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Global Patient Feedback for Lyrica (Pregabalin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia just over a year ago. Have had problems with it most of my life as far as I can remember. I take 150 mg 2x/day for the Fibro and it does help a lot but still doesn't get rid of enough of the pain, a stronger dose would be better. I take Cymbalta 60 mg 1x/day at bedtime which also helps out too. I take darvocet for pain, but it's really weak. The vicodin works much better and is still not enough. I only take the pain pills when I really need them. Also taking flexeril 10 mg 1x/day at bedtime when needed. Elavil (Amitriptyline) 50 mg 1x/day at bedtime. The Elavil was given to me for the Crohn's Disease. I have episodes all of the time with the Crohn's, but no doctor has given me anything for the inflammation pain for 2 years. I have constant stiffness & pain all over, in my neck, shoulders & back. Heck of a lot of nerve pain in my forearms, wrists, hands, fingers & feet. My feet feel like they've been crushed & I find it difficult to stand or walk after I've been sitting for awhile. I have bursitis in both hips & have been doing well with that for the past 6 months. But I'm getting awful sciatic pain in my leg and bottom. Half of my back pain is from my costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage), which I use Lidoderm patches. Doctors haven't helped a whole lot with anything, especially my carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some days it's a real chore just to shower or even just walk to the bathroom. I've been in aqua therapy for my fibro back pain, but it has really increased the pain in my feet. My feet swell up all of the time & I'll be swelled up all over some days. The rheumotologist I went to see told me not to take any more pain pills or muscle relaxers, so of course I have much more pain now. He told me that I just need to deal with the pain. Can you believe that? Then he had the nerve to tell me that fibromyalgia is not a disabling disease. Well then someone needs to tell me what you call it when someone can barely stand on their own two feet let alone walk. How is that not disabling?
I'm also taking Chantix to help me to stop smoking. I've been on it for 6 weeks now. Every now and then I'll smoke about half of a cigarette & it makes me feel like I just licked an ashtray. So it is working quite well.
33 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-23 06:14:50
Member Answer/Reply:
Your rheumatologist must be related to the SOB I went to. Tell him to deal with the inflammation and all the misery you go through on a daily basis. It sounds like you need to see a neurologist for your fibro and hopefully he's in the same practice as whomever you see for the Crohn's. I'm so sick of these smug fux thinking they know what's going on with our bodies and not listening to what we have to say.
Find the specialists that work with you and stick with them. Have all notes sent to your other docs so that they can work together to help you.
Good luck and God Bless
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-16 17:07:07
Member Answer/Reply:
I know exactly how you feel. I, too, have fibromyalgia and understand your battle with pain. Isn't it amazing how you can have good days and bad days? I use a combination of Lyrica (LOVE IT!) and pain medication (currently Darvocet) to help me get through the day. I am also on my third week of Chantix, and it is working well for me, too! Since your rhumetologist does not fully understand fibromyalgia, I suggest that it is time to change doctors. A pain to do, but this disease is REAL and you deserve the best. Keep fighting the good fight, and keep fighting for yourself!
44 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-19 17:34:28
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Lyrica for 5 years now, starting my 6th. I take the highest dose possible(300 mg 2X a day). I love it, I don't know how I would have made it this far without it. I also take a pain med (Loratab and opana) along with celebrex (can't live without it). If not for these meds there would be no way that I could work. I still have bad days but they don't bed ridden me anymore. Hang in there and I agree I would find a different doctor because fibro is a real disease and it is very painful.
43 year old female
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 18:18:44
Member Answer/Reply:
it says you take 150 mg 2xs daily, but dont say what it is. First find another rheumatologist. Lyrica has helped me, not 100%, but I will take any improvement. A lot of times with an auto immune disease, you have a tendency to develop other auto immune diseases. Numbness and tingling is common, usually comes along with FM. It is basically nerve pain. And it can be debilitating. Usually in forearms, wrists, hands, feet. The Lyrica helps with all that too, its not going to eliminate it. Also I went to a podiatrist, I have inserts that I wear in my shoes or sandals. Water exercises has helped me to regain some strength. You really should continue with water exercises, there are water shoes you can wear. And don't walk around barefoot, I have a pair of crocs sandals that I keep right by the stairs, so I can put them on as soon as I get out of the pool, also wear them in the shower!!! Very important. Good luck! and honestly I would start clean with a new rheumy.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 19:55:24
Member Answer/Reply:
You brought up the fact that if you have one auto-immune disease, there is a good chance you will have another. I have fibromyalgia, a pituitary-thyroid condition and crohn's disease. Also, auto-immune diseases can run in families. All members may have different combinations. My brother has rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes and my mother has polymialgia-rheumatica and thyroid problems.
You are so correct about finding the right doctors. I grew up with one doctor who delivered me, did surgery on my granfather and treated everything that came along in my big family. But now I have a doctor for every part of my body. Medicine is so specialized today. I diagnosed my fibromyalgia eight years before I found a doctor (rheumatologist) that believed there was really such a condition.
Everyone owes it to themselves to keep at it until they find a doctor who listens to them, answers their questions, takes a good family and personal medical history, checks all of their meds. and does a physical exam. I've had some unbelievable experiences, but finally found a really good group. With fibromyalgia, you can have so many associated problems that require more than just a rheumatologist. I have a neurologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist and of course my primary care physician, who is an internist. That's just the ones I see for auto-immune related problems.
I've had good luck with Lyrica too. But I also take Cymbalta and occassinally Darvocet when I have extra bad pain. Good Luck and Good Health!
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-22 01:18:23
Member Answer/Reply:
i alternate muscle relaxers, robaxin and somas. for sleep meds i alternate between ambien and dalmane because i was getting to used to ambien
I take a different muscle relaxer zanaflex 3/day it help with the jaw clenching or small muscle twitches
trazadone and effexer helps with deppresion and sleep
Lyrica has been a life saver
i also have been using chantix on and off . i may smoke 2-3 it seens that it interfers with my lyrica
Meloxicam is a antimflamitory work very well.
a new fibro... med i was going use is Savella but my body did not like it
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-22 05:59:33
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Lyrica for about 4 yrs now. I take 200mg 2x a day. I also take Ultram ER 100mg twice a day. It does help, but I still have alot of pain in my upper back and neck. I suffer from a headache everyday, especially if I am tired.
I have learned to live with it. I was diagnosed with Fibro about 20 yrs ago. I have found that forcing myself to get up and move around helps the most. The fatigue is overwelming at times and you just have to give into it and take a nap. On the worst days I will take an Aleve Arthritis, I have found that Aleve works the best.
Best of luck and best wishes.
Female, 48 years old.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-24 09:45:35
Question/Comment:
My doctor prescribed Lyrica for back and neck pain. I took the Lyrica for 2 days and felt like I was in a fog the entire time. Needless to say, I quit taking it. I wasn't on it long enough for it to ease the pain. I just didn't like the effects!
