Fibromyalgia debate continues
January 22, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Last year, the FDA approved the use of Lyrica (pregabalin) to manage pain associated with fibromyalgia. Lyrica was originally approved to treat nerve pain for people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) or post-herpetic neuropathy, a condition that can follow shingles (herpes zoster). It was also approved for use with other medications to treat partial seizures.
Now that Lyrica has been approved for the management of fibromyalgia, the debate regarding if fibromyalgia is a “true” illness has flared up again. On January 14th, the New York Times published this article, Drug Approved. Is Disease Real?
The issue can be on-going, but I think, the most important issue is the pain experienced by people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Whatever the cause, pain is real and it must be treated, whether the disease is proven to be real or not. In fact, these letters to the editor, Disease or Not, the Pain is Very Real, make that exact point.
If you would like to learn more about fibromyalgia, here are a few links for you:
National Fibromyalgia Association
Technorati Tags: fibromyalgia,lyrica,pregbalin,national fibromyalgia association,FM-CFS Canada,UKFibromyalgia.com,Is this disease real,pain is very real
Ahhhh Lyrica, a subject that I will not touch with a 10 foot pole (again). A controversial drug for a controversial condition.
If you are at all interested in the side effects that SOME people experience, then come on over to CFS Squared – where a whole lot of people chimed in, when I wrote about it.
Personally, I am not an advocate of meds- but then again, I no longer suffer from great amounts of pain – I am now free from Fibromyalgia pain.
Here is the link (I will cross link your post to it)
http://www.cfssquared.com/2007/07/10/are-you-interested-in-taking-lyrica/
Keep in mind, that some people find this drug to be helpful (in fact very helpful)- just not most of the people who chose to comment.
Thanks Laura!
I’m so glad that I saw your links to the recent NY Times article and comments. My step-father suffers from fibromyalgia and also suffers from his doctors’ inability to believe that he is in such great pain. Thankfully he is now trying a new drug (perhaps Lyrica?), which has given him some relief.
I used to think that fibromyalgia wasn’t real; the patients I saw that claimed to have it were all overweight, unemployed, Welfare-dependent women (not a criticism just an observation). Well, guess who wound up with fibro?! And I’m not overweight (5′8″ and 138 lbs)and I work 30+ hours a week as an OR nurse. Was diagnosed a year ago, after being so tired and achy and wimpy for a long time. Primary doc sent me to rheumatologist who did lots of tests and came up with fibro and a form of lupus. Still having achiness all the time, but mostly managable. Lots of it depends on how well I sleep (Lunesta helps). Boss is helpful, tries to give me a lighter load when I’m feeling bad. She’s quitting, tho, so I’m hoping whoever takes over is as understanding. If not, I’m not afraid to pull out the “Americans with Disabilities Act” that I printed out and enforce it.
Okay, just deleted an entire paragraph of rambling, so I’ll stop for now. Glad to find your site!
There are good and bad things with all types of medicines. All I will say is read up as much as you can about the drug your are thinking about taking, both the side effects and withdrawal when the drug is stopped. Lyrica has both helped and hindered my battle with Fibro/CFS please take care.
Hi Susie,
How has the Lyrica hindered your battle with FMS? Just curious.
I’ve had FMS for 12 yrs. 3 yrs ago I had a neuropathic trauma take place, for which the surgery did absolutely no good. I was put on Neurontin (generic Lyrica) and have been on the max dose to date. My friend swears the Lyrica is better. I think it just depends on the person. Since I still have some really major flares, in spite of exercise and diet, stress reduction, I’m not really sure how much good the Neurontin does either. I’m not going to stop it to find out, it does help the neuropathy in my foot.
I’d be interested to know what things you’ve found helpful…not so helpful..in your journey with FMS. I’m always open to sharing!
Hi Susan
I was prescribed Lyrica (Pregabalin) for sciatic nerve damage. I have fibromyalgia so the drug was supposed to help with both thing. My back is much improved after 3 years of agony. But my Fibro was made worse. The pains in my feet were unbearable and my other joints were twice as painful as they normally were. My fears regarding this drug are that there is insufficient data noted by doctors regarding the terrible side effects and after effect of this drug. I’m going into my 7th week of withdrawal and I’m still suffering, panic attacks, sweats, an inability to control my body temperature, insomnia, fatigue, and lack of appetite.
This is a question for all:-
Has anyone else suffered prolonged withdrawal symptoms from Lyrica? If so please make a comment, but more importantly please report them to your GP.