I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, was in a car accident several years ago?

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, was in a car accident several years ago , had surgery and have been suffering ever since. The severity of the symptoms and pains differ, it comes and goes pretty much. My Doctor would like me to put me on a certain medication, but I was told that there is a risk of weight gain, which I don't want to deal with (I already have and have overcome it for the most part).

Can anyone recommend a good medication (that works for you) that would not have this (weight gain) side effect?
Also, any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

Dominie, I Just looked at some of your info. and most state that it's most informative and very validating.. It's a lonely feeling. I very much appreciate everyone else's input as well.

See my 100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia at http://www.fms-help.com/tips.htm I've heard from a LOT of people who developed fibro after a car accident or after surgery. Sure wish there was a just one medication that would help all of us with fibro, but there is no "cure" at the moment, despite what the TV ads say. However, there are some things you can do to help yourself, but each person with fibro is different. This baffles doctors who can't seem to find meds that help each and every person with fibro. Anyway, check out my site at http://www.fms-help.com - I have a lot of ideas and helps there.

When it comes to dealing with my fibro pain I go for a massage every 2 weeks and it definitely helps. It reduces the pain and helps take away those horrible headaches. I don't take any prescriptions for fibro any more and just stick to Robaxacet and Gravol when necessary. Other than that a hot tub can provide quick relief for tense muscles.

If you had named the med that caused you weight gain. I wouldn't want to suggest it. Muscle relaxers (Baclofen, Zanaflex, Robaxin) are good for muscle spasms and the pain from these, antidepressants in small dosages (10 mg daily )have a use for this as well, benzodiazepines (Xanax & Valium), antiepilepsy meds (Gabapentin [neurontin] & Lyrica) can help with pain. A risk of weight gain isn't a guarantee of it. Keeping your feelings about weight gain in mind, the benefits may outweigh the risk so it may worth your while to keep an open mind. And if you're not already being followed by a neurologist, I suggest you do so.

Here's a link to the National Fibromyalgia Association.
http://www.fmaware.org

I also have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I had previously fallen down a flight of stairs, then had surgery, and that's when I was hit with all the symptoms, too. Some flares are not so bad, and some are borderline horrific. The majority of the time I just live through the pain.

As far as the medication it's difficult to advise without knowing what it is, or what it's for. I take tramadol for the pain, ibuprofen when it it not so severe, if needed, something for muscle spasms in my neck and back, and something to help me sleep.

Remember that their may be a risk for weight gain with the drug your doctor has recommended, but it will not affect all patients that way. I have actually been on a medication that had a weight gain risk, and I lost weight!

The key is to consult with a rheumatologist, if you have not already, as they can best advise you on treatment.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this at length.

God bless, and take care!