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-24 12:02:26
Member Answer/Reply:
I have taken lyrica for 2 years .. it will take at least a month or more for your body to adjust ...but it will. If you say on it.... it will help the pain... I have back pain.. RDS and FIBROMYALGIA .. I truly do not know what i would do without it.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-22 06:01:16
Member Answer/Reply:
I agree with you. Lyrica works for my severe lower back pain. I still have pain but without Lyrica my pain is very severe. I take 300mg at bedtime to help me stay asleep. It works great.
I can no longer live without it.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 18:16:28
Question/Comment:
I take 100 mg Lyrica twice a day and 1200mg Neurontin three times a day. Honestly...I am a little tired, but that is more on the fact that I take Norco every 4 hours, but when I don't I am not tired. Mainly what I am trying to say, the combination of Lyrica and Neurontin at this dosage...and it took a lot of adjusting cause I wasn't getting no relief...I have no pain. An occassional sharpie that lasts 2 or 3 seconds, but that is it. I take Norco for the hip pain cause I need hip surgery, but I think I am doing great. For those that don't know..nerve pain is horrible. It is horrible waiting for a doctor to listen to you so you can get the right dosage too. I started out on 100mg of Neurontin by itself and it worked for a few months, after that I was in horrible pain. So keep up the work cause most doctors won't. And when they don't listen..make them or find a Good doc that will.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-19 03:20:54
Question/Comment:
I AM A 52 YEAR OLD FEMALE CURRENTLY ON LURICA. MY DR STARTED ME OUT ON 50MG 3X ADAY, THEN UP TO 75MG 3X ADAY, AND I AM WAITING ON MY NEW DOES OF 100 MG 3 X A DAY. SO FAR IT HAS HELPED, I HAVE CHRONIC LEFT SIDE PAIN DUE TO A CONGENITAL BIRTH DEFECT IN MY BRAIN, 2 HERNIATED DISC IN MY NECK AND 2 IN MY LOWER BACK AS WELL. MY SCIATIA PAIN IN MY LEG IS HORRIBLE, BUT THIS HAS HELPED REDUCE IT BY ABOUT 50%. I EXPERIENCE MOST OF MY PAIN AT NIGHT, CAN NOT SLEEP AT ALL. I WISH IT DID MAKE MY DROUSY, BUT DOESNOT SEEM TO.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-05 08:20:46
Question/Comment:
I current taking Tramadol for my Fibromyalgia, which seem like not helping. My dtr current added Flexeril. Anyone taking these 2 drugs 2gether?
And do anyone know any meds that help Fibromyalgi pts. I have tried Lyrica 75mg<Gabapentin 60mg,< Cymbalta 60 & 30mg. NO HELP.
Tried ten units machine and also Physical Therapy . I need some help relief.
My problems is mostly my right side. Neck,shoulder, arm & hand. Off & On musle spasm is the bicep area. Hurts. Stiff & Aching neck & shoulder . Cymbalta 60 mg add me dope up, feeling lousy, no appetite bad taste in mouth. The 30mg wasn't so bad.
The dtr also added Relafen my my kness (OA)
This aches & pain have been going on for a month now.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-03 20:10:57
Member Answer/Reply:
I take Flexeril at night as it is too drowsy for daytime for me but I will take a dose during the day if I am having a really bad day.
I take Tramadol during the day, usually 2 pills twice a day, be sure to take it with Tylenol too as that is what makes it work better. Ultracet is the combination of Tramadol and Tylenol, the doctor I go to for sleep issues changed my script for the generic Tramadol to save me $$.
All in all I take about 9-12 pills a day considering I remember everything, that is a good/rare day!
Lyrica-Fibromyalgia-225mg 1@2x
Ovcon35-Endometriosis
Levbid-IBS
Tramadol/Tylenol-Fibromyalgia 2@2x
Cymbalta-Depression
Iron & Vitamin C-associated with sleep issues via body moving at night-has to be taken within a 4 hour time span of no other meds
multivitamin
Flexeril-muscle relaxer-Fibromyalgia
Mirapex-Involuntary Limb Movement especially at night
narcotic pain killer-
31 female diagnosed with Fibro at age 29
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-06 15:55:33
Member Answer/Reply:
Im Str8t....
19 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-10 11:54:06
Member Answer/Reply:
i've found that for my fibromyalgia, i take 300mg twice a day and it seems to allieviate most of the pain, but obviously not all... with fibromyalgia you need to try to stay active because its not really your body parts that are malfunctioning, it's your nerves, so if you try to move around more you'll actually feel a little bit better =]
19 yr old female
20 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-10 17:26:48
Member Answer/Reply:
i agree with the moving around, as on days i am behind my computer all day i really hurt, however when i am very active, i.e. yard work, major cleaning i get exhausted in about 2 hours and unable to function if i continue
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-16 14:13:14
Member Answer/Reply:
I Have tried tramadol and it was a horrible medicine for me as I thought that I was having a drug overdose from it. I was suffering from severe insomina and was a wake for 6 days not a once a sleep. I am seeing a dr at a pain clinic and just have a test done to see if it would help to have my nerves burnt to stop the severe pain I suffer from degenerative disc disease in my neck. I am taking 7.5/325mg of Vicodin which seems to be helpiing me quite a bit. I also use lidocaine pain patches which are great but you can only wear them for 12 hours so I use them during the day. Maybe this would help you during the night as that is when you have the most pain. Ask your doctor about these, many of the pain clinics and pain doctors have samples so ask for them and then have them get them for you from your health insurance.
I havent found anything else that has work. I have been on alot of the same meds that you have been on. I wish you the best and hope you can find the right meds for you as I know how horrible the pain can be as I am barely without pain but with the pain patches it really helps alot and my pain is at least 60% less and with the vicodin. I dont know what it feels to be painfree and I am praying that the burning of the nerves with help alot and which could possible give me pain free for up to 2 years. I would be in heaven and remember what a normal life is again. Take care.
Sandi
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-12 08:42:00
Member Answer/Reply:
I take Lyrica for my Fibromyalgia and it has really helped me. I have many other ailments: Osteoarthritis, diabetis, CML Leukemia. I hurt all the time somewhere. I have pain in both shoulders, pain in both hips from bursitis, Back , neck, and legs from multiple problems there. I have already had surgery on both wrists for carpal tunnel and on my right shoulder for a torn rotator cuff. I also have nerve pain from diabetis and the medicine I take for Leukemia also causes nerve pain.I take a lot of medication and supplements. I just have to reason it out which ones I need to take at each particular time. I am in pain all the time but try to take as little med. as possible. My biggest problem is trying to sleep. IIt is very hard to get to sleep in pain and if I take enough to keep me out of pain then I want to sleep all day the next day. So many of these comments sound like me. It actually sounds like I am writing it myself. God Bless you all and think good thoughts and enjoy when you have a "Better" day. Hopeful
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-23 13:36:25
Question/Comment:
All of the post I have read about Lyrica suggest that it is in pill form.However, I receive it as a transfusion. I receive it every 6weeks now. I started by going every other week. Is there a difference? I believe it has helped me. I am taking it for RA.
