Does guaifenesin help fibromyalgia

This is a loaded question, but one worth exploring.

Guafenisin is a drug originally intended as a mucolytic expectorant for treating coughs and colds. In the 1990's, a physician by the name of St. Amand came up with the Guafenisin protocol, which he stated could cure fibromyalgia. He also stated that he himself had fibromyalgia and had been cured of the condition using Guaifenisin. The protocol involves taking Guaifenisin titrated to the proper dosage, avoiding salicylates and consuming a low-carb diet (for patients with hypogylcemia).

Many people followed the protocol, with some achieving the desired result (cessation of fibromyalgia symptoms) and others finding no relief of symptoms. Dr. St. Amand claimed that those who did not achieve good results were not avoiding all salicylates, as he advocated. (There was even a line of cosmetics created without salicylates so that true abstinence from salicylates could be obseved!) Dr. St. Anand believed that Guaifenisin works to cure fibromyalgia by correcting phosphate accumulation in cells of the muscles, which he believed to be responsible for all the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Phosphate accumulation has never been proven to be the cause of fibromyalgia in clinical studies.

A double-blind study conducted in 2008 by Robert Bennett, a physician, found no difference between Guafenisin and a placebo.

Still, there are many advocates out there who strongly believe that Guaifenisin is the cure to fibromyalgia. You will also find many web sites devoted to the Guafenisin protocol. My advice: read carefully and consider all sources, both for and against, and do not attempt a treatment plan for your symptoms of fibromyalgia without the support of your health care provider.

I followed the guifenisen protocol for a number of years and was greatly helped. I was extremely careful to avoid salicylates (the hardest was finding deodorant), and had to reduce my gardening which had been a major activity.

when it went over the counter it became horribly expensive until Costco came up with their store brand. My doctor basically replaced the guifenisen with Neurontin when it came out. I had side effects from the Neurontin that I didn't realize I was suffering from and now take Topamax. I have no idea if the topamax is effective for fibromyalgia. I have to say I was better with the guifenisen protocol but at this point am too lazy to comply. And, my doctor is no longer keen on it as there are so many new drugs that supposedly are effective. Ha!

Topamax is one drug that is sometimes prescribed for fibromyalgia, with mixed results. Then again, there seems to be mixed results for all drugs used to treat fibromyalgia! What works for one person may not work for another.

I myself do not know anyone who has tried the guafenasin protocol- you are the first I have heard of who achieved positive results from the protocol. You intimated that the protocol was difficult to follow- perhaps you would like to share your story? There may be others who would be interested.

Take care!