New Drug Approved for FMS - Read this first before your rush to buy it

I do agree that fibromyalgia is not an enjoyable condition. However, to me, and for all of the people who do live with FMS on a daily basis, I find it offensive that the only focus is to offer a risky drug that manages only the symptoms.

Are we so far removed from humanity that all of the millions in drug research can't be diverted to find the cure?

It is unfortunate that so little is made available in media outlets for those natural care approaches that have helped thousands with this diagnosis.

I am pleased to learn that my formulas, Heart Leaf Remedy 6:4 and ADVENTURX, have proven helpful to so many with fibromyalgia.

Our complete program has helped many to recover.

"Fibromyalgia is a complicated chronic pain condition, so it is important that physicians and patients have access to treatments that have been shown to help manage the symptoms that define the experience of fibromyalgia," Daniel Clauw, professor of anesthesiology and medicine at the University of Michigan, said in a company news release.

See also

BLACK BOX WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGSSee full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
• Increased risk of suicidal ideation, thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Savella is not approved for use in pediatric patients (5.1)

The most frequently occurring adverse reactions (≥ 5% and greater than placebo) were nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, hot flush, hyperhidrosis, vomiting, palpations, heart rate increased, dry mouth, and hypertension (6.3).

SNRIs, including Savella, have been associated with reports of increase in blood pressure.

Patients taking prescription drugs need to be nutrition-conscious

Prescription drugs often become a necessary component of patients' health. And that presents a new need -- the need for physicians and pharmacists to discuss the possible ramifications of taking a prescription, including nutrient depletion in the body.

Most people are well-versed in the importance of vitamins, minerals, and herbs to their health. Stress, environmental pollutants, and poor diet all contribute to the depletion of nutrient levels in the body.

Unfortunately, most people are not aware of how prescription drugs create drug-induced nutrient depletion. This is an important issue that becomes even more important when a patient must take a prescription for a chronic condition.

As America ages, it's inevitable that more of the population will need prescription drugs for chronic conditions. There's already an influx of prescriptions for Americans' high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and other health concerns. This is a prime opportunity to educate your patients about the need for nutritional therapy as an adjunct to taking prescription medications. Not only does this benefit the patient, but also enables you to integrate natural medicines into your clinic or pharmacy.

Consider that anti-hypertensive medications for blood pressure, drugs that comprise the sixth largest dollar-volume category of prescription drugs in the U.S. in 1998, will deplete zinc in the body. This mineral is crucial to the immune system and its many functions including wound healing and infection fighting. A zinc deficiency can also cause insulin resistance and sexual dysfunction.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lipitor® and Zocor® comprise the third largest category of prescription drugs in the United States in 1998 and can easily deplete Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). On the flip side, magnesium may inhibit the absorption of these drugs. And even commonplace NSAIDs deplete nutrients like folic acid. And it's this deficiency that poses greater risk for women because of the link to cervical dysplasia and birth defects in their children. Other problems associated with a lack of adequate folic acid include anemia, depression, elevated homocysteine levels (and corresponding risk of cardiovascular disease), and increased risks for developing breast and colorectal cancers.

Antidepressant Drugs
Includes drugs used to stimulate the mood of a depressed patient. Some are used in eating disorders, treating obesity, and panic disorders. Drugs include tricyclic and SSRI medicines such as Amitriptyline, Elavil, Tra-zodone, Desipramine, Pamelor, Nortriptyline, Serzone, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Imipramine.

B-Complex Vitamins: Additional B--vitamins are critical when taking antidepressants for short or extended periods. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are especially necessary. There may also be an additional need for riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine(B6, necessary to produce serotonin).

Selenium: Stores of selenium are compromised with extended use of these drugs. A suggested supplementation dose would be 50 to 100 micrograms daily.

Zinc: Depletion of this antioxidant can slow wound healing and reduce the sense of taste. Supplement with a dose of 10--35 mg per day.

L-Gluthathione: An important amino acid that decreases free radicals and helps to protect your liver.

Calcium/Magnesium: Take for nutritional support, along with additional minerals.

Vitamin C, CO Q 10, and some reports of sodium depletion.