72 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-03 20:07:50
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Lyrica is currently only available in the US in capsule form. Please contact your doctor to learn the exact name of your medication for RA.
Posted: 2009-06-05 16:23:52
Question/Comment:
Hi I m 23 year Old man and i m taking 150mg Lyrica twice a day. I have sciatica pain in my lower back which runs till the bottom of my legs. Is there any one here has the same problem and has got full recovery Because of Lyrica?
24 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-31 10:14:07
Member Answer/Reply:
I take 200 Mg.Lyrica twice a day and 200 Mg. Celebrex once a day and 4Mg. Tizanidine three times a day and no it doesn't cure the pain but it makes it about 50% less than If I didn't take them. I've been told that Surgery, Ortho or Neuro are the best option for me but still that's not a sure thing but that option is permanent.
I have three degenerated Disc, L3,4,& 5 and my S-1 nerve is Obstructed, Pinched and Impenged, createing My Sciatica.
48 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-10 01:25:37
Question/Comment:
I take lyrica for fibromyalgia. I think it is a miracle drug. my pain is much less. i believe we have to excercise daily. it is hard i began with walking to end of the drive and back. I don't like it and it is not easy, but the pain is much worse when I don't. i can only take lyrica at night. the drozsiness is too much for the day time.
Loretta 55 yrs old
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-28 20:48:03
Question/Comment:
I started taking lyrica,because i got the shingles. Well,now i am a completely different person mentally! I used to be an up person,working part time,etc. Now, I have been home for 6 weeks,wishing i was dead! I hate this stuff. I've tried to stop taking it,and its hard, but i want to be my old self again. This is a death wish drug,and i hate it. 70 year old female
71 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-25 14:50:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I also went through a mind altering experieance using Lyrica. I used it for a year and went through a complete personality change and deepened my depression. It took my wife and several other good friends to get through to me and made me stop taking it and I went back to normal within three months. My mother had the same problem and thought she was going insane before dad threw the pills away.
56 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-25 10:09:23
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Lyrica for 3 months now for peripheral neuropathy, 150mg twice a day. I am fine on the morning pill but the afternoon pill makes me seem likes i drunk. My personality has change i was a upbeat person now i just mellow all the time. Also has deminshed my sex drive to about zero, but it does relieve all of my pain in my feet, but not sure i am going to take it much longer if this is how its going to be..
50 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-15 19:05:29
Question/Comment:
Hello, I sufferer from fibro, adhesions from numerous abdominal surgeries I have had, and I have 3 compressed discs neck, middle of back and lower back. I am on lyrica, oxycontin, lortab 10mg. My problem with the lyrica is the blurry vision, the big weight gain, and the brain fog. I have talk to my dr. about getting off the lyrica and getting on the cybalta {which before lyrica is what they presribed for fibro before lyrica came along} He feels that the lyrica is working so y change the status quo. I am not sure that the lyrica is even still working for me. Some days it is so hard to even get out of bed. 1 day it will be in my neck and shoulders and arms to where I can't even lift my arms to get dressed. 1 day it might be in my knees and hips. other days it is my upper back like someone is sitting on my back. Does anyone else with the fibro have different places that hurt on different days. I feel so over whelmed somedays. My idea of a perfect day would be to get up and feel normal body wise brain wise. Not to mention that the weight gain is upsetting. Because of my colon and stomach issues there is very few things I can eat without getting sick. So to keep gaining weight when I don't even get to eat yummy things is depressing all on its own. Any advise from anyone who is suffering from this would be much appreciated. God Bless all. P.S. I was told the lyrica would help with my insommina , now that is a laugh I get about 2 hrs sleep a night and that is with waking up every 30 min. to a hr. and then being up for hrs. I usually fall asleep around 5 or 6 am. Everytime I fall asleep it is like someone comes a shakes me awake and then I am back at it again trying to fall asleep and staying asleep. {sorry this was such a long post guess I just needed to vent} thanks
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-19 14:11:57
Member Answer/Reply:
Hello, I have been on Lyrcia for four years now I also have fibro only with many other disc problems in my neck and back and both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The doctors
have finally found a dosage that works well with me. I could not take anything over 75mgs
at a time due to the side affects I was not able to function at work. I now take 50mg of Lyrica along with 60mg of Cymbalta in th morning and 100mg of Lyrcia at night. I also have to take
10mg of Flexeril at night to help with the pain. This dosage of Lyrica so far has not caused
the weight gain that I would have when I was taking 75mg twice a day. I also take Nortriptyline
at night due to migraine headaches but this drug also has pain relief and I can sleep anywhere
from 7 to 9 hours of sleep without waking up during that time. I know that when I have extremely bad flareups that the medication alone does not work. I find physical therapy and the medication have to work hand in hand to keep the flareups under control.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-21 20:18:15
Member Answer/Reply:
HI I am a 39 year old female suffering from fibro my advise to you is get off the lyrica to me I had more bad days on it than I did after I came off and I am living proof it makes you gain weight from 199 to 252 I would swell real bad some days I couldn't even walk. PLEASE get off it And yes the pain moves from one joint to another one bout ever day even my jaws give me fits
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-25 23:40:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 42-year old female and I take Lyrica (150mg) twice a day for partial seizures. The weight gain and sleepiness I get is really depressing. It seems that I can't get enough sleep at times. At first I was on Dilantin and I was still having seizures and feelings of euphoria . My doctor then switched me to Zonegran which was good for me because it didn't cause me to gain weight, but I also didn't have much of an appetite. But it was so expensive . I now take the Lyrica and even with the higher dosage ( I started at 100mg. daily ) I am still having brain fog and fainting spells which only last for about 3 seconds and I feel fine and carry on normal after the fainting episodes. I also take an 81 mg aspirin and 25mg iron each day . I've learned that if I get or feel overwhelmed in a situation or don't get enough sleep, I will experience the "fainting spells" and "brain fog".
Thanks for any advice and letting me tell my story.
Signed,
A 42-year old female taking Lyrica.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-26 15:24:13
Member Answer/Reply:
I have the same problems,I have been on lyrica now for over a year,and I've gained 100 pounds.What I did was started taking them one time a day,and not two,and since then my problems have been better.I know how you feel,I don't know if lyrica even helps me,I still have nerve pain just like I did before I was on it.And we seem to have similar sleep patterns too,I wake up about 7 times every night to go to the bathroom,so I never get good sleep.I am a 29 yr old male,but we seem to have the same problems,I don't know if they are from lyrica or not.Get back to me sometime.Thanks Jamie
30 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-30 18:01:15
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 59 year-old female. I too have had numerous abdominal surgeries resulting in a lot
of scarring internally and externally. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1992 at the Mayo Clinic after many, many years of symptoms and seeing specialists. I am overweight, and the Lyrica added almost 40 pounds. I also am hypertensive and have sleep apnea. I have been diagnosed with Major Depression currently in partial remission. I won't go into the suffering these conditions have caused. I think you already know.
