Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition that can involve all body systems. There are many so called medication cures available, such as Lyrica, Welbutrin and Guaifenesin.
The problem is no medication is without side effects despite what the websites tell you. Today we are going to look at one of the most common medical treatments available Guaifenesin.
What is Guaifenesin?
According to drugs.com Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. Guaifenesin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
“Use guaifenesin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.”
Do not give guaifenesin to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
The City of Hope’s Fibromyalgia Treatment Center website says “We now use guaifenesin for fibromyalgia because it has no side effects and is even safe for children.”
Really? No side effects? Safe for Children?
Well there might be some side effects such as dizziness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; weakness.
And sometimes some…
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; tremor.
But other than that no big deal?!
Because it helps get rid of uric acid, guaifenesin was chosen in the 1990s for the experimental guaifenesin protocol – a treatment for fibromyalgia. Proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it treats fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body.
However, a consumer alert on the Fibromyalgia Network’s website (http://www.fmnetnews.com/resources-alert-product6.php) states that Dr. St. Amand’s claims of guaifenesin’s effects on fibromyalgia are groundless, and cites double blind research by Robert Bennett, M.D. which found no significant differences between guaifenesin and a placebo in terms of any effect on fibromyalgia or its markers.
Could taking a medication that eliminates phosphates from the body be useful? If the phosphates are the underlying cause of the Fibromyalgia symptoms then yes. But even then, nutritional approaches could do the same thing without all of the side effects.
Fibromyalgia is obviously a multifactorial condition. Chemical, emotional and physical connections are common. But if the underlying cause is primarily related to the physical body then Guaifenesin or any other chemical approach will have little to no results.
Physical traumas especially to the head and neck are extremely important to make note of and to identify if an undetected injury to the brain stem could be the cause. Brain stem pressure from an upper neck misalignment can be devastating to the human body. All body systems can be affected.
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Dr. Kurt Sherwood, D.C. is Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. He is in private practice in the state of Washington in the city of Renton. He specializes in correcting problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at www.restorationspinalcare.com
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sherwood, call 425-243-1607 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.