The Recommendation of Amitriptyline
as a Fibromyalgia Treatment
Dr. John C. Lowe
Director of Research

In 1995, I wrote an editorial in The Journal of Myofascial Therapy criticizing Dr. I. John Russell, a high-profile rheumatology fibromyalgia researcher, for falsely stating that amitriptyline (Elavil) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) were effective fibromyalgia treatments. The editorial set off a reaction of  arrogance and child-like behavior by men and women whom one would expect to behave better. Jackie Yellin, my long-time editor and collaborator, and I promptly became personae non gratae at rheumatology associated support and research groups.

As most fibromyalgia patients can confirm, amitriptyline and cyclobenzaprine have utterly failed as fibromyalgia treatments. Both patient testimony and research confirm this. Nonetheless, I sat in the audience at the 2006 conference of the American Academy of Pain Management and heard a prominent pain specialist state that amitriptyline is the first line treatment for fibromyalgia. In my opinion, his statement was a disservice to the pain management practitioners in the audience. 

Because of the speaker's statement, I am here republishing my editorial criticizing Dr. Russell's false statements about amitriptyline and cyclobenzaprine being effective fibromyalgia treatments. My hope is that making the editorial available to patients and doctors will help offset harm to patients done by the poor advice the speaker gave the audience.

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