Yes, different places hurt, burn, sting, or tingle on different days. I sometimes feel like a pin ball machine when the pain jumps from thigh to teeth, to neck all in half an hour or so. My body is a barometer when it comes to changes in the weather.
When I heard about Cymbalta, a found a good psychiatrist with whom I currently work to
monitor meds and side-effects. I take almost all my medications at bedtime to avoid the dizziness and sleepiness.
The first step in getting a grip on my health issues was a sleep study which verified sleep apnea. I use a CPAP anytime I want to nap or sleep. This was a tremendous step forward, and I have been using it faithfully for five years.
I started Cymbalta four years ago and it was helpful, but I was still having a lot of flare-ups and a great deal of pain (neck, shoulders, hands, feet, chest low back and hips). There was some improvement in my short tern memory.
About 18 months ago, I started Lyrica. Within 24 hours, I felt like I did in my twenties.
(The symptoms started when I was thirty). Dizzy, tired, weight gain - yes. But I cannot give it up because without it the pain is back and it is really bad.
The same time as I started Cymbalta, the doctor prescribe Trazadone. I take 150 mg every night about 1/2 hour before I am going to bed. This has helped me stay asleep longer and provided deeper sleep. I still have some fibro flareups with insomnia, but not often.
I take two high blood pressure pills, one with a diruetic and one without. I have a tendancy
toward inflammatin and water retention, and these two keep it under control.
Lastly, I found a physical therapy facility especially for women. There I have conquered my problems with incontinence from follwing their suggestions and training. And here is the big one for me--I worked with a therapist to smooth out all the scarring INTERNALLY and externally.
I had awful pain in my lower back (like back labor), and now I am pain-free there. I had long ropey scars in the vagina and the fibromyalgia knotted them up causing terrific pain. My pelvis was twisted and one leg was a full inch shorter than the other as a result. So, I couldn't walk well and lost my balance a lot. My back hurt, then my knees really hurt, and then my ankles and feet hurt. After getting it put back in place I was taught how to put it back myself and exercise to keep it aligned.
Although short-term memory loss and fibrofog are still frustrating for me, I have improved.
I have difficulty staying on task and staying focused.
I use a hearing aid in my left ear. I have mild rosacea. And, was diagnosed as a Type II Diabetic a couple of weeks ago. So I have more research to do to create a plan to manage those things.
It has been a very hard, very long journey, but I do feel less a helpless victim and more like a person with conditions that take control and management.
I would suggest getting a doctor who will team up with you to explore your conditions and treatment options. Overall, my doctor and I are working to manage these conditions without a lot of medications and by making life-style changes and managing my home care, diet, and exercise.
I can't guarantee any of this will work for you, although I really hope it will. 1st step, find a good doctor who is interested in helping you. It is the hardest part.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-02 17:43:45
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi, i sufferer from cronic pain with my neck, shoulders, arms and hands and my lower back. I have been on lyrica for about two yrs now and I really can't tell that much of a differance with it, of course i am on other pain medication too. I do not like the side effects, for me that is weight gain and feet and legs swelling. But I asume it is worth taking because it could be worse. Some days I don't even want to get out of bed either, it seems like I hurt all over and I'm with you---I would love to wake up without any pain and be able to do normal everyday things without hurting. I have had sleeping problems for a while and lyrica does not help me with it---my pain medications helps more than the lyrica. I just saw your posting and just had to reply---just keep hanging in there and it will all work out. Bless you.
39 yr old female.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-02 18:22:31
Member Answer/Reply:
I toosuffer great pain with fibro. I tried the lyrica and was so miserable I quit taking it. I have been on so many pain killers and anti-depressants that it was a real struggle to "kick" the drugs. when you wnt to die its just not a good feeling. I did alot of research and I now do accupuncture and I have to say I was probably the biggest skeptic, but it helps more than the pills. Also, cut out any foods or drink in aluminum cans, stick with fresh veg/fruit when you can as well as frozen.The pain does seem to radiate from different sites on different days, I also notice when I am having a fibro attack thejewelry on my hands tuen the skin black, and no its not cheap jewelry which I guess may be a chemical imbalance even though I think my doctor thinks I'm crazy but he also didnt think accupuncture would work and it does! It took 3 visits before I saw an improvement, but you may want to try it, its relaxing, refreshing and energizing.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-10 01:28:31
Member Answer/Reply:
I was on Lyrica for my Fibromyalgia until about a month ago and I experienced some bad side effects from it. I was constantly having vision problems, fainting, headaches, and having my legs collapse under me. My doctor took me off Lyrica and put me on Cymbalta and the improvement is wonderful. My legs no longer collapse under me, I don't have as many headaches (and not the same kind), I haven't fainted, and my vision problems are starting to clear. The Lyrica did not help the Fibro after the first two months and I was having problems sleeping, although I cut back on portions, I did not lose weight, and it also seems to interact poorly with my other meds. Please insist that your doctor change your medication to Cymbalta. I wouldn't drive for fear of blacking out or not being able to see or having my legs go numb. Lyrica has been found to cause these side effects, and thanks to Iguard and my doctor (who keeps abreast of such things), I am now doing better than I have for six months. Good Luck!
