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Global Patient Feedback for Lyrica (Pregabalin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am just wondering how long the side effects of Lyrica take to wear off once you have stopped taking the drug. I was on 25mg for 3 weeks but had to come off due to problems with memory and concentration. It has been two weeks since my last dose and I am still experiencing side effects. Is this a period of withdrawal?
23 year old Male
Posted: 2008-09-11 12:44:57
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
25 mg is a relatively low dose of Lyrica - most patients on this dose for such a short period of time would see an improvement in side effects within a few days of stopping the medicine. If your side effects are still concerning you, you should follow up with your doctor to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Posted: 2008-09-15 13:23:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
What is the lowest dose Lyrica comes in?
Posted: 2008-12-22 11:35:04
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 600mg of Lyrica off and on. I am taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia. I take 150mg in am and 450mg in pm. I have had real regular menstral cyles since I have been taking this. I actually have been taking it currect for the last week or 2. I am not pregnate. My body has all of the signs for the last week, but nothing, I am actually 2 weeks late. Can someone tell me anything or if it has happened to them and was they did. Thanks Amanda
34 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-09 09:34:00
Question/Comment:
I took Lyrica for about 2 months for Fibromyaglia. I had nothing but problems from the start. I would have this burst of energy and then crash. I started out on a low does of only 50mg and then moved up to 50 mg twice a day. I found after a two week this was enough and wanted more so I could keep this high feeling. Then add in my family. They soon saw I was having major mood swings. I could be all nice one min. and the next bitting their heads off for on good reason. Finally my husband said enough. He was sick of the fighting that was caused by my reaction to being on this drug. My Dr slowly took me off. Then that was when I got 3 weeks of hell when the nerves start to become active again.
I also have seen this happen to friend of mine, who took it for almost a year. She now walks with a cane or uses a wheelchair, because her body was ticked into think she could do more then she could.
Now my mother in law is on this drug from hell. The mood swings are awful. She feels like crying, and she has major memory problems. Riding with her in a car is like putting your life in her hands. She should not be driving. But she won't listen, because of the major mood swings. She tried to stop taking it, but then the nerves become active again and she doesn't want to feel that pain. What’s worst is it only stops half of her pain. she is so frustrated right now it isn't even funny
Personally I think this drug needs to be better followed and not push as a care all for Fibromyaglia.
49 year old female
50 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-03 10:41:44
Answer/Reply:
Lyrica makes me loss balance--walk like a drunl John Wayne---no help for pain--there must be something else???
66 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-06 22:07:19
Question/Comment:
I am interested in knowing more about the urinary incontience, as I have started having this problem. Also curious to know if there are more people that experience suicidal thoughts. How much is too much of this drug?
40 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-29 12:42:01
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are different dose recommendation for pregabalin (Lyrica) depending on the condition being treated. The highest dose of 200 mg three times daily or a total of 600 mg per day has been FDA approved for patients with fibromyalgia, partial onset seizures, or postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain from herpes zoster viral infections). Unfortunately, this higher dose is associated with a higher rate of side effects.
Some patients did report urinary incontinence during clinical trials with pregabalin (Lyrica) - although it wasn't a commonly reported side effect. Hopefully other iGuard members will post additional information about their experiences with urinary incontinence and suicidal thoughts while taking pregabalin (Lyrica).
Posted: 2008-09-08 11:00:19
Answer/Reply:
I have been having the same problem; however I thought it maybe related to my Sciaticia nerve for menopause. Do you think its related to the Lyricia? I'm trying to deal with the 15lb weight gain as a result of the Lyricia
56 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-01 18:56:09
Question/Comment:
I am a 61 year old woman and have been taking lyrica for three months and have noticed hair loss. Is this a side effect?
63 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-20 22:03:18
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I too have noticed thinning hair. So I stopped taking lyrica for awhile and the pain from my diabetic neuropathy was so bad that I started taking it again. One of the biggest problems I have is swollen fingers and hands. But if I don't take it, I get numbness in my right shoulder down to my hand and and fingers to the point that I can't use them. I don't know what to do except keep on taking it. Even pain medication doesn't work as well as the lyrica does for all of its side effects.
Posted: 2008-08-22 18:59:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Although some medications can cause hair loss, pregabalin (Lyrica) does not commonly cause hair loss. There are many things that can cause hair loss such as stress, infections, changes in hormone levels and sometimes hair loss is a symptom of an underlying disease such as diabetes or lupus. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, you should follow up with your doctor - it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.
Posted: 2008-08-27 12:22:59
Question/Comment:
I have RSD/CRPS and a possible pinched nerve at the C6-C7 junction. I was prescribed 50 mg Lyrica once a day for a week, then bumped it up to 50 3 times a day. It was horrible. I was exhausted, drowsy, had joint pain, had unsatisfiable hunger and I just ached. I also noticed my blood pressure was lower. The back pain is really bad, it is so hard to get out of the bed in the morning. After 3 days, we lowered it to 50mg twice a day. I am experiencing the same side effects plus now I am constipated. I am going to give it some a couple of more days but I don't think this is the right drug for me. I really don't know if I can wait out the three weeks to see if these side effects will go away.
