This study conducted an internet survey of 2,569 people with fibromyalgia (FM) to gather information on demographics, sources of information, symptoms, functionality, perceived aggravating factors, triggering events, health care utilization, management strategies, and medication use. The survey was developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) in collaboration with a task force of experts. Key findings include: - Most respondents were middle-aged Caucasian females, predominantly from the United States, with symptoms for ≥ 4 years. - Common symptoms included morning stiffness, fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, pain, concentration, and memory issues. - Aggravating factors included emotional distress, weather changes, insomnia, and strenuous activity. - Effective management modalities rated highest were rest, heat, pain medications, antidepressants, and hypnotics. - Commonly used medications included acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline, and aspirin. - Perceived most effective medications were hydrocodone preparations, aprazolam, oxycodone preparations, zolpidem, cyclobenzaprine, and clonazepam. The survey provides a snapshot of FM at the end of 2005 and identifies several areas for further research, such as prescribing habits, the role of emotional precipitants, the impact of obesity, and the nature of FM-related stiffness.This study conducted an internet survey of 2,569 people with fibromyalgia (FM) to gather information on demographics, sources of information, symptoms, functionality, perceived aggravating factors, triggering events, health care utilization, management strategies, and medication use. The survey was developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) in collaboration with a task force of experts. Key findings include: - Most respondents were middle-aged Caucasian females, predominantly from the United States, with symptoms for ≥ 4 years. - Common symptoms included morning stiffness, fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, pain, concentration, and memory issues. - Aggravating factors included emotional distress, weather changes, insomnia, and strenuous activity. - Effective management modalities rated highest were rest, heat, pain medications, antidepressants, and hypnotics. - Commonly used medications included acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline, and aspirin. - Perceived most effective medications were hydrocodone preparations, aprazolam, oxycodone preparations, zolpidem, cyclobenzaprine, and clonazepam. The survey provides a snapshot of FM at the end of 2005 and identifies several areas for further research, such as prescribing habits, the role of emotional precipitants, the impact of obesity, and the nature of FM-related stiffness.