56 year old female
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-10 11:43:40
Member Answer/Reply:
I read your post and everything that you talked about is exactly the same as I am experiencing. I was gaining weight so bad...I was taking 100 mg 3 x a day. It was not making me feel better. I was getting worse. So I took it upon myself and reduce my intake to 100mg once a day. I have lost 11 lbs in 3 mos. And I don't feel any different that I did taking a high dose of Lyrica. I am on so much pain medication and I also get epidurals every 3 mos. in my cervical, lumbar spine. I just want you to know that I understand how you feel. And I also feel what you feel every single day 23/7. And as we get older I don't think it will get any better. I can only live one day at a time. May your day get better and God Bless. Linda
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-23 12:13:31
Question/Comment:
i have been on lyrica 100mg 3 times a day for fibro i was going to take another med that my dr told me about that would work on my depression and fibro called cymbalta so i asked my dr if i could stop lyrica altogether and if there was going to be any side effects he told me it was ok to just quit. so i quit on thursday and started to new med on friday and i was so dizzy and felt like throwing up so bad i couldnt get out of bed. i was like that till tueday and then i stopped taking cymbalta cause i thought that was causing it and i was crying a lot and my depression got worst they took me of cymbalta and i went back to lyrica and now i fell better but now im wondering if it wasnt cymbalta and it was maybe the side effects of quitting lyrica cold turkey. anyone go thru anything like that.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-18 15:01:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Lyrica 300mg 3x daily and I moved from another state, took a while for a new doctor and ran out...had the same exact side effects you are explaining, naseua, loss of appetite, could not sleep, in extreme pain, and so forth, It's not a drug to just stop, you should definately taper off of it. Sorry you had a rough time, good luck! Sheila
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-19 07:26:25
Member Answer/Reply:
i was on lyrica 75mg 3xday i tapered off and only do 1 time a day, no pain cuz i been excersising and trying to loose weight, just taper off youll be okay
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-27 15:23:39
Member Answer/Reply:
I was on Lyrica 150mg. twice a day for perpherial nerve pain. I have found that drug is wonderful for any type of pain which involves the nervous system. The problem I had with it is that it's very pricey. I'll be glad when the price is reduced.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-28 18:47:01
Member Answer/Reply:
My doctors told me to NEVER stop Lyrica cold turkey. I was taking 150 mg twice a day and wanted to see if I could reduce the dose. I reduced it by 75 mg a day so I was taking 225 mg daily and I had a lot of pain and felt lousy for a few weeks before my body adjusted. I waited another month and then reduced it again by another 75 mg and felt terrible again for a few weeks. Now I just take 150 mg at dinnertime because I was so dizzy and loopy that I couldn't function well during the day and I wanted to be more alert. I start feeling more pain by dinner time as the medicine has worn off, but I wake in the morning feeling well and can make it through most of my day. It has been worth it for me. My neurologist did tell me I could reduce my dose by smaller increments -- I thought 75 mg was the lowest possible, but he said there are 25 mg tablets too. So if you want to reduce your dose, do it slowly and over time.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-26 19:35:03
Member Answer/Reply:
comments
I am a 62 yr old car accident victim almost 2 yrs ago now next month I sustained a broken neck, and tramatic head injury that ended my nursing career of 23 yrs my reply to both ladies is I too have been placed on lyrica 75 mg for creepy crawly feelings all over my body and it does help I also ran out and I had to find a new dr. as mine retired from his position so took awhile for new to decide if thats what I needed to be on so I was off for at least a couple months cold turkey with no side effects noticed just got new bottle and started back on today, and hoping the ceepy crawlies go away now Blessings to you both perhaps it may have been from the large dosage you are both on mine is such a small dose compared to both of you.
63 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-28 01:45:35
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 45 yr old female who sustained nerve damage while having a rootcanal. The pain is extremely painful. I am on tegratol 1400mg, Lyrica 600 mg, Buderprion 300 mg & Armour Thyriod 180 mg aday. I had to go off my meds. cold turkey because I was having surgery and the pain came back in a vengence. I was crying and rolling over on the floor from pain. If I ever need surgery again I don't think I could stop my meds. Why exactly could happen if you stay on your meds while your in surgery?
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-19 09:29:49
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, I'd been on cymbalta for several years for fibromyalgia and last year the doctor added lyrica to the treatment, I gained 75 pounds a matter of months! Then in Sept had to have
oral surgury and be taken off both meds to prepare for the surgury. Imagine my surprise
when I went through withdrawal symptoms! like an addict! Horrible lasted several days, and when I wentback and read the information the pharmacy gives when issuing the meds they say don't stop taking abruptly. I haven't been back on them since. I found a herbal product
recommended by a licensed Dr, Called FibroX and it has according to my rhumetologist small
amounts of what is used in making both cymbalta and lyrica non addictive, no weigh gain and
it works! I have an extreme case of fibromyalgia had since 2002, and had been severly under
treated because they just didn't know anything about the illness, so by the time I finally began
treatment things had gotten very bad, so those meds together offered relief, but without then
and with fibrox I am a functional person!!!!! My family says it's a miracle. I know all cases are
different but hope someone you
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-04 09:47:53
Member Answer/Reply:
Is anyone else on Lyrica for bipolar? My doc. has me on 100mg/day for a mood stabilizer.
57year old female
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-05 14:40:49
Member Answer/Reply:
i am also on lyrica for help with sleep and anxiety. i was switched from gabapentin(neuorontin) because my psychiatrist thought it might be more effective. having been on neurontin in the past, i was told never to stop it suddenly because doing so could cause withdrawal symptoms. you may have been experiencing that. also, it's never a good idea to abrubtly stop any medication and start a new one at the same time, to prevent being in the situation you are in now. you can't tell if you are having withdrawal symtpoms from stopping drug a or side effects from drug b.
in the future. it's ok to tell your doctor that you want to wait a few days between making a switch and taper off a drug that can cause any type of withdrawal.
lastly, lyrica has no known indication for treatment of depression. it can help with pain, sleep, and mild anxiety. you should be seeing a psychiatrist if your primary care doc is the one who did the prescribing of the lyrica and then the cybalta. hope this helps (i'm a retired doctor).
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-14 15:23:45
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi there. Ive taken both Lyrica (currently use it) and Cymbalta, and i'll give you my assesment of the two. Lyrica is a better drug,only because Cymbalta is soooooo bad. While Lyrica puts me out to sleep (that's why i take it at night time only, for neuropathy pain, even though my Dr. suggested i take the stuff 4 times a day), Cymbalta is like living the life of a Zombie, just numb to the world and quite possibly drooling all over myself!
41 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-15 06:04:19
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi, I am so sorry that you had to go through that by stopping the Lyrica cold turkey! I am appaled that a Dr would say that it's ok to stop without slowly tapering off. It's dangerous to do that, especially when you've taken it for a while. I ran out of my Lyrica because both pharmacies here was out for 5 day, and I got so sick, that I couldn't do anything but lay still. I was dizzy, vomitting, couldn't stand to eat or drink anything...had to force myself so I didn't dehydrate. I didn't sleep for almost a week, was miserable and scary!! The Dr told me if I ever ran out, to call his emergency number, and theyd find me samples or something, but to never go without it. I take 200mgs x 3 a day. I also take Cymbalta, and have had no side effects to it, they seem to work well together to at least keep the pain level down to a level I can handle most of the time. You might try getting back on the Cymbalta with the Lyrica...it's made a big difference for me. It also gives you energy and I just feel better.
Hope this helps! :)
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-18 16:57:18
Member Answer/Reply:
I WAS ON LYRICA 75MG 3 TIMES A DAY I WAS VERY DIZZY AND I TRIED CYMBLALTA AND WAS VERY SICK AND I SUFFERD HAIR LOSS AND MY TEETH HAS BENN BREAKING OFF I HAD A WORSE CASE OF SIDE EFFFECTS FROM MECATION NOW I AM NEUROTIIAN 300MG 3TIMES A DAY I ALSO FELL AND BROKE MY LEFT FOOT WHILE I WAS ON LYRICA IT MADE VERY DIZZY AND I HAD BAD DREAMS AND WEIGHT GAIN
FROM CASSANDRA WILSON35 YEARS OLD
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-30 11:41:40
Question/Comment:
I'd like to find someone who experienced any extreme adverse effects of Lyrica, such as any of the following: tremors, lethargy, memory impairment, paranoia, extreme peripheral edema, depression, confusion, agitation, possible hallucinations, and severe pain in hands and legs. A friend is in the hospital right now, apparently beginning to recover from such a set of symptoms. She stopped taking Lyrica after several days in the hosp. but the symptoms above continued for another two weeks. She is doing better now but is still very confused mentally. Is anyone familiar with a similar situation? Thanks!