As far as pain relief, it has helped with the burning pain but it was replace with a freezing type of pain.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-20 14:55:57
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I just started taking this medication, 50mg at night, and am suppose to increase to 50mg at night and 50mg in am. But this is my second dose and it seems like i too cant move in am, my back hurts so bad. It feels like someone is squeezing me to death. Is it from this pill?
Posted: 2008-09-04 04:24:29
Answer/Reply:
Wow! you are the 1st person I have ever heard of with rsd/crps. Mine is my left foot
following the removal of the screw that I had from surgery. Am on 150 mg 3 x a day plusth 30 mg of cymbalta. My only symptolms are fatigue, although i had that before, and drowsiness
at times. Weight gain but had allways thought that was from inactivity. I personally cannot
live without it, do still have pain but not as bad as it is when i forget a dose. the pain is much more manageable since i have been on it which is 2 yrs.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-23 02:26:34
Question/Comment:
I am a 45 year old male, who has had major back surgery. Even after my surgery, I have remained very physically restricted. I am taking Lyrica and have had a really bad problem with weight gain since starting this medication. I am also experiencing urinary incontinence. Is there anything that can be done to counteract these side effects.
46 year old Male
Posted: 2008-08-15 11:50:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Ask for a lower dosage. You will see improved results, and no pain.
The urinary problem, too, will go away. Don't know what you are taking,
but try taking 150mg at night only. Weight gain occurs at first--maybe 5 pounds--
but no more. Watch the diet with salts. Part of the weight gain is fluid retention with this
drug. That is why a small dosage is best.
Good luck to you. Hope your back improves as well.
Posted: 2008-08-26 20:11:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been taking lyrica for about 5 days and I have swelling in my hands is that normal. Lyrica is for my back pain.
Posted: 2008-08-27 09:21:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Talk to your Dr & have him reduce the amount. I take lyrica for epilepsy & yes, suicidal thoughts are one of the side effects.
Posted: 2008-08-29 18:07:17
Question/Comment:
since i have been taking lyrica.
twice a day for about 2 months now
i have had suicial thoughts nothing serious but i never ever had any kind of thoughts such as that.also my eyes blurr,dry eyes,memory problems. i have never had before and this is all of only 2 months use. i teel my doctor. seems it just gos right over her head.
romlyman@hotmail .com
60 year old Male
Posted: 2008-08-09 16:06:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am a 48 yr old female patient with Lupus & Fibromyalgia. I have been taking Lyrica twice a day for 8 months. I have had a significant weight gain. My thinking seems to be muddled and I have trouble retreiving words. I also have more bruising than usual as well as sores in my mouth as well as all over my scalp. Don't think the drug is worth the side effects in my case.
Posted: 2008-09-02 15:49:47
Question/Comment:
i am on methadone for drug treatment.Is it o.k. to take lyrica with the methadone??
31 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-29 00:31:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Lyrica is an FDA controlled substance - schedule V which means that it has a potential for abuse, although it has a lower potential for abuse compared to other controlled substances. If you are seeing multiple doctors, you should make sure that your doctors are aware of all the medications you are taking so that they can help you weigh all the risks and benefits of each medication.
If you and your doctors decide that you should take both methadone and Lyrica, you should be aware that side effects may be increased since both medications have similar side effects. Some of the shared side effects of these medications are drowsiness, dizziness, difficultly breathing, decreased mental alertness, and impairment of judgment, thinking, and motor skills.
Posted: 2008-08-06 14:57:57
Question/Comment:
I am currently using Lyrica for the second time. I experienced itching all over and hair loss. Is this a side effect or an adverse reaction? I can not function with out it. It is a wonder drug. I only take 50mg. at bed time and still have the itching?
48 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-17 06:51:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Itching is not a common side effect of Lyrica - but it has been reported by a few iGuard members (less than 1% of members).
