Olanzapine for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is diagnosed primarily by the pres ence of generalized Pain along with tenderness on palpation of certain body regions. Unfortunately, the pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia rema ins problematic. Two patients are described who highlight the use of the at ypical neuroleptic olanzapine for the control of symptoms related to fibrom yalgia. Prior to the use of olanzapine, both patients had received a multit ude of treatments, none of which greatly improved their ability to function in daily activities. With olanzapine, both patients reported a significant decrease in pain and marked improvement in daily functioning. In one case, the pain returned during a period of time when olanzapine was discontinued , an effect that was reversed when olanzapine was reintroduced. The paucity of serious side effects (i.e., extrapyramidal signs) with the atypical neu roleptic olanzapine strongly favors further exploration and use of this dru g for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief C ommittee, 2001.