Her herd of doctors have not found a cause for her condition, BTW. No stroke, no disease, no nothing.
69 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-28 19:26:04
Member Answer/Reply:
Sweetie my mom was on Lyrica for a week before she started having cramps all over. She still has had extreme peripheral edema although she stopped the medication three months ago. Her memory is still a little fuzzy at times and her heart has had episodes of irregular beats as well as episodes of hypertension. A couple of weeks after stopping the med cold turkey she started having muscle twitches in her face then one side with flat and she stop responding. I’m not blaming Lyrica for this at this time but I think it is weird how after starting and stopping Lyrica she began to have these problems.
If you have any questions or comments you can AIM me at shaungaston or email me at shaungaston@aol.com. Please but in the subject: LYRICA in bold so I wont delete it by accident.
Shaun
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-03 16:14:39
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Lyrica for the past 4 41/2 years now.My Dr put me on 300mg twice a day to start off with along with Lexapro for problems with my right hand after corpral tullel surgery.My first few days on it I looked like I was having some kind of fits my head was going my body was sheaking and my mouth was twisted.My husband called my Dr. who told him that these reactions would pass in a few days.I stoped the sheaking but looked like a zombie.I could walk from my bedroom to my kitchen and had no idea what I was their for,my memory was shot/
My husband said he could tell as soon as I took my pills just by the way I looked and kept telling me to get off of them easer said then done.
My Dr. said I had to keep taking them so I did for about a year 300mgs.x a day.I lost most of my memory of my kids when they were young they are all grown and out on their own "Thank God"
I finally went to another DR. who has been trying to ween my dosage down for the past 3 years.He got me down to 150mg x a day and I am stuck here.
I stoped taking the Lyrica over Labor Day weekend 2008 and all Hell broke loose.Every symptom that you described I had and my blood pressure was off the charts,hallucinations were unbeliveable.I seen things that you could not believe and was having seasure like epasodes my husband and sister rushed me to an emergency room Labor Day evening after a bad seasure they found nothing wrong with me and told me to see my Dr. the next day.I was taken from his office by ambulance after having a seasure in his office and when his nurse checked my blood pressure it was so high they thought I would have a stroke or heart attack before reaching the hospital.
I was in the hospital for a day they did every test on the face of this earth on me and all they found was that I had no potassium in my body from not eating or sleeping for days.I was drinking water by the gallons everytime my blood pressure went up my hands and feet felt like they were ready to explode.I am stuck at 150mgs. x a day and don't know how to get off of them.
You may use my comment to show her DRS. my name is Faye. Lyrica in my opinion is the drug "Straight From Hell" tell your friend I'm praying for her because I know what she is going through.
Take Care,
Faye 56 year old female
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-16 10:51:47
Member Answer/Reply:
Lyrica can affect different people different ways. I have experienced some of the condition that you mention. But over all I am very happy with Lyrica. I have had a lot of pain and numbness in my right arm and hand. No other medication would take care of itds. I startred on Lyrica 150mg 4 times a day. The pain is minimized and I am able to do things I haven't been able to do in a long time. My vision has improved tremedously. I have worn glasses since i was 14 years old. I no longer need my glasses at all. I say if you have a problem with a drug stop taking it. If you have side affects, weigh what is better for you. If you can live with the side affects and lyrica is helping your other problem thaen keep taking Lyrica or any other drug you are taking.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-08 22:36:22
Member Answer/Reply:
I agree, if you have side effects that really are not for you, get off the drug. I just started Lyrica, and feel some effects, like I enjoy sleeping, I am calmer, as I take Tramadol and it makes me of a different mood, so the Lyrica balances that out. I am concerned about the swelling, but I plan to take more water and it says you gain weight, but will watch that as this could be water or lack of urination which it can cause and dry mouth. Remembering the negative, I will combat it with positive, thus be okay. I can't believe the relief of pain is so much better, right now I am happy with it, but am a little spacy, in feelings, but not in talking etc or mind, it makes me feel like I have a veil over my body..but not all the times, so think this will stop after I am used to the drug, as drugs need time to build in the body and some side effects wain. I think we all should know what we are taking and what it is in value positive and negative. 71
year old female
73 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-20 12:01:19
Question/Comment:
I'm on Lyrica for fibromyalgia. I was just diagnosed in October. They started me at 75 mg 3xday. I am now up to 225mg 2xday. I had a problem with my insurance company 2 months ago so I had NONE for almost a week and a half. I can't imagine life without it. I recommend you take your dose(s) at the same time everyday to reduce the risk of pain flares.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-25 21:08:03
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm on Lyrica for lower back pain. My nerves are messed up from 4 failed
surgerys. I started at 75mg 2xs a day. Then went to 3xs a day in order to sleep at night.
But the longer I take them I find I have terrible nightmares at night. So I go back to 2xs a day. I can sure tell when it's time for another dose.
Does anyone else have problems with nightmares?
56 year old female
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-20 20:02:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I had the exact same thing. I took 75 mg of Lyrica in the morning and 150 mg at night. I found I had terrible nightmares at night and had to cut it down to 75 mg morning and night instead of 150 at night. No problems with nightmares since.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-28 23:25:15
Member Answer/Reply:
HI am 65 years old and have epilesy for the past 53 years and take lyrica now 75 mg 3 a day. take it 99.9% every day. Still have some seizures not visiable.
65 year old female
66 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:45:37
Member Answer/Reply:
I am on Lyrica for dieabetic nuropathy and shingles. I take or my dosage is 300mm once a day. . If I miss a day man do I hurt. It really helps me.so far there is no known medicine for shingles the nerves are damaged where the shingles appeared and now that they are dried up sometimes they hurt so much that at my age 63yrs. old I cry because of the pain.Lyrica helps with my numness on my toes and those hateful shingles. I you haven't gotten the shingles vaccination please get the shot. god bless all of you. joe . (the bodyman)
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 18:14:48
Question/Comment:
I have been trying to wean myself off Lyrica and even when I would forget to take it, I would develop a horrible itchy rash on the pulse points, chest and head. Has anyone else experienced this? I have been taking a very low dose 75 mg two times a day for about a year.
69 year old female
69 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-25 08:33:39
Member Answer/Reply:
I never really gave it much thought because I have dry skin, and just thought the itching, rashes, and head scratching was due to that and hair chemicals. But now that I hear it from someone else now I'll think twice, this is the first time I've heard from anyone taking the meds I take and I take 100 mg. three times a day for 4yrs. now, plus other strong meds.I have a habit of always finding it to blame on something else,but to think about what you said now it makes sense when it starting worse.
48 year old female
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-16 04:07:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I have suffered the itchy head and scabing of the scalp as well as hair loss, blurred vision, concentration problems, and extreme fatigue and nausea. I stoped lyrica approximately 2 months ago. I am still feeling many of the reactions although they are diminishing. I have particularly noticed that my hair is not falling out like it was. I had a hard time at first because I stopped taking 50 mg's x 3 a day cold turkey. I was taking it for fibromyalgia and I felt great for the first 2 weeks. Unfortunately all my aches and pains are coming back and my Dr. has been unable as to yet find something I can take that I don't get a reaction to. Any suggestions out there?
