@A MyLupusTeam Member Good idea to debate about any prescriptions they offer. Read the pros and cons and long-term effects. it's all on the internet and also reviews by ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Also, If you put the name of the drug in the search mechanism for Q&A on this site , it will bring up other members who have asked the same question and you can read what answers they received. Some people are very happy with Effexor, others like Cymbalta

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A MyLupus...

My PCP just prescribed a compounding cream that has flexeril, lidocaine and Gabapentin in it. The compounding pharmacy has not called me yet so I have not tried it and cannot comment yet but it's interesting that they can put muscle relaxers such as Flexeril into compounding creams to be absorbed into the skin rather than taking it orally. Years ago she ordered a compounding cream for me but it didn't work so well. They can put anything they want in a compounding cream so we'll see how this works.

After careful consideration I decided to try the tizanidine. I didn't have any side effects but it left me feeling groggy in the morning. I'm not taking the effexor as of right now. I'm trying a more natural approach right now. Even if it hurts I'm pushing through. Staying busy is helping me get through the day. Thanks to everyone who answered.

Thanks for the reply. I tried cymbalta and didn't want to be on it anymore. I haven't picked up my prescriptions yet. I'm still debating about it.

Michelle, please try lifestyle measures first rather than meds--if you haven't already. I've written about this if you want to check out my story, and you can find guidance online too.

Also, you may want to ask your doc about Cymbalta, which is similar to Effexor but can be better for FM and sleep.