A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis

Robert M. Bennett, Robert A. Gatter, Stephen M. Campbell, Ronald P. Andrews, Sharon R. Clark, Joseph A. Scarola

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    162 Scopus citations

    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.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)1535-1542
    Number of pages8
    JournalArthritis & Rheumatism
    Volume31
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Dec 1988

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology and Allergy
    • Rheumatology
    • Immunology
    • Pharmacology (medical)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this