Are Opiates Right for Fibromyalgia?

If You're Currently Taking Opiates

If you're already taking opioid medications for fibromyalgia, don't stop suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Instead, work with your doctor to develop a tapering plan if you decide to stop.

Your doctor can help you transition to more appropriate treatments while managing withdrawal symptoms. This process takes time and requires medical supervision, but many patients report feeling better overall once they're off opiates and on more targeted therapies.

Having the Conversation with Your Doctor

If your doctor suggests opiates for fibromyalgia, or if you're considering asking for them, be direct about the evidence. You can reference the guidelines from major medical organizations that recommend against opioid use for this condition.

Ask specifically about the three FDA-approved medications for fibromyalgia. Ask about the evidence base for any proposed treatment. A good doctor will appreciate a patient who wants to make informed decisions based on research.

The Bottom Line

Opiates are not an effective treatment for fibromyalgia and carry serious risks. Zero out of three major medical guidelines recommend them for this condition. The evidence shows they don't work well for the type of pain fibromyalgia causes, and they may actually worsen symptoms over time.

Better options exist—medications specifically approved for fibromyalgia, non-drug approaches with solid evidence, and multimodal treatment plans that address the condition's complexity. You deserve treatments that actually work for your specific type of pain.

The pain of fibromyalgia is real and deserves effective treatment. That treatment just isn't opiates. Talk with your doctor about evidence-based alternatives that can actually help.