Comments on: Fibromyalgia debate continues

By: susie2shoes

susie2shoes — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:37:53 +0000

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.

By: Susan Daley

Susan Daley — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:42:50 +0000

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!

By: Susie

Susie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:23:51 +0000

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.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:24:07 +0000

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!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:12:28 +0000

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.

By: Marijke Durning, RN

Marijke Durning, RN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:55:47 +0000

Thanks Laura!

By: laura

laura — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:10:53 +0000

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.