Reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms through intravenous nutrient therapy: results of a pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Myers' formula of intravenous nutrient therapy (IVNT) on the symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) in therapy-resistant FM patients. METHODS In this pilot clinical trial, 7 participants with therapy resistant FM were given IVNT once per week for 8 weeks. Patient's pain levels, fatigue, and activities of daily living were evaluated weekly. RESULTS All participants reported decreased pain levels, decreased fatigue, and increased activities of daily living. Participants noted increased energy levels within 24-48 hours of the initial infusion. At the end of the study, all participants reported increased energy and activities of daily living as well as a 60% reduction in pain (P=.005) and an 80% decrease in fatigue (P=-.005). No participants, however, reported complete or lasting resolution of pain or fatigue. No side effects were reported. DISCUSSION Anecdotal reports have indicated benefit for IVNT for patients with chronic pain, including FM. However, except for 2 reports, the medical literature is devoid of any studies of IVNT for the treatment of FM. In this pilot study, 7 participants received IVNT once a week for 8 weeks. All participants had long-standing FM (at least 8 years) and had tried conventional therapies, such as antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercise, without significant or lasting relief. All had improvement in symptoms and increases in their activities of daily living, although no participant reported complete resolution of symptoms. IVNT appears to be safe to reduce FM symptoms.