Posted: 2008-07-18 17:26:23
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
this is the # 4 pill and I have problems I can go to the bathroom is this ok. Diana
Posted: 2008-07-21 10:31:39
Question/Comment:
I posted comments yesterday and signed up and did not see my comments posted today. What did I do wrong.? I am trying to decide if I should quit taking the drug because of urinary incontinence and pain worsening in legs. My doctor does not seem concerned about the incontinence and urinary retention, but I am only 63, alert and oriented, recently retired, and not incontinent when I don't take the drug. It does help pain in legs at night but I still retain urine.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-11 10:28:53
Question/Comment:
I have been on Lyrica for some time and have had ny dosage changed several times, I get dorwsy and have a hard time remembering things short term. I have found the pain has decreased but I do have weight gain and a few other side effects. It works but the side effects are troublesome.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-01 09:31:49
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Lyrica for about a year now. I take 100 mg every 12 hours down from every 8 hours. It has greatly reduced my pain from neuropathy, fibromyalgia and lower back pain. Other than a slight weight gain and blurry vision now and then I have not had any real adverse side effects. I am greatful for this medication and it has done a better job at controling the lower back pain than methadone or oxycontin.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-28 02:02:14
Question/Comment:
Lyrica was prescribe for my siatica and other severe pain. The 1st one I took at bed time. Good thing. I went into oblivian for 12 hrs. Hangover for 2 days. Though my pain did decrease. I have to think quickly in my profession as well as at home. This drug left my brain very slugish as well as a numbness on my emotions. I want to decrease my pain. Not my emotions! The next episode of paralizing pain was even worse than before taking lyrica. I think I will pass on this.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-18 20:37:59
Answer/Reply:
my Dr. prescribed lyrica for diabetic neuropothy.I took it only at night. on the 7th night I was also in oblivian. i fell out of bed and didn't even know it until i heard my lamp crash to the floor. I broke my big toe and damaged my hip. it is a year and my hip still hurts.
76 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-14 20:15:51
Question/Comment:
I was recently given lyrica for migraines and fibromyalgia pain,I had severe cramps in my hands and legs,passed out for 2 hours the first one I took,couldn't breathe for 2 days,I know people who this drug helped,I guess I'm not one,also my lips,nose,eyes were swollen,and itched terribly.
59 year old Male
Posted: 2008-06-04 15:27:08
Question/Comment:
I am taking Lyrica for Fibromyalgia pain. It works well for that but I am still having fatigue, blurry vision sometimes, and I am having leg aches. Has anyone else had leg aches? Mine are from the siatic nerve down my legs. Sometimes when I walk and especially uphill and downhill...Or perhaps the legs aches are something else?
67 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-01 10:53:15
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am taking lyrica for nerve pain and now I am getting cramps down my right leg. I also take a muscle relaxer it helps with the cramps at night.....but the two together puts me right to sleep.
Posted: 2008-06-07 15:07:05
Question/Comment:
I have taken Lyrica for 2 years; 75mg. The first pill I took was like a miracle. The pain and numbness I was experiencing as a result of shingles, was gone within 30 minutes. I only take one a day now and two a day would probably work even better, but I've weined myself to one. I have tried coming off, but the pain starts up again. Other drugs were tried but with no success. I do not have any side effects. It's the best thing I've taken and I'm thankful my Dr. tried me on it. What a blessing!
58 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-30 21:31:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have spinal stenosis, herniated disc and myofascial pain/ fibromyalgia and I also had good results after the first dose of Lyrica. Within a week, the pain, tingling and numbness had been cut in half and I was sleeping 7 hours a night. It was a miracle! There are side effects but I thank God everyday that my doctor insisted I try it. I am praying for others to have the same result.
Posted: 2009-01-03 05:41:05
Question/Comment:
I was prescribed lyrica for migraine headache prevention..first I was so dizzy I had to hold onto the wall. Now my legs are severly swollen, I feel like my skin is very tight and that I need to put up my feet. I intend to wean myself off. This NOT worth the side effects!!
59 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-23 05:42:43
Question/Comment:
I wish that they would give all the informatation including all the side effects and let the patient decide weither he or she would like to try it, I'm only 30 years old and i'm having alot of side effects that i have just read here on this web page and that's scary to me. Thank God for Web MD at least it will help me make a better conscious desicioun to make for my health.
Posted: 2008-05-19 18:54:50
Question/Comment:
Its not true what the site says under "What Things Patients Wished They Knew" regarding the information that Lyrica only comes in 25 mg or 100 mg doses. I have been prescribed and have taken 50 mg and 150 mg doses.
This medication was given to me 2 years ago, in 2006, due to a herniated disc. I had been suffering with upper back and neck pain since a 1987 car accident. When I started taking Lyrica for my herniated disc, it also did wonders for the older injury and I was almost pain free from pain I suffered for almost 20 years. To me this was a miracle drug.
I started with 75mg in AM and PM and worked up. Maxiumum dosage per my doctor is 300mg in AM and PM. I achieved satisfactory results at 150 mg in AM and PM.
It does make you extremely 'high' and sleepy until you get used to it. The worst of it went away within a couple of days of taking Lyrica. I didn't drive for two weeks. But to me, the benefits of pain relief definitely outway the side effects when first taking it.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-06 01:02:30
Question/Comment:
It took the doctors over 5 yrs to find something that would work for my pain. Alot of the doctors over looked my symtoms. I think lyrica is worth a try if you are in severe pain as I was.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Work with your doctor as adjustments have to sometimes be done to your dosage if you experience side effects.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
everyone told me that it would make me very drozzy.It did not, it did the opposite. Now I seem to have energy,to stay up & stay busy. So sleepy not.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
it works
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Ask questions and let doctor know of changes since taking Lyrica
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
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