A comparison of cyclobenzaprine and placebo in the management of fibrositis. A double-blind controlled study.

Author(s): Bennett RM, Gatter RA, Campbell SM, Andrews RP, Clark SR, Scarola JA

Affiliation(s): Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.

Publication date & source: 1988-12, Arthritis Rheum., 31(12):1535-42.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Controlled Clinical Trial

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.