For pain relief- can newly released cobrynol for pain relief from ocean pharmaceuticals work? could it really help my fibromyalgia pain? or is this just more "snake oil" being sold? anyone heard?

Not proven safe: Its active ingredient is asian cobra venom, which has been shown to provide pain relief when applied topically. The problem is (as in many other topicals) the medication does work by direct absorption into target tissues. It actually absorbs through the skin into the vascular system, and exhibits its effects systemically. Extensive long-term trials need to be conducted before we know about safety.

Snake oil it is: This is an extract of cobra venom. Snake venoms are being studied for pain relief and other indications, but it is not very likely to help as a cream or oral spray. The product lacks any scientific proof - there have been no good clinical studies.

Maybe, maybe not: Though labeled as a "homeopathic" product, cobrynol is not being individualized for specific people who might truly respond if their cases were taken rigorously by an experienced homeopath. There are many remedies that may help in fibromyalgia, and there are positive research studies such as http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmed/14734789 there's a similar product called "nyloxin" -- see comment.

Cobrynol: is a risky medication to try for fibromyalgia. In 29 years of managing this condition I have found that Pamelor (nortriptyline) works best. Restoration of REM sleep may require additional measures like tapering off benzodiazepines and other similar agents that prevent entry into REM sleep. Talk with your doctor about how to work through vivid dreams and nightmares before starting Pamelor (nortriptyline) as this often occurs.