New pain medication for Fibromyalgia...revealed today

LSUHSC Family Medicine Physician Studies New Fibromyalgia Treatment SHREVEPORT, La., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- A clinical trial to study the effectiveness of a drug in treating fibromyalgia in which Patrick Wood, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Comprehensive Care with LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, served as one of the lead investigators, has been completed on 147 patients. Dr. Wood, currently completing a fellowship at McGill University in Canada, is among the leaders of clinical research of Xyrem (sodium oxybate),originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cataplexy, the sudden loss of muscle tone in patients with narcolepsy, and is now indicated for use in excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. "The pain of fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat. The results from the trial are quite encouraging," according to Dr. Wood. He presented his findings today at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management in San Diego. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain illness characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pains and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands, but any body part can be involved. Approximately four million Americans, primarily females, are estimated to be affected. Fibromyalgia affects women three times more often than men. For more information Contact: Derek Daniel (318) 675-5408 SOURCE LSU Health Sciences Center -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content. Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply. Copyright © 1996-2006 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A United Business Media company. Well fellow fibromonster sufferers here is the latest drug on the market for pain.