NEWSBRIEF: Some researchers believe the Alzheimer's disease drug Namenda (memantine) may help reduce gray-matter atrophy associated with fibromyalgia. The journal Medical Hypotheses published a paper exploring the possible combination of Lyrica (pregabalin) and Namenda as a fibromyalgia treatment.
Namenda works by blocking NMDA receptors. NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are activated by the neurotransmitter/amino acid glutamate, which can excessively stimulate the receptor. This excess stimulation may be related to the cognitive defects in Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions. Glutamate levels are believed to be high in some people with fibromyalgia. Namenda also has been shown to be effective against headache and migraine pain.
To date, no trials have been conducted for Namenda as a fibromyalgia treatment. Published theories such as this one, however, frequently lead to clinical trials.
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This is a little frightening. “Fibro fog” has always been one of those “funny jokes” about fibro, for me, even as I undoubtedly experience it from time to time. This certainly puts that whole phenomenon in a very different, more serious light.
But I am heartened that research is being done. We’ve really come a long way from the “it doesn’t exist, period” days. Now if we can just educate the rest of the
idiotsunbelievers.My doctor tried me on Ebixa (Memantine) in the fall of 2006 at a low dose. I was unable to tolerate it because it caused me to be quite depressed. I wasn’t on it long enough to determine if it could be helpful. But, as far back as then, it was being discussed as a possibly effective treatment for FMS.
I was on Namenda for several months ( while seeing a Dr. at the Fibro & Fatigue Clinics )
It didn’t seem to do ANYTHING for me…..good or bad. It was VERY EXPENSIVE too!
Gabapentine has helped me in the past- was on it for about 3 yrs. Just tried it again, recently after Lyrica caused me SEVERE SWELLING…….The same thing happened this time with the Gabapentine.
It DID help ALOT though with pain from knots in Neck and back. I wish it didn’t cause me to swell. UGH!!!!!
I have been treated for fibromyalgia with Savella for several years. It doesn’t seem to help with the joint stiffness anymore. My doctor recently put me on Namenda. I am curious if anyone else has had success with this drug.