Minocycline found to reduce neuropathic pain in myalgic encephalomyelitis patients

In individuals suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis, minocycline given as a six-week regimen was effective in improving the symptoms, especially in the initial stage of the disease. This study was carried out to explore the possible therapeutic effects of oral administration of minocycline in 100 patients having myalgic encephalomyelitis. 

Participants were given minocycline (100 mg x 2 on the 1^st day followed by 100 mg per day for 41 days). Comparison of neuropathic pain, neurologic disequilibrium, performance status score, and orthostatic intolerance during the 10-min standing test were done prior to and after therapy.

Following completion of treatment, favorable effects were witnessed with a decline in the performance status score of ≥2 points in 27 subjects (27%). Prior to therapy, 6/27 subjects demonstrated orthostatic intolerance with an inability to complete the standing test. This symptom was found to resolve in 4 and improve in 2 patients after therapy.

Following therapy, the postural orthostatic tachycardia was found to resolve in 5/8 subjects, disequilibrium resolved in 5/8 subjects, and fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain was attenuated in 4/5 subjects. The favorable therapeutic outcomes seem to be dependent on shorter disease duration, majorly for a duration of less than 3 years and most frequently within 6 months of the onset of the disorder.

Many participants were not able to tolerate minocycline because of acute adverse effects like nausea and/or dizziness. Due to the side effects, 38 patients (38%) discontinued therapy in the initial few days. Thus, oral minocycline therapy exerts favorable therapeutic effects in myalgic encephalomyelitis people.