to talk about your condition and make sure you have a support system in place to help you through this.
What are the Reasons behind Fibromyalgia?
Whenever patients are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, the question that they wonder is, how does this happen? The truth is medical experts still have not figured out why fibromyalgia occurs. Researchers have discovered that fibromyalgia amplifies your painful conditions by changing the way your body perceives pain.
The most common reasons behind this disorder are environmental factors and genetics. This is the most difficult part of suffering from these diseases. This condition is also known to enhance any pre-existing pain condition. So, when you already have a pain problem, it can get worse. At the same time, you need to take note of any new pain or any health condition
Any new pain in your body is often the first sign of fibromyalgia — especially in your muscles. What often happens is that we tend to be dismissive and normalize pain. This is why experts always suggest medical consultation whenever you suffer from pain.
Who is affected by fibromyalgia?
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia at any age. It affects people of any age, including children. Around 4 million people in the U.S. are living with fibromyalgia. However, research has shown that women are much more likely to get this than men. The chances of having this disorder are much higher with age.
How do I know if I have fibromyalgia: Diagnostic Challenge?
The most brooding question that patients keep asking is: how do you even know if you have fibromyalgia? The answer to this question is extremely difficult. The main obstruction lies in the fact that fibromyalgia is nearly impossible to diagnose. There are no conclusive tests, imaging tests, or bloodwork that tell you about this disorder.
Predominant symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia displays a group of symptoms. For example, you can face, widespread musculoskeletal pain that persists for at least three months. This pain often affects both sides of the body, above and below the waist. Any part of your body that already is in pain, is going to be worse. Your muscle pain or arthritic joint will be extremely strong if you have this condition. Women specifically, experience more widespread pain.
- Chronic fatigue is another most common and dominating symptom of this condition. Even when patients get plenty of sleep, they never feel well-rested and are always tired.
- Fibro Fog - impairment of your cognitive function
- Sleep disturbances: Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome are common.
- Stiffness: Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity.
- Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines.
- Numbness or tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: Such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Heightened sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and temperature.
- Depression and anxiety: Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience mood disorders.
- Tender points: Areas of the body that are tender to the touch, often around joints, but not limited to specific locations as previously thought.
- These symptoms can vary in intensity and may fluctuate over time, making fibromyalgia a complex and challenging condition to manage.
How does it feel to have Fibromyalgia?
Having fibromyalgia feels like a relentless battle against your own body. Every day, you wake up to aching muscles, like you've been running a marathon in your sleep. Simple tasks become Herculean feats, as fatigue weighs you down, pulling at every step. Your mind feels foggy, like trying to see through a thick haze, making it hard to concentrate or remember even the simplest of things. Even the gentlest touch can feel like a jolt of electricity, and the world seems too loud, too bright, too overwhelming. It's like living in a constant storm of pain, exhaustion, and confusion, where finding moments of peace becomes a rare and cherished victory.
Finding What Causes Fibromyalgia
The exact causes of Fibromyalgia are yet to be determined. Many theories highlight different reasons responsible for this condition. Some of these reasons are the following:
- Abnormal pain messages
One of the dominating theories on the reason behind this condition is the transmission of abnormal pain signals. - Genetics
If you have a family history of fibromyalgia. Chances are high that you also will be susceptible to it. -
Possible triggers
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress, trauma, or psychological stressors. Here is a list of reasons that might be responsible for triggering this painful condition.severe physical trauma (like after a car accident)
Infectious diseases like Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease
A major surgery
Emotional or psychological trauma (like serving in the war
Can Gabapentin help with Fibromyalgia?
Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. While it's not specifically approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia, some healthcare providers may prescribe gabapentin because it can help alleviate neuropathic pain, which is a common component of fibromyalgia.
Gabapentin works by changing the way the body perceives pain signals. It affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly those involved in transmitting pain signals. By doing so, it may help reduce the intensity of pain associated with fibromyalgia and improve overall functioning and quality of life for some individuals.
