Marijuana Rated Significantly More Effective in Treating Fibromyalgia Symptoms than FDA-Approved Drugs, Global Survey Finds

GOLDEN, Colo., April 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A survey of 1,339 people with fibromyalgia conducted by The National Pain Foundation and NationalPainReport.com, revealed that those who have used marijuana to treat their symptoms find it significantly more effective than any of the three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the disorder.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140418/76548

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The three drugs approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia are Cymbalta (Duloxetine); Lyrica (Pregabalin); and Savella (Milnacipran). 

How Cymbalta Performs for Fibromyalgia Sufferers (N=960)

• 60% say Cymbalta does not work at all
• 32% say Cymbalta helps a little
• 8% say Cymbalta was very effective

How Lyrica Performs for Fibromyalgia Sufferers (N=860)

• 61% say Lyrica does not work at all
• 29% say Lyrica helps a little
• 10% say Lyrica was very effective

How Savella Performs for Fibromyalgia Sufferers (N=387)

• 68% say it does not work at all
• 22% say it helps a little
• 10% say it was very effective

How Marijuana Performs for Fibromyalgia Sufferers (N=379)

• 5% say it does not work at all
• 33% marijuana helps a little
• 62% say marijuana was very effective

Comments from survey respondents regarding the use of marijuana to treat Fibromyalgia:

• "I've found nothing that has worked for me, apart from marijuana."
• "Nothing but medical marijuana has made the greatest dent in the pain and mental problems."
• "Marijuana does help a LOT, it numbs the pain. But, it doesn't last long and it makes your brain foggy."

Ninety-six percent (96%) of survey respondents were females.  About half (49%) were diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 34, while 38% were diagnosed between the ages of 35 to 49. Only 12% were diagnosed at the age of 50 or older.

Forty-four percent (44%) lived with Fibromyalgia for more than five years before receiving a diagnosis. Only 11% were diagnosed within one year of experiencing symptoms.

Four out of ten (43%) of fibromyalgia sufferers feel their physician is not knowledgeable about the disorder. Over a third (35%) feel their physician does not take their fibromyalgia seriously. And 45% feel their family and friends do not take their fibromyalgia seriously.

About The National Pain Foundation

The National Pain Foundation is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that is addressing the critical public health challenges attributed to pain on a global basis.

CONTACT:
Doug Lynch
304-876-1677

Read more news from The National Pain Foundation.

SOURCE The National Pain Foundation