Are you interested in taking Lyrica?
July 10, 2007 by laura
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Originally, I wasn’t going to write about the developments of the nerve pain drug Lyrica. I don’t find much interest in drug developments. I view treatments that surround a regime based on pills with a skeptical eye (at best). In my experience, it hindered my progress…not helped it.
However, this is not the case for everyone. Lyrica is no longer breaking news….people have been talking about its use for Fibromyalgia patients for weeks now. It is still news though, and so I will report it. Just not throwing my support behind it.
On June 21, 2007 the FDA approved Lyrica as the first drug treatment for Fibromyalgia. Let me say, that Lyrica is not a cure, although it might ease some symptoms. It is already approved by the FDA for the treatment of nerve pain caused by shingles and by diabetes. The drug is also known to reduce some forms of epileptic seizures.
According to Steven Galson, MD of the FDA
Today’s new approval marks an important advance, and provides a reason for optimism for the many patients who will receive pain relief with Lyrica. However, consumers should understand that some patients did not experience benefit in clinical trials. We still have more progress to make for treatment of this disorder
The clinical trials that Dr Galson are referring, consisted of two trials of about 18 000 fibromyalgia patients. The trials backed Lyrica’s use in treating fibromyalgia at doses of 300 milligrams or 450 milligrams per day, according to the FDA.
As with any drug, side effects will be present when you take Lyrica. Here is a list of what you might experience, when you start on this regime: dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth, swelling of the hands and feet, impaired motor function, and problems with concentration and attention.
You all know how I feel about this kind of treatment. While I try to keep an open mind about developments such as this, I find that a passive approach (ie pill taking) is definitely not for me. Of course, I may be alone in thinking this way. I am ok with that. If you have had a good experience with meds such as Lyrica (or some other one), I want to know about it. Or if you have a difference of opinion, please share it. Different opinions help my views to become broader….and that is a good thing.
This is taken right off of the lyrica website, which I found through Pfizer.
LYRICA is indicated for the management of fibromyalgia. It is also used to help people with diabetes manage nerve pain and for pain after shingles.
Prescription LYRICA is not for everyone. Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and edema. Plus blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, euphoric mood, and loss of balance. Also, increased appetite and trouble concentrating.
LYRICA may cause serious allergic reactions. You should call your doctor right away if you think you have a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or neck or if you have any trouble breathing. Other allergic reactions may include rash, hives and blisters.
You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so you should let your doctor know if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. And, if you drink alcohol or take medicines that make you sleepy, you may feel more sleepy when you start LYRICA.
You should not drive a car or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Tell your doctor about any changes in your eyesight, muscle pain along with a fever or tired feeling, or skin sores due to diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA. You should talk with your doctor before you stop taking LYRICA, or any other prescription medication.
I have been taking Lyrica for about 2 months and it started out as a God send. The pain control was wonderful. But, I started getting odd headaches that would come and go. I started getting deep muscle pain in my left thigh. I thought this was some kind of breakthrough pain. I was taking Lyrica for Fibro.
So, I added a Tramadol with the Lyrica. The first couple of times I did it I wasn’t sure what was going on. But after last night that’s it, I’m done. I have anxiety problems anyway but last night they went through the roof. My hands are still shaking today. I had chest pains enough to try my nitro (it worked with no problem) I was a mess.
Now after I read this I just went downstairs and pulled out my mail that I was sending to get Lyrica in 90 day supplies. I am taking 125 mg at night but was getting ready to up the dose.
No way I’m doing it and I am going to start my step down and get rid of all of this.
When I was just taking Flexeril and Skelaxin I was much better.
Thanks to all of you for sharing this and letting me see this drug is NOT the way to go.
Deb
Hi Deb an every one else
I went to a doctor and had a Nerve Induction don now my pain is worse than before. I told him about my side affects and he said he hasn’t seen them before and he will have a think about it and put it into his report isn’t that good for me ( NOT ) but another Doctor said I will need to adapt my life now to the problems All over taking tablets that they don’t care about because they think that we are a minority group but our lives are still upside down and how Meany more of us are out there that don’t have the internet and are having the same problem thanks Graeme
It is possible to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome without the use of meds. One must be completely committed to a lifestyle change. Everything has to change.
I live without the day to day pain and illness of CFS – and now live with illnesses associated with CFS – that developed from use of drugs prescribed to help PWC’s. A couple of times a year, I have pneumonia, or monolike symptoms.
