Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

For the management of persistent pain in fibromyalgia, which medication type is often recommended?

1. Antidepressants

2. Skeletal muscle relaxants

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

4. Corticosteroids

The correct answer is: Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly recommended for managing persistent pain in fibromyalgia due to their efficacy in addressing both pain and associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety, which are often present in patients with this condition. Specifically, certain types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g., duloxetine), have been shown to help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms by modulating pain pathways in the central nervous system. These medications not only provide analgesic effects but also improve sleep quality, which is frequently disrupted in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. By managing both pain and sleep disturbances, antidepressants play a significant role in enhancing the overall quality of life for these patients. Other medication types listed, such as skeletal muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids, may have limited efficacy or are not well-supported by evidence for treating the chronic pain specifically associated with fibromyalgia. This makes antidepressants a more favorable choice in the management of persistent pain in fibromyalgia.