Other Info

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that appears to be linked to low levels of cortisol and high levels of norepinephrine. Side effects of medications that increase norepinephrine seem to indicate that my norepinephrine levels (as well as dopamine) are normal to high. It is typical that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue follow a traumatic event or period of time where stressful situations are long lasting. This seems to be consistent with PTSD and may have a relation.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid (hormones that are synthesized from cholesterol – Pregnenolone, DHEA, cortisol, etc). While on prednisone for 1 week, I had increased energy level, ability to cope and to get through the day, more focus and clarity, and less generalized pain (that’s putting it mildly – I FELT GREAT!). Combo Pregnenolone & DHEA (along with other supplements) has had a similar effect, but does not have as significant an impact as Prednisone, likely because there are other factors that I haven’t figured out yet. Prednisone can have extreme side effects and many doctors are reluctant to prescribe it for long term. However, the effects are not always so severe and regular monitoring will help indicate when you should stop taking it. I know several people who have been on it for 9+ years and they have had NO complications. It seems to me that as with all medications, if your body needs it, it won’t reject it. If your body doesn’t need it, you will start getting side effects. The chart below shows how meds can affect your system:

Sensativity to medication (and toxins such as cleaning supplies, etc.) is another symptom that frequently accompanies fibro, although doctors will usually dismiss it. I have been prescribed a ton of different types of meds through my doctor’s efforts to provide some relief – I tend to experience every side effect associated with them, which as indicated on the chart above means I’m already topped out on that particular thing – for example, I was prescribed Wellbutrin, which is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Basically, the way it works is this: there are cell membranes that produce dopamine, which then enters into other cells, as well as back into the one that produced it. Reuptake inhibitors block the dopamine from re-entering the production cells, thereby sending the message that it needs to produce more dopamine. I had insane side effects, indicating that I already produce dopamine at the top of the normal range. Dopamine or other meds may work for you. A lot of people knock them, I personally think that if they help, great! But they won’t address the root cause and over long periods, your body may become dependent on them. So getting to the source is critical, particularly with a condition like fibro that can last for many years.

My rheumatologist said that low pain tolerance (such as I have) is always related to sleep disorders (one of the fibro symptoms). I had a sleep study done and learned that I never get into the 3rd & 4th stages of sleep. I went through various sleep meds (Ambien, Lunesta, etc), but developed severe side affects, the most significant being intense depression. I was prescribed low doses of Trazodone, which helps me sleep, which helps with increased energy and reduced pain, and other than the initial “trazodone hangover” that is apparently common for the first few days, I have not experienced any side affects. Trazodone targets 5-HT2 receptors, which are subtypes of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitters (see neurotransmitters above). The 5-HT-2 receptors mediate many of the central and peripheral physiologic functions of serotonin. I continue to seek alternatives to Trazodone, but so far, every time I stop the Trazodone, my sleep becomes unstable.