Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances, neurocognitive dulling, and insomnia. Currently, three medications are approved for fibromyalgia by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA): pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran. This case study reviews the use of bupropion as a potential co-analgesic in patients with refractory fibromyalgia. Previous studies have assessed the use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of fibromyalgia with both ropinirole and pramipexole exhibiting efficacy. Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant with noradrenergic and dopaminergic modulatory effects, may theoretically provide similar efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Keywords: Bupropion; Fibromyalgia; Dopamine; Adjuvant analgesia