A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis. A double-blind controlled study.

Abstract

The efficacy of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), as compared with placebo, was tested in a 12-week, double-blind, controlled trial of 120 patients with fibrositis. Of the patients who received placebo, 52% dropped out due to lack of efficacy of the drug, compared with 16% of patients taking cyclobenzaprine. The dropout rate due to adverse reactions was similar in the 2 groups. Patients taking cyclobenzaprine experienced a significant decrease in the severity of pain and a significant increase in the quality of sleep. There was a trend toward improvement in the symptoms of fatigue, but morning stiffness was not alleviated. These improvements in symptoms were associated with a significant reduction in the total number of tender points and in muscle tightness. Our findings indicate that cyclobenzaprine is a useful adjunct in treating patients with the fibrositis syndrome.

• Authors: R M Bennett, R A Gatter, S M Campbell, R P Andrews, S R Clark, J A Scarola
• Journal: Arthritis and rheumatism (Arthritis Rheum) Vol. 31 Issue 12 Pg. 1535-42 (Dec 1988) ISSN: 0004-3591 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3058130 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Muscle Relaxants, Central
• Placebos
• Amitriptyline
• cyclobenzaprine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Amitriptyline (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Fibromyalgia (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Relaxants, Central (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Placebos
• Random Allocation