However, it's important to note that not everyone with fibromyalgia will respond to gabapentin, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Additionally, like any medication, gabapentin may cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, which may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and other therapies.
How to take Gabapentin?
Gabapentin oral tablets are to be swallowed with a glass of water. The oral tablets are meant to be taken as a whole, instead of breaking or chewing them. Take the medication with food, if it causes problems with an empty stomach. Do not start the medication at a high dose from the beginning. Doctors prefer starting at a lower dose and adjusting it later when required. Try to take the medication at a particular time and if possible, maintain a similar time.
While taking Gabapentin, make sure that you are not consuming alcohol or any other narcotics. This might lead to an overdose and cause serious health issues.
Where to buy Gabapentin online
Gabapentin is mainly used for seizures and other painful conditions like neuropathic pain (postherpetic neuralgia or peripheral neuropathy) or Fibromyalgia(off-label use). When you or your family members or friends suffer from these conditions, going out and standing in the long pharmacy cue does not seem like a good idea. This is where Medlifetime.com comes in. We offer home medication delivery and free shipping on all orders. You can easily buy medicines like Gabapentin Online with overnight delivery right to your doorstep. Once you place your order, we will deliver your medication overnight. And the best part? You can order from all across the USA and it's completely free from shipping charges.
Taking Gabapentin: Dosage and forms
On Medlifetime, Gabapentin is available as an oral tablet. Down below we have mentioned the various combinations of quantities and doses of Gabapentin. You can choose to stock the medications if you take them regularly.
Gabapentin 800 mg – 90 Tabs
Gabapentin 800 mg – 180 Tabs
Gabapentin 600 mg – 180 Tabs
Gabapentin 400 mg – 180 Tabs
Gabapentin 300 mg – 180 Tabs
Gabapentin 600mg- 120 Tabs
Gabapentin 800mg- 120 Tabs
Gabapentin 600mg- 90 Tabs
Gabapentin 400 Mg- 90 Tabs
Ideal Dosing for Gabapentin
For epilepsy:
Children and adults who are 12 years of age —
Begin with 300 milligrams (mg) 3 times per day. Your physician will adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose should be at most 1800 mg per day (600 mg 3 times per day).
Children 3 to 11 years of age-
The dose will vary, depending on body weight, and must be determined by your doctor. The recommended daily dosage is divided into three doses of 10 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight.
Your doctor may advise otherwise.
Children younger than 3 years of age-
It is up to your doctor to decide on dosage and usage.
For postherpetic neuralgia:
Adults— Initially, 300 milligrams (mg) in the evening.
Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day.
Children—Your doctor must determine the use and dose.
For Fibromyalgia
Typically, doses range from 1200 mg to 2400 mg daily. Low doses are started at the beginning of treatment to minimize side effects, but after a few weeks, the dose is usually increased.
Avoiding Gabapentin: When not to Take Gabapentin?
Let‘s find out what additional drugs and goods may interact with gabapentin.
- Alcohol
- products for colds, coughs, and allergies that contain antihistamines.
- some medications for insomnia or anxiety.
- certain antidepressants, including sertraline, fluoxetine, and amitriptyline.
- Some medications, like primidone and phenobarbital, are used to treat seizures.
- specific medications for gastrointestinal issues. (Before taking gabapentin, wait two hours after taking antacids containing magnesium and aluminum.)
- prior to surgery, either local or general anesthetics or muscle relaxants are administered.
- narcotic painkillers.
What are the more common side effects of gabapentin?
Common side effects of gabapentin include:
Feeling tired.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Nausea and vomiting.
Fever.
Difficulty speaking.
Recurring infections.
Memory loss.
Weight gain.
Movement problems: coordination problems, being unsteady, tremors, jerky movements.
Eye problems: unusual eye movements, double vision.
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that will make you face many challenges. Though it has no permanent cure at the moment, with plenty of exercise and a healthy and stable lifestyle you can have a happy and good-quality life.
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