| There's been a lot of buzz about guaifenesin | | | | Dr. St. Amand believes that it is the effect of |
| (pronounced 'gwhy-FEH-neh-sin') in treating | | | | guaifenesin in increasing phosphate excretion that |
| fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS. Much of this | | | | eventually leads to the reversal of fibromyalgia. |
| interest was generated by Dr. R. Paul St. Amand | | | | However, some experts believe that it is |
| who claims to have successfully treated the | | | | guaifenesin's analgesic properties that actually |
| disorder using guaifenesin. He believes that since | | | | relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia. |
| FMS is caused by an irregularity in the excretion | | | | Is guaifenesin therapy right for you? |
| of phosphates from the body, it is only logical that | | | | First of all, treating fibromyalgia with guaifenesin is |
| phosphates be removed in order to bring about | | | | not as simple as popping it into your mouth twice |
| pain relief. | | | | or thrice daily. Guaifenesin is only given with a |
| In his studies with patients taking guaifenesin, Dr. | | | | doctor's prescription. You must have undergone a |
| St. Amand found that phosphate excretion | | | | careful and complete medical exam to determine |
| increased by 60%. There was also a 30% | | | | your history. Any swollen area must also be |
| increase in the excretion of calcium and oxalates. | | | | carefully noted or 'mapped'. Then, a careful |
| The amount of calcium in the body is directly | | | | regimen of physical and dietary routines must be |
| proportional to the amount of phosphates. If | | | | followed. |
| phosphates increase, so will calcium. | | | | The dosage is also started low in the beginning of |
| Dr. St. Amand began as a technical advisor to a | | | | treatment (usually 300mg 2x a day) and will be |
| study involving guaifenesin in the 1990s, with Dr. | | | | increased depending on your need and progress. |
| Robert Bennett heading it. Dr. Bennett is one of | | | | Expect some reactions during the initial period of |
| the acknowledged experts in the study of | | | | treatment, like fatigue or flu-like symptoms. Once |
| fibromyalgia. The two doctors disagreed on the | | | | a certain level of fibromyalgia reversal is achieved, |
| effects of guaifenesin based on the results, with | | | | dosage may be adjusted depending on the |
| Dr. Bennett stating that guaifenesin successfully | | | | individual. |
| effected a cure because of the placebo effect | | | | Under no circumstances must you try to treat |
| and nothing else. | | | | fibromyalgia with guaifenesin on your own. |
| What is guaifenesin? | | | | Guaifenesin is a very common medication and |
| Guaifenesin first made its appearance as early as | | | | may be available over the counter. However, in |
| 1530 as guaiacum, an extract from the bark of | | | | most cases, it is combined with other ingredients |
| the guaiac tree. It was first used to treat back | | | | in one medication and could have adverse effects |
| pain related to syphilis and was soon used to | | | | on your health. |
| treat rheumatism, a proof of its analgesic effect. | | | | Another important thing to remember is that |
| In the 1980s, a synthetic form was born, an | | | | salicylates must be avoided during treatment with |
| eponymous medicine made available as tablets. | | | | guaifenesin. Usually found in herbs, herbal teas and |
| Guaifenesin is also an active ingredient in medicines | | | | drugs like aspirin, salicylates will prevent the body |
| for colds and cough and can be absorbed totally | | | | from excreting excess phosphates, making |
| within two hours after ingesting. It is the | | | | guaifenesin useless. Other common items like |
| ingredient responsible for loosening phlegm from | | | | Listerine, Pepto-Bismol and Alka-Seltzer also |
| the lungs so they can be coughed out. Guaifenesin | | | | contain salicylates. |
| is also known to have a musculoskeletal relaxant | | | | Again, guaifenesin therapy must only be |
| property, something that is often overlooked | | | | undergone under a medical doctor's prescription |
| since it is not used for that purpose. It is better | | | | and monitoring. And even then, some people may |
| known as a main ingredient in cough and cold | | | | not experience the desired results. As Dr. St. |
| medicines. | | | | Amand himself admits, guaifenesin therapy is not |
| By itself, guaifenesin is used to treat numerous | | | | for the 'faint of heart'. |
| conditions involving pain like restless leg syndrome, | | | | Side effects |
| Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and pelvic pain. | | | | Some side effects may occur, including hair loss, |
| What does guaifenesin do to relieve FMS? | | | | pimples, skin rashes and bad-smelling sweat. Urine |
| While the cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, it | | | | will also be strong-smelling and dark-colored and |
| is believed (not established) that the culprit may | | | | vaginal secretions may become too acidic. Most |
| be inorganic phosphates and calcium. Normally | | | | patients also experience headaches and dizziness |
| maintained to a good level by a healthy body, an | | | | during the first cycle and some have experience |
| abnormality in their excretion is believed to lead to | | | | high levels of liver enzyme. |
| fibromyalgia. | | | | |