I still have lots of changes to make – but I am fully committed to living a CFS free life.
Good luck with your life adjustments. It is possible – please know that.
Hi everyone. I haven’t told my Rheumatologist about my decision. I’m just getting off of this and then I will sit down and assemble the information in a way that makes sense. I don’t want to just call up and ramble on and on about the side effects. I’ll type him up a document that makes sense.
Laura, Yes I agree with you. However, I have to work and I work in the IT industry and am competing with a 20 something workforce. I put in about 50 hours a week, own a home, live with someone who does NOT help in any kind of way. So, as for lifestyle changes I don’t have the room for this. My Doc tells me to stop doing some things and pay folks to help with things like cleaning and yard work. Well, I’m working very hard on getting out debt so right now I can’t afford that. In a couple of years this will all change. But for now I have to just do what I have to do.
Oh, I did get a walking stick to help me walk further. I hope that helps.
It’s all about finding our way and doing what we need to do to make through the day.
Deb
Deb,
I appreciate your story. Change isn’t always that difficult if you do it slowly, and make small differences one at a time. I don’t know you or your illness – so who is to say what works for me, will work for you.
Here is my story. I own a business (one that is going through change), I also work full time, and I write part time. How many hours a week do I work? Easily over 70. Exhausted? Of course. And sometimes I get sick (right now is a really bad time for illness for me)….But knowing that I am able to lead a productive life with alternative therapy is a lot better for me being dependent on meds. Medication that for my own experience hindered my progress….and not helped.
There was a time, when I didn’t think a life like mine was possible. I was wrong. I have no miracle cures. It just starts with changing the way you think – and doing things differently.
Getting a walking stick is a great idea. I hope it works out for you.
good luck to you.
I started on Lyrica Thursday night 75 mg. I could not function Friday, this is a terrible feeling, I feel like crap. Needless to say I again took the pills last night she said that I could take them both at night for a total of 150 mg working my way up to 300 to 450. I have had an excruciating headache like a migraine on my right side next to the neck area. I was sent home yesterday when I got to work because they said I looked like I was either going to die or pass out. I went to sleep driving in the van. I went to sleep just now trying to write this and reading here I have been asleep for a good while off and on. Last night now as tired as I was or the feeling of being so tired, so drunk, so out of it like I am having an out of body experience, or someone forgot to let me know I died a couple of weeks ago, I was trying to sleep, couldn’t.
Gas this morning at 4:30 was so strong that it woke me only after about 2 21/2 hours sleep and I have been up ever since. I feel so bad, I talk like a drunk person, I look like a drunk person.
Now my Doc said when I asked her that everyone has just loved this drug that she has put on it, except for the people that are drug dependant. Heck I wont take pain medicine but for the most severe pain, but I don’t think I can do this drug. She knows that I am not a drug indulgent person, but I think that if you have tendancies toward being one this would be the drug you would want because of the way it makes you feel? This is not a miracle drug as they claimed it could be for Fibromyalgia, and I am greatly disappointed that more studies were not done on it. Some people may find relief from this drug but would think maybe for headaches or what it was originally made for, oh yea my brain fogginess is so bad, I couldn’t even remember my families names at the Family reunion today. This drug is terrible, and I have felt like I am going cross eyed today.
They will I think eventually have to pull this drug for the treatment of fibro, don’t think it should have ever been passed for that anyway.
It only increases the same symptoms we already have, nausea, dizzyness, different kinds of pain along with the pain we have, fibro fog, lethargy, feelings of being really drunk, and even with a drunken tongue no less, migraines and so on.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
Oh by the way my boss called today to check on me, and told me not to take another dose of this shit and come back to work, her words not mine.
Soooo
lynette
Fibro just makes you think your crazy, friends let you know when you are crazy.
Hi all, this is the one from Tasmania Australia again I feel that we all should revert to the News and ask how meanly people have had problems with this drugs because there is others out there that don’t or cant get onto this sight to shear what is going on with the pills they are taking and then put it all together and then they may take notice of us and do something Take care and remember
Where ever their is a problem their is always a solution if you worry about your problem you wont find your solution
By for now Graeme
Not everyone who takes lyrica has a problem with it. Medications are often very person specific….something that works for me, is not necessarily going to work for you.
