Reconsolidation blockade with propranolol as a novel treatment for fibromyalgia: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled feasibility study.
Alexia Coulombe-Leveque, Sylvie Lafrenaye, Alain Brunet et al.
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In 30 seconds
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot feasibility study evaluated reconsolidation therapy with propranolol in 24 adults with fibromyalgia, stable medication, and no comorbid PTSD. Participants received six weekly sessions with propranolol (40-80 mg) or placebo; both groups also viewed pain-education videos. Recruitment took 7 months, four participants withdrew, and adverse events were mild and similar between groups. Compared with placebo, the propranolol group showed greater improvement in pain interference after the final session (p=.032), but not at follow-up; emotional functioning improved more at follow-up (p=.006).
Key findings
- The propranolol group improved more than placebo on pain interference after the last visit (p=.032), but this difference was not present at follow-up.
- Emotional functioning improved more with propranolol than placebo at follow-up (p=.006).
- Four participants withdrew; adverse events were mild and similar across groups.
Why it matters
The study explores whether a therapy developed for PTSD can be delivered to people with fibromyalgia and may affect pain-related outcomes. Its feasibility findings and preliminary signals across pain interference and emotional functioning provide a rationale for further evaluation, while the differing timing of outcomes underscores the need to assess effects in a larger study.
What to keep in mind
This was a small pilot feasibility study, and the reported treatment effects were preliminary. The pain-interference difference was not present at follow-up.