Are Opiates Right for Fibromyalgia?

The Risks of Opiates

Beyond not being effective for fibromyalgia, opiates carry substantial risks that are particularly concerning for people with chronic conditions:

Addiction and Dependence

Opiates are highly addictive. Physical dependence can develop quickly, meaning your body adapts to the medication and you experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop. Psychological addiction—compulsive drug-seeking despite harmful consequences—can also develop.

People with chronic pain are at elevated risk for opioid use disorder because they have legitimate access to these medications and ongoing pain that creates motivation for misuse.

Tolerance and Dose Escalation

Over time, opiates often become less effective as your body develops tolerance. This leads to needing higher doses to achieve the same pain relief, which increases risks without necessarily improving pain control. Many fibromyalgia patients find they end up taking higher and higher doses while still experiencing significant pain.

Side Effects

Opiates cause numerous side effects that overlap with fibromyalgia symptoms: constipation, nausea, cognitive impairment, drowsiness, and dizziness. For fibromyalgia patients already dealing with fatigue and brain fog, these side effects are particularly problematic.

Overdose Risk

The opioid epidemic has made clear the deadly risks of these medications. Accidental overdose can occur, especially when opiates are combined with other sedating medications or alcohol. The risk increases as doses escalate over time.