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-02 20:04:35
Member Answer/Reply:
i been taking it 75 three times a day, when i do not take it i suffer from the syntoms as you. my dr wants me to increase it to 100ml, but i still at 75ml.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 11:19:03
Member Answer/Reply:
I wanted to tell you that I to was on Lyrica, I had to get off of them as I gained 55lbs. and on top of it, I also had many other side effects. My moods were horrible. It was to the point where I never knew nor did my family as to how my reactions to different situations would be.
THIS IS A WARNING OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS FROM THE LYRICA SITE. NOTE ABOUT RASHES!!!
1. LYRICA may cause serious allergic reactions.
• Call your doctor right away if you think you have any of the
following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
• swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or
neck
• have any trouble breathing
• Other allergic reactions may include rash, hives and
blisters.
I would definatley write to the FDA, website, and complain they will take it and then the more complaints they receive they do more investigations. As right now there are many commercials now for attorneys whom cover the mass lawsuit on Lyrica.
I am glad to hear that you are off of the medicines, but go see a doctor immediately. As you should not be getting these rashes.
You can go to their site, there is much information on it, however it does seem all the side effects, aren't maybe they really happen. The site is....
http://www.lyrica.com
42 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 14:24:15
Question/Comment:
I have been on Lyrica about 1 yr., 75 mg 2x daily. It greatly helps my MS pain. I use to take neurontin, 600 mg 4 x daily, and still my pain was a 7 on a really good day. It hasn't helped the burning in my feet. I wish I could find something to help w/ that.
I have gained some weight but how much is the meds and how much is from lack of excercise?
As far as fatigue, that's a side effect of almost all the meds I'm on so I really can't blame it on Lyrica.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 10:38:28
Member Answer/Reply:
I to have been on Lyrica for about a year. My Dr. changed me to 150mg. 3x daily. He redused my Neurontin 600mg. (generic gabapentin) to 2x daily. He also increased my Cymbalta 60mg. to 2x daily. The burning in my feet decreased in about a wek after the change. I also take 30mg Morphine IR 3x Daily. But, I never take all of them togeather.
Maybe you need to talk to your Dr. about an ajustment on your meds. Or a change. I found a lot of my fatigue was due to deprssion, could your be? I lack excercise also. But, no weight gain.
56 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 15:46:30
Member Answer/Reply:
IS the burning in your feet due to MS? I have Fibro and RA but my RA is in remission, Lyrica
is helping some with the pain but doing nothing for my feet that ache and burn, I have almost no feeling on the bottom and my RA DR said I have neuropathy but I don't agree that that causes the burning and aching, sometimes I can't bear to walk they hurt so bad, I can't wear any cute shoes only crocs and tennis shoes. I take Lyrica 150 x2 day and Plaquanil 200 mg x 2 day along with Wellibutron and Zoloft. I hurt more if I miss the Lyrica because I am too broke for the copay but wow doing without the Planquanil gets really bad. I really wish I could find out more about my feet and the fact I am still in so much pain, oh I also take Norco 7.50 x 4 in 24 hours, but I don't take more than two sometimes 3 because I don't want it to stop working. I have terrible morning stiffness for an hour or so I think I need some med changes but I don't know what.
Thanks
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 00:22:24
Member Answer/Reply:
The burning in my feet is due to MS. I did try 75mg 3x a day and felt no relief. So my doctor put me back down to 2x a day. I also take Cymbalta 30 mg 2x day which is supposed to help w/ some of the fatigue & burning but doesn't. I just keep working w/ my doctor til we figure it out.
Did you ever contact Pfizer regarding help to pay for your meds? Almost all the frug companies have some type of assistant program, they want you to stay on their meds of course.
Good Luck!
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-29 13:59:30
Member Answer/Reply:
That is a very low dose of Lyrica. Have you talked to your doctor about upping the dosage? I take 200 mg twice a day.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 10:11:19
Member Answer/Reply:
the burning can be controlled with vitiman c ad vitiman e, i was diagnosed with the lucky disorder call fibromyalgia alnong with my other issues . the only complaint i have it dam im gaining weight like crazy because this drug makes me hungry all the darn time. now i just have to find a way to control that too before i balloon up to way to much weight im already over weight.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-10 18:15:13
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Lyrica for 2 yrs and the burning in my feet went away Neurontin 800 did nothing for me
73 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-15 18:00:25
Member Answer/Reply:
After a stroke 7/05, I had pain in my left arm for a year. Finally after seeing a number of doctors, I was prescribed Lyrica for the pain. Well, that's the only thing that has helped the pain. I take 300 mg am and pm.
66 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-17 15:19:13
Question/Comment:
I have been on Lyrica for over a year now. The comercial on TV says lyrica is a anti depressant. But the minute my insurance stopped me on it for about a week. i went out of my mind. I had depression. i experiance crying spells, My thought process was not there it was hard on me to be stopped abruptly. I never ever want to go through that experiance again. I went out of my mind. For a insurance company to stop a medication like this is beyond me.i hope no one has ever gone through something like this. i am still on Lyrica and pray the day doesn't come again for my insurance company to want to have it approved again.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-14 13:59:46
Member Answer/Reply:
I don't know how the FDA could have approved something that has such severe withdrawal effects. Pfizer's snake oil is like laudanum in that you think it's working and when you realize it isn't, it's too late. You've got to pay up or suffer.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-15 00:58:42
Question/Comment:
Has anyone taking Lyrica had problems with weight gain & water retention? I was given medication (lasix) as a diuretic but I was still gaining 1-3 lbs. a month. Any suggestions about how to combat weight gain? I have tried other meds & Lyrica really works the best, I have MS, Fibromyalgia and Neuropathic pains
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-08 21:57:06
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Lyrica for over 2 years now. I have also experienced weight gain with this drug. I too am looking for help to stop gaining. I am not able to excercise at all due to severe back and leg pain from a damaged nerve in my lower spine. The doctors have also told me that I have alot of the signs of having ms but have not been given a definitive diagnosis of ms. Any I hope that someone could help us with the weight gain. Or at least to stop from gaining anymore wight if not help to lose what we have gained. Goodluck with all that you are going through!!
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-14 20:39:34
Member Answer/Reply:
I have had the same problem with weight gain. It is so frustrating. I also take Lasix to combat the water but I can't seem to get a hold on the weight gain. I have gained 100 pounds since I began taking the med. It helps my fibromyalgia pain tremendously. If anyone has an answer, please pass it along.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 10:42:59
Member Answer/Reply:
I took lyrica for a few years and swelled really bad. This is a side effect. I changed doctors during the time I was on lyrica and he had me come off of it because of the side effect. He said I was doing harm to myself taking it.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 13:49:00
Member Answer/Reply:
Hey, I've had fibro now for oh seven plus years and yes Lyrica does cause weight gain & water retention. This can last for a couple months until your body gets used to the medication. That is what happened for me. How long have you been on it? Once your body gets more used to it then those nasty side effects start going away. You know I hate to say it but walking really helped me shed some of the weight too. Just a thought. I know it is hard to exercise when your in pain but even the slightest movement can help. Good luck. Your in my prayers.
