hi i am taking pain meds for my fms/mps. I've had it for 10 yrs.or so. been on meds about 4-5 yrs. They have helped me tremendously,but i think taking these meds is an individual decision. they work for some and not for others,it also depends on your level of pain tolerance and how well you can function in your daily life. aside from narcotics i would try something for sleep that is very important for keeping the fm at bay and exercise if you can. fm and mps are very individual disorders it seems no two people have it exactly the same. there are also herbals and minerals and vitimins that can be used that work for some. good luck!!