Please contact your doctor(s) about the best way of getting off these drugs, before deciding that its in your best interest to stop taking them. I can not emphasize this enough. Doctors must be informed of what you are doing. They don’t claim to know everything….but they do need to know whats going on. Certainly they are a better source- or at least can point you in the right direction, then choosing to follow someone else’s uninformed decision-because the drug is not working for them. Withdrawal is very difficult at the best of times- do not make it harder on yourself.
Has anyone with the lyrica problems, thought to contact the pharma company Pfizer? I did manage to track down a list of side effects, and posted them in an earlier comment. You might want to check the list before going into panic mode.
Be safe.
Hi, every one has the right to say what they want it is still a free country I have been to the best specialists in there fields and they still don’t know anything about what is going on with me
I have a number of doctors that have said the total opersit to each other and they haven’t seen some of the side effects that a grate number of us are suffering with and like me the side affects where not toled to me or given to me so I feel obliged to let others know what they are and if you had some of the efects as we do what would you do
sorry to sound ruff but I would like to find out what is wrong with my self and talking about it I may find the answer that no doctor has given me for nearly 12 months
Graeme,
As the moderator and writer of this blog, I try to give a complete picture. That’s all. Lyrica is helping a lot of people with Fibromyalgia. Will it help everyone? No of course not. Not all medicines will help everybody.
Pfizer has published a list of side effects that may be caused by that drug. If I was taking that medication, that is the first place I would go. The second thing I would do is go to my doctor to figure out the best way to get OFF that drug.
Side effects can be dangerous. This is why medicines come with a warning. If your doctor is not available, a pharmacist can help.
If these medicines are hurting rather than helping, then getting off of them safely is really important.
I am not so sure that getting medical advice from other patients is the way to go.
Best of luck to you.
laura I have fibromyalgia you seem to be on an all natural program could you give me a run down …I have pretty much deceded to get off of all mediation…scared to do it but am going to try…I take lyrica and have had some relief but am afraid of side effects and weight gain also just got of ultram ….what a nightmare I am tired of meds not working well and side effects and withdrawl thanx God bless you kathy
Hi Kathy,
I don’t actually have a secret remedy to getting well. Mostly what I did was just listen to me. The best thing I did was get off the meds…..the only thing that even remotely helped me were antibiotics – but even they can only last so long, before they cause problems.
I took a very very slow approach to getting well. Every step of the way my doctor was involved (and I think this may be key). I started with some sessions with a Qi Gong practioner – this was the big leap into wellness. It was the start of a very positive change. After a few months, I felt well enough to do a bit of volunteer work – nothing too strenuous – just a couple of hours a week. Next I did a short term move to a warmer summer climate – and worked in a safe zone (I could pretty much work when I wanted-and take as much time off as I needed to, without anyone saying anything)- after that I just started listening to how I was feeling – if I felt horrible I stayed home – if I was ok I went on with my day. It was just about knowing what I can handle. Keeping a diary, really helps with this.
After a couple of years, my health kind of plateaued and I tried a bunch of different stuff – like diet changes, going to the gym – and a few unfortunate tries with steroids….oh and some counseling sessions with a psychiatrist.
Now I am at a stage, where CFS and the antibiotics that were used to treat it – have completely wrecked my immune system, and I use acupuncture, acupressure, and the occasional Alexander Technique session – to help me deal with life.
Medication is not the answer for me. I will take it when its needed – but if I can try any other option I will do that first. Really the best thing I can suggest – is to listen to your body.
If something works for you, then do it – regardless of what others think. Sometimes the weirdest things will work. My mum would always tell me when I was feeling lousy, to go walk around the block -and then cook up an egg (make sure to eat it). Even now, it sounds ridiculous…but it does help.
I am sorry that I can not offer you a miracle cure – but I really do believe, that just listening to yourself, and removing yourself from the meds (safely) is a good option. Withdrawal is not easy – but the goal is worth it. Keeping your doctor involved in this process is important.
Anytime you need to talk, feel free to email me, I am always available to be a supportive friend.
Hi
i have been on lyrica for 7 months, came off with horrendous withdrawal…anxiety etc. I had a face lift 2 years ago, and have had facial nerve pain etc. Decided to go back on it as the burning feelings were coming back…big mistake. I have been on it for 2 weeks. My abdomen is swollen, and so is my father. My friend said it sounded like I have had a strok. My face feels immobile due to fluid retention…nightmare. I am coming off this drug. My doctor has drawn up a withdrawal programme…but I am tired of the side effects…I feel rubbish.
