Dextromethorphan helps people with fibromyalgia

The common over-the-counter cough medication dextromethorphan may help people with fibromyalgia, according to a small study by University of Florida researchers.

The study of 14 women with fibromyalgia and 10 women without the disease found dextromethorphan appears to temporarily reduce the intensity of "wind-up," a cascading pain response to minor, repetitive physical touch, which is symptom of the syndrome.

The Florida study did not establish guidelines for clinical use of dextromethorphan. However, the findings do suggest it may eventually provide an option for treating fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause heightened pain sensitivity, the researchers said.