Fibromyalgia treatment: Can Botox injections relieve pain?

There's been little research on the effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) as a treatment for fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain.

Here's what the research has shown so far:

• One double-blind study of Botox at Ohio State University was terminated early because of adverse effects in participants, including confusion, increased pain and flu-like symptoms.
• A review from South Africa reported on 16 people with fibromyalgia treated with multiple — and in some cases, repeated — injections of Botox. Several participants had increased pain in areas of the body that didn't receive injections. Other participants reported improvement.

The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved Botox for the treatment of fibromyalgia. More clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and potential benefits of Botox as a fibromyalgia treatment.

Meanwhile, current treatment options for managing fibromyalgia include:

• Exercise
• Physical therapy
• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Acupuncture
• Electromyogram biofeedback
• Hypnotherapy