Just my tuppence worth.
Jules x
Kathy Knowles: I have fibromyalgia and myofascia pain syndrome. 1st purchase the book “Fibromyalgia & Myofascia Pain Syndrome” by Starlanyn/Copeland. It outlines and pinpoints with diagrams all the trigger points and satelite trigger points. Pressure can be applied to these trigger points to eliminate pain and free up the nerves. The forward in the book is written by Dr. Hal Blatman from Blue Ash in Cincinnati. He used novacaine injections to break up the trigger points. After 180 injections; I discovered a physical theripist who could do this with finger pressure. My husband has now learned to dissolve these trigger points. This is the first step to freeing up muscles and getting well. I use a Homemedics Precussion Massager on areas I can reach and a Relaxor full length massager to lie on and relieve tension. I have a Pilates machine that I use to lengthen and strengthen muscles. I have a large size ball and a 6″ round x4′ long styrofoam to lie on with my feet at a 90 degree angle on the ball to relieve muscle spasms in my back. All of this works. Since going off the Lyrica I have been tired. My energy has been depleted. I eat no sugar, white rice and anything processed. These things feed fibromyalgia and MFS. Please let me know if I can be of any help. Joy
Hi julie and every one, I have been toled by doctors specialists and naturalist’s with presser points and have been toled that I will need to just wait until it fixes it self they have tried every thing but I am still looking so I will not only help my self I will help others by for now Graeme
Hi everyone:
Today October 30th I have been prescribed Lyrica. I suffer with chronic severe headaches and fibromyalgia. No relief of pain for several moths now. Should I try the Lyrica or my doctor says I can try gabapentin. What is your opinion?
Nichol, how are you doing? Are you feeling better now that you have been off Lyrica for awhile now? I’m tapering off Lyrica 25 mg per week – very slowly because I’ve had terrible withrawal symptoms in the past with Lyrica. I hope you are over the withdrawal symptoms now. Sue
Hi all: I’ve been struggling with shingles pain for the past year and a half and was prescribed Cymbalta and Lyrica for the pain. Cymbalta first, Lyrica a few months ago. While feeling some pain relief from the Cymbalta, it was short lived and dosage was increased by healthcare provider. After going up to 120 mg/day and still having severe pain, Lyrica was initiated. This also had short term positives, but had strange side effects…anxiety, fullness of chest, palpitations…blah! I told doc, she said OK, put me on hydrocodone 5mg/8 hours with cymbalta. Had good results with this combo, but due to longevity of shingles PHN and recent bad press of hydrocodone, much concern over its dependence was issued to me on becoming used to it. I understood and wanted the pain to stop, but it wouldn’t. Then I went to a neurologist per my doc, and he put me on lidocaine patches, lyrica and maintained cymbalta. I pretty much said “f” it this time and fight through the crappy side effects to get relief. Worked for a while, but didn’t like side effects of all. At this time, no hydrocodone at all. With pain still present with all this crap in my system, I went to an accupuncturist with much skepticism but at the same time a “what the heck” attitude. It can’t hurt, right? So, after three visits, and antibiotics for skin infection, my pain was gone!! I have been using liver support supplements to clean out my system and drinking lots of liquids. I ended up quitting all meds without tapering. Silly thing, but from what i hear, the alternative seems just as crappy. Do you rip the bandaid off or take it off slowly? Well, I’ve been a week and a half in cold turkey, and have experienced all you have, and its been intense. However, I can start to feel my brain reconnecting and my thought processes returning to college degree level!
I have even begun to reflect on life before and after, and will say without hesitation I will never use these drugs again. You have all helped me to understand other peoples pain in relation to my own, and we are all in this nutty world together. Peace and love to you all.
-Brian
Hi every one I have been toled that I cant work again because of the side effects of the tablets this wont stop me thou I will get better I know one day im 47 it will be hard to find someone to give me a job
by for now Graeme
David, Did you feel awful once you were done tapering off Lyrica? If so, for how long? How did you handle the awful feelings? I’m in week 2 of tapering and I have many more to go but it’s really hard. I feel terrible.
