I’ve just begun research into the side effects. I’ve read users reviews and they vary widely. From hair loss to nervousness to many getting pain reduced tremendously and good restful sleep.
If you suffer side effects does the good outweigh the bad?
How long have you been taking Lyrica and what daily dosages?
I’m asking in case it may be something that will help with fibro pain and a better quality of life.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I have taken this medication for years for neuropathic (nerve) pain. I also prescribe this medication frequently for patients with nerve related pain, including fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (RSD).
I have noticed no significant side effects from this medication myself. Given, I take three different AED medications for nerve pain and related issues, so there may be some overlapping of the side effects. The most significant issues I have noticed are some slight decrease in mental acuity at times (though this is not a significant amount), I have also noticed a decreased ability to lose weight (though all three medications can cause weight gain). I have not gained weight, due to watching my diet, but I have noticed, that I have maintained my weight rather than losing when trying to lose some weight.
In my patients the most common complaints have been dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, weight gain, and "thinking abnormal" (primarily difficulty with concentration/attention)and unsteady gait (walking), there have been reports of depression, though those are reasonably rare, any other complaints are very infrequent.
I have placed a very high percentage of my patients on this medication, with good success, and I, myself, have had reasonably good success.
The key to understand with Lyrica, is what to expect. After reaching the optimal dose, a patient will experience about a 50% decrease in the symptoms. This does not turn the problem off, but it does decrease the symptoms to a manageable level, where the other therapies can be more effective.
In most cases, it is definately worth trying this medication. The side effects have only resulted in about 4% of the patients having to stop the medication. The significant thing to understand is that during the testing about 3% of the people on the placebo had to stop due to the side effects also.
I think you should try the medication, give it time to reach the proper dose, and allow your body to adjust to the medication. I would highly recommend that you give the medication 3 months, if you are not having any problems with the side effects, before you decide if the medication is or is not working.
Good Luck!
what the doc said is the best answer you’ll get
I’ve tried Lyrica for my FMS pain and didn’t have luck. HOWEVER, I know that there are tons of people with FMS who have..
Annie
I am Co-Owner of Yahoo’s largest Fibro support group. We have over 2,800 members. So, when Lyrica was approved for treating Fibro pain we were very excited and eager to try it. I myself tried it as did several of our Moderators.
As you have discovered, the reaction is mixed. Some members had nearly miraculous levels of pain relief. Some had very little to no effect and some of us had terrible side effects that made continuing the drug impossible.
I fell into that last category as did one of our Moderators. Quite a few members also had to stop taking Lyrica after a few weeks. We really did give it a fair trial and very much wanted it to work. A few minor side effects would have been tolerable but, a substantial number of us who took it had severe swelling, stomach upset, dizziness that didn’t go away even after 3 months, and mental changes such as confusion, memory loss and irritability.
If you have Fibro you should give Lyrica a try under your doctor’s supervision. Start at a low dose and gradually increase it. Only you can decide if the relief you get outweighs any side effects you may have.
And if you would like to discuss things Fibro related with others you are welcome to visit our group.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fibromyalgia-CFS/?yguid=184656699
I tried Lyrica a couple of weeks ago. It was a real disaster. I took a dose at bedtime. By morning my pain had worsened so much that even double my usual morphine dose didn’t get it back to normal. The skin on one arm felt like it was scalded badly and my shoulders had burning pain and sensitivity I haven’t had since starting methylb12 4 years ago and had been controled with dilantin for 13 years. I couldn’t wear a shirt all day because of the painful burning hypersensitive skin. I take a diuretic otherwise I put on about 3 pounds per day of water. I gained 8 pounds in the first 3 days and 12 pounds in the 10 days following, all from one dose. Then in the past 3 days I’ve taken off 8 pounds of water and dropping. It sapped my energy. I haven’t felt that bad overall since I was a basketcase with fullblown fibro 5 years ago, before methylcobalamin. As I took only the one dose, it started letting up the next day as my skin returned to normal over the next 36 hours. I’m glad it was a sample as I would have hated to pay for a months worth only to throw them out with only 1 taken.
I no longer have the symtoms of fibro and a whole lot else. Jarrow and Enzymatic Therapy methylb12 saved and changed my life. I have one now. I lost about 80 pounds of water after starting the methylb12 and other nutriants. Most of the neurological pain is gone. Most of the muscle pain is gone. Most of my 70+ symtoms are gone or vastly reduced. Lyrica brought many of them back very quickly.
I have been on Lyrica for two years. I have RA, Fibro, neuropathy and a prolapsed disc. I started with 5mgs of Valium for the RA, stop muscle contractions and I did not get out of bed for three days. Therefore I cut the pill in half and then eventually found 2mgs suitable for me. Next came the neuropathy and am on 25mgs of Lyrica at night with the Valium on going to bed. Then the Fentanyl Patch for the Disc. I have found that the Fibro has almost gone with the Lyrica, certainly not as bad as it was. Likewise no weight gain, at 25 mgs no hangover and I am able to live my daily life, drive, shop, do what I enjoy doing. What I read is that Lyrica is given in 100 – 200 mgs per day for Fibro and I wonder if this is too high a dose? Just like they started me on 5 mgs of Valium and I went out for the count, so adjusted it myself. Several times I have taken two 25mgs of Lyrica at night and again felt the benefits, but reduced back to one 25 mgs, once over the hump. Restful sleep I do get, probably with the combination of Lyrica and Valium. I was concern when they added the Fentanyl Patch, but have no complaints. Good Luck
I am about to embark on a test of Lyrica and I will let you know how it goes. THIS IS A GREAT QUESTION! THANK YOU!!
ALSO THE ANSWERS ARE GREAT TOO!!!
I am going to try at the 25mg and see…as I think it is best to start slow. I am Leary as the side effects of dizziness and sleepiness are already a problem. But maybe I will be a lucky one!
SC lets give it a try and compare notes??xoxo
My doctor perscribed Ultram for me when he thought I might have fibromyalgia. I think it’s gone. Is that possible or am I in remission? Anyway, it worked well enough to get through the day. I never heard of Lyrica. Good luck, the pain you are in must be horrible. Granny