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-31 23:28:42
Member Answer/Reply:
To help you lose the weight, try eating a fruit such as oranges or pears after meals and in between meals. That will help you a least to maintain the weight and then you should start losing the weight. I have been on Lyrica for 3 years. I put on 20lbs in a very short period of time, I don't like most fresh fruits but decided that I could continue to putting on the weight or try the fruit, It worked and I lost 30lbs. Also I take lasix for the water gain. That also helps quite a bit. I have been helped by lyrica,it doesn't take away all my pain and numbness but it sure does easy up on the pain. I take 150mg x4 along with tramadol of a 100mg x4. This is the most relief I have gotten since taking both medications. Still have some pain but I can now sleep 8 hours and get a good night sleep. Good Luck.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-08 23:00:21
Question/Comment:
It will be one year this March that I started taking Lyrica. I still have pain so hard for me to know if it is working or NOT? I also take Cymbalta, hydrocodone and methocarbamol. Of note, I have also gained about 60 pounds. Lyrica related? Anyone with same problem? I also have osteoarthritis. I believe they have me addicted to the alprazolam, hydrocodone and methocarbamol. No wonder I am so tired.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-07 17:28:46
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been on Lyrica for about a year now; previously I was on Neurontin which is almost the same. It's hard for me to tell whether it's working or not because I take so many other drugs: MS Contin, Dilaudid, Cymbalta, etc. And I'm on such a low dose of Lyrica because I was experiencing blurred vision (still am). I have gained weight, but now it has curbed off to where I stay pretty much the same weight. For the tiredness, my doctor prescribed Ritalin and it really keeps me stay more alert. Don't know anything about methocarbanol though, what is it? Hope I've helped somewhat.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-12 18:57:01
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Lyrica for about two years and it is helping with my fibromyalgia pain. I previously took Cymbalta and although it provided fair results, I suffered from severe sweating. Now I am starting to have the same problem with Lyrica and am cutting my dosage. Any help out there for this uncomfortable side effect?
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-30 13:30:44
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Currently there has not been any reports of severe sweating by iGuard members taking Lyrica. You should not self adjust your dose without first consulting with your doctor. If this problem persists, you should discuss with your doctor to see if he or she wants to switch to a different medication or adjust your medications.
Posted: 2009-04-02 18:20:38
Question/Comment:
I have firomayalgia and neurophathy and I take two lyrica(100 mg.each) daily this has really helped my pain.No side affects.
58 year old female
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-07 13:51:26
Question/Comment:
Any AS suffers out there? My husband is on Remicade which doesn't help methotrate, and just started taking lyrica. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
50 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-07 08:16:56
Question/Comment:
I have had fibromyalgia for 25 years. this drug has been my savior. i take 300 mg 2x a day and have never felt better in my life! i wish everyone had this good of a result. i have more energy than I have had in all these tears. i am happy! WOW how did that happen. No more depression. No side effects, that i know of.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 16:22:13
Member Answer/Reply:
I've had severe sciatica in my left buttock and the pain goes down my left leg which can be very severe. I have taken Lyrica for almost 6 months now and it greatly helps the pain and I can walk around without pain. I did gain some weight on this medication but I do daily exercise and I have lost all that weight. Lyrica has been a very beneficial drug. Without it I would have to rely on drugs that are addictive and I don't like to be addicted to any drug. Lyrica is extremely helpful
age: 67
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-20 09:57:48
Question/Comment:
I have taken this drug for a little over two years and take 50mg twice a day. I originally took it 3 times daily but it cause swelling my feet and ankles. By dropping one does a day, I was able to circumvent the swelling and still get the benefits of pain relief. I take it for a herniated disc in my back that causes moderate neuropathy.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-03 16:14:30
Question/Comment:
From what I understand from my doctor, Lyrica reduces the myelin around the nerves, thereby reducing the nerve impulses, which then reduces the pain. My concern is about the long-term effects of myelin reduction. Do you know of any studies about that?
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-27 17:28:06
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Lyrica is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and epilepsy. The exact mechanism of action of Lyrica is not completely understood. It is believed to work by controlling the release of neurotransmitters that may cause pain or seizures.
Myelin is an insulating layer around the nerve that helps to transmit impulses along the nerve. Lyrica does not work by reducing the myelin around your nerves.
The long-term side effects of Lyrica are not well known. Lyrica is known to cause weight gain but the long-term effects of this weight gain are not known. Patients have also reported blurred vision with Lyrica but the long-term effects on the eyes are not known. If changes in your vision occur, you should contact your doctor.
Posted: 2009-03-09 01:56:02
Question/Comment:
I HAVE FIROMAYALGIA AND TAKE 50 MG OF LYRICA FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.THATS THE ONLY MED I TAKE. I WAS OVERWEIGHT WHEN I BEGAN TAKING IT. BUT NOW I HAVE REALLY STARTED GAINING. AT LEAST 30 POUNDS IN LAST YEAR. NO MATTER WHAT I DO I GAIN. I GET LOTS OF WALKING IN WITH MY JOB.MY QUESTION IS IS THERE A OVER THE COUNTER WEIGHTLOSS SUPPLEMENT THAT CAN BE USED WHEN TAKING LYRICA?
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-23 09:41:22
Question/Comment:
I had spinal fusion of the 3,4,5, and 6 vertabrates last sumer. It was the wrost thing I have ever done! I hurt all the time and now have to take Lyrica twice a day and muscle relaxors and percocet every four hours! I have a hiper sensation now to my upper thigh that I never had before the surgery! Without the Lyrica I go insane because of the hiper sensativity. I have never been one to take medicine but now I can't go without it!
If anyone is thinking about having this type of surgery please think three times before having it done!
If anyone knows a way to get off all of these drugs, please help me!!
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-22 14:16:00
Member Answer/Reply:
From my personal life with surgeries and Specialists I would recommend the Neuro stimulating Pain Theraphy as this is the only one item that has reduced my pain by 50%.Yes,you have to go for an outpatient surgeryfirst time to try the unit for a week or two. If you get relief like I did then in about a month you go in to Hospital again on outpatient basis,have the tine rods installed in your spine as also a Battery pack in your hip.The battery is good for roughly 3 weeks then you have simple unit that you charge it first then you apply it over the battery pack,by the way it will let you know if it's over the pack.it takes roughly 30 min to recharge the Battery pack.Again the unit will let you know when it's fully charged so you can remove it and place it on a recharge unit that you plug in to your Electrical receptacle.You have nothing to loose on the trial time,this way you will know if you want to have the unit installed by a Neuro-Sugoeon. wonderer111@myway.com If you want more info then write me. LEON
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-24 17:33:38
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