Sue
Hi Brian: I’ve been off Lyrica since Sept. I was given the “drug” for Fibromyalgia/CFS. It felt like I was on speed. When my legs, feet and hands doubled in size the doc took me off it. At this time my thryoid and adrenal glands have crashed. I was extremely tired and couldn’t move from one room to the other. Now I’m on meds for those problems. Have your doc check for “free TSH 3 and DHEA. It might help. God’s speed and good health. I had 2 calls from relatives Thanksgiving to tell me they saw advertisements on TV that Lyrica is the cure. I can’t wait until this “drug” is taken off the market. My doc refused to get involved in the paperwork and the FDA. Joy
Hi all ive been toled that no one can fix my side affects because no one has seen this before and they said I will need to wait and see if it gets better thanks bye Graeme
Thank you all for the information on Lyrica. I was trying to persuade my daughter to try it. You have all saved her from a nightmare drug.
I will pray for all of you.
hi everyone,susan thanks for thinking of me,i went to a specialest that put me on a few different meds,because the ones the primary care put me on i was just getting worse with rebound anxiety because it wasn’t a 24 hour medication it was causeing worse anxiety,i went into depreshion and went down to about 125 to 130,i was 160 before i stopped the lyrica i’m 5.9′.since seeing the specialest,i am doing better.she tried anti depresents witch i stopped 2 weeks later they weren’t for me,my depreshion came from the other meds and being so sick,and no one knowing how to fix it,and now i,m tapering slowly off the anxiety meds,i just take the dose at night for sleep ,hopefully within a couple of weeks it will be gone,with jesus ALL things are posiable if you just believe and keep your eyes on him.please be very careful if you try this medication and be aware of the side effects,so you know what to tell your dr.
i went back to my dr. that did my last surgery that i have not been the same since it was a pelvic floor reconstruction surgery,”i had 5 major operations in a six month span after delivery of my last baby”he is now 22 months old,everything from hysterectomy,to kidney stones,to skin cancer that took up my whole left cheek,veins embolized in my stomache through my neck from pelvic congestion syndrome,and then the reconstruction,and sacro colpexy,”try to sever the nerves to my abdomen to help with chronic pelvic pain.ic viceral pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.anyway,i have a few more obstackles to over come but i can do all things through christ who strengthens me!
may God Bless and keep you all ,and have a healthy New Year.nichol
You might be interested in http://www.adverse-drug-reaction.net to look up adverse events of lyrica or of other drugs reported to the FDA.
Perhaps you might be interested in visiting Marijke’s blog where she has tackled the Lyrica drug, and more specifically: Is Fibromyalgia real debate.
I am sure that some of the opinions given here, would be of great interest to her.
She has a great blog, and it is definitely an interesting and controversial subject.
Here is the link
http://www.cfssquared.com/2007/07/10/are-you-interested-in-taking-lyrica/
oops I accidently linked my own comment here is the real link
http://www.helpmyhurt.com/2008/01/22/fibromyalgia-debate-continues/#comment-130
I had all the side effects (nasty) from lyrica and when I decidd I had had enough, Iwas surprised that the Dr told me to just quit taking it. I stopped with no tapering except for 3 days and it was very bad for one week, especially the hot flashes, cold sweats, stomach issues and worse pain. It has been a week and I am thankful to say it is much better today and hopefully will continue. I was taking 225mg a day. I have already lost 5 of the 40 (yes 40) lbs gained and feel a ton less bloated. That drug is poison!
Okay…..I have had some side effects really bad ones…enough to out me on the ER today….Of course, I was taking St. John’s Wort as well….bad mistake…..however, today..I had a ery bad burning sensation in my chest & breasts….I was so scared!! I have been having panic & anxiety issues, even was a psychologist just last week. I have been having extreme insomina…like only 2 hours a night and I am very nervous….and I have had so much brain fog…….michele
can anyone please hlp me…..I am so sick from this pill.
the debate about Lyrica and if the illness is “real” or not still remains. I wrote about it helpmyhurt.com (http://www.helpmyhurt.com/2008/01/22/fibromyalgia-debate-continues/). There’s an interesting comment from someone who now sees fibro in a totally different way, now that she has it herself.
I have read all your comments and you have convinced me that the help is worse then living with the desease. I would also like Kathy Knowles to contact me as that is my maiden name and want to know if we are related.
Thanks Marijke – I like the post you had about fibromyalgia. It was informative – and its worth taking a look at.
Sharon G,
I do not enforce the use of meds on this site – not to say that I haven’t taken my fair share of them, I just don’t think they work for CFS….but keep in mind that with lyrica (as with other meds) what works for one, may not work for the other – and vice versa.
As for contacting another commenter on this site, I am sorry but I don’t publish email addresses – if either of you have a website, then you can reach each other that way.
Sorry.
My wife was prescribed lyrica along with tramadol about 3 weeks ago. I immediately researched the drug online and was absolutely shocked that in one visit her new physician had prescribed a class 5 controlled substance for fibro. how can you diagnose fibro in one hour! I let her take the drug until she started slurring her speach and breaking down. I told her that she needed to quit her job immediately and quit taking this medication. I asked if the doctor had inquired if she could stop working or had some other suggestions before prescribing such medicine she said no. she is still taking one pill a day along with soma,ambiencr,tramadol, and now flexoril. she does not want a second oppinion and I am convinced that this dr is going to kill her. any suggestions??
hi all its been now 12 months since I took the medication nothing has changed from before now my doctor gave me morphine patches after taking Tramadol and Pregabalin I cant take this ether so its back to just Panadol to ease the pain it dose not take it away but hay life goes on
Well, I went to this Dr. of rheumatology with my wife that diagnosed her with fibro in an hour and had her taking soma,lyrica,flexeril,tramadol, and ambien cr…besides her lipitor,allergy meds, and blood pressure meds. I am here to tell you this method of diagnosing this fibro is pure quakery!!!! If you want to see what lyrica is doing to people refer to this websitehttp://www.patientsville.com/medication/lyrica_side_effects.htm In one month I see that they have had another 400 reports to the FDA, another 60 hospitalizations, and 14 deaths. I advise everyone that is in pain to go to a real clinic such as Scott and White in Texas and have a group of physicians conduct a thorough examination. This particular dr. does not know what thorough is! He did readjust her meds elimated some and reduced some and gave her some trigger point injections. Now why didnn’t he give her the trigger point injections in the first place…I will tell you why…because she was taken there by a pill seeking friend who does not know the meaning of pain who wanted her to take the same yuppy med as her “Lyrica” the mind alter drug that it is! This Dr. almost Urinated on himself when I told her that my wife was not a pill seeker, gave child birth with a tylenol and was in real pain and I wanted her pain to be resolved and not with a Masked dangerous Med! The bottom line is Money…big pharma these drug companies are paying these doctors money to get people on these dangerous drugs. It Should Absolutely BE Against the Law for drug companies to advertise On TV!!! but guess what..drs can’t but they can and they bring people to the drs. Don’t forget Dr. Wolfe who invented Fibromyalgia does not believe in it either more. Keep in mind I know my wife is suffering and I know people on this board are suffering and I pray that you get help and relief that you deserve…just be very careful.
Hi,
I am 24. After seven years of ‘mystery illness’ I was diagnosed yesterday with CFS/FMS. I am working with a fabulous specialist, whom I love and is open to alternative therapies.
I took my first dose of Lyrica last night – 75 mg. I woke up hours later with vomitting and nausea. I take 90 mg of Cymbalta, which my general care dr. prescribed months ago for anxiety. This didn’t really help with my mystery pain, so yesterday we added the Lyrica. I am reading all of this, am really scared and feeling as bad as ever. I guess I’ll contact my specialist and say maybe we jumped the gun on the Lyrica and try increasing the Cymbalta instead?
I just want to feel better.
this is a great paper about fibro and lyrica….very smart woman
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2055795/Fibromyalgia-and-Lyrica
Thanks Jim, that paper was excellent. Its funny – my dogs live a completely holistic lifestyle complete with a raw diet and only a homeopath as their primary care physician, however, I have been so overwhelmed by the diagnosis and my pain, that I immediately looked to the prescription pad.
Been on Lyrica for four days, no change – except for instead of sleeping all day, insomnia has returned.
A few years ago, I was leading a more holistic life, and got into a routine of yoga 4 days a week. I remember those months as the healthiest and most pain free in my life.
I need to pause and re-evaluate how I live each day, as my FMS/CMS isn’t going anywhere soon.
Hi All: I made a new discover for the holistic side of wellness. Phiten care products (i.e. socks, necklaces, etc) have Titanium which creates ions and electrical balance. I tried the socks and the leg pain left and I was engerized.
My homeopathic Doctor has me on DHEA (with blood tests first); my adrenal glands were the age of 88 and after taking DHEA for 2 months; I was the age of 32. For chronic fatigue and FMS patients I highly recommend it. Staying away from doctors offices does make you feel better. Joy
Hi All,
I’m not sure what Laura thinks, but these comments seem to be getting a little away from the intent of her blog, which is to discuss and comment on CFS/ME, not on particular drugs. Perhaps you could take your discussions about Lyrica over to this lyrica discussion forum:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/youropinions.php?opinionid=7681&p=1
You will find there are many people there sharing their experiences with lyrica, and you might find people whose experiences help you make sense of your own.
It would also be a more appropriate forum for this discussion, and those of us who follow this blog for comments on CFS/ME would appreciate getting back on topic. Thanks.
Check the bookstore at
http://www.adverse-drug-reaction.net/bookstore.aspx.
Highly recommended. ‘Ease with chronic pain’.
I so wish I’d have found this site weeks ago. I really believed I seriously ill. I had no joy with my own GP, who more or less washed her hands of me, so I’ve just spent all of my saving on a ‘Well Woman’ consultation at a private hospital! After 12 months I stopped taking Pregabalin because I was in so much pain with my feet, swelling, numbness in my feet and lower legs. I had been prescribed the medication for Fibro and sciatica nerve pain in my back. I reduced the dose gradually from 300mg to zero over a period of two weeks. I am still feeling the horrible withdrawel symptoms as describred by many contributers in this post and I’ve been off it fully for 6 weeks. Thanks to reading a post by David I am feeling (spiritually) much better, as I know it’s this AWFUL drug, Pregabalin (Lyrica) and not me being seriously ill.
I am still struggling, but I have hope now. I just want to say thank you all for your posts, they have truly been a blessing for me. I wish you all good or better health.
Hugs
Susie UK
So sorry. I will post a comment at the relevent site. I must have read every comment bard the one by Ellie, forgive me.
My husband was given lyrica for numbess in feet. It seemed to halp at first but then he couldn’t tell much difference. About a month ago he started having all his muscles and tendons really sore. He could hardly get out of bed. After several trips to his dr. he took him off the lyrcia thought it could possibly be the cause. He has been off about a week now but he is not any better.Has any one had this problem?
Thanks,
Jean
No worries Susie,
Its just that I have made it clear on this blog that medication is not a way to get healthy from CFS/FM on this blog. And while sometimes it is necessary – I believe they should not be depended upon. Drugs like Lyrica, do offer benefits for some people (mostly for ones who do not live with CFS/FM) and the side effects are all listed on the Pfizer website.
If your doctor has given you a prescription for Lyrica or any other drug – it is your right and duty as a patient, to ask why. And ask what will this drug do for (or do to) me. When you get to the pharmacy -ask the same questions.
CFS Squared is a blog that is about living successfully with CFS – with or without medication – but it is not a forum.
Comments are welcome-but they should be of the nature of living with CFS.
hi my name is bryan thomas i dont know what this is but iv been taking lyrica for about 7 months now started with 75mg than to 150mg but i did a stupid thing because my RSD in my right hand was hurting really bad i mean iv had pins in this for a metacarpal break than the one pin got my hand infected had to pull it so i could have emergency surgery now i have RSD so the doctors diagnosed me with i was taking about 4 150 to ease the pain 1 didnt work 2 and 3 and so on than i got relief well i quit cold turkey like an idiot im feeling hot flashes my skin ITCHES bad and feels like crawling from head to toe has anybody else had these withdrawls effects i need help what can i do its been going on for weeks i cant sleep at night will thsi stop soon or can i do something like maybe order some detox drinks pills or something help?
I’m a metastatic peritoneal cancer survivor 2 years post surgery and chemo (taxol and carboplatin.) Doctor prescribed Lyrica for pain sitting. Followed a rigid schedule and got to 225 mg. per day with no relief at all for the pain in my bottom. Had some very marginal relief with peripheral neuropathy but was gaining a pound a day! Decided to quit by taking 75 mg. nightly for about 7 nights. The slight relief from the neuropathy disappeared! Lyrica does not “help” pain, it merely masks it. Horrible withdrawal effects; nausea, dizziness, headache, nervousness, heavy-duty depression. I do not believe this drug should be on the market and certainly not as a one-pill-fits-all product: diabetics, people with epilepsy, people with fibromalagia. I can only hope I have not harmed myself. Good luck to all of you out there.