Has anyone with fibromyalgia tried the new drug "Lyrica"?
If so, did it help or not? Did it have alot of side effects? I'm thinking about talking to my doctor about it, but I wanted to know if it was worth the bother. Thanks to all who answer!
Public Comments
1. I am in a group called Fibrohugs on the net and several of my freinds have tried it and said it has helped them 99 percent BETTER than anything they have EVER tried, including Topamax, Effexor, Tizanidine, Trazadone, etc.....EXCEPT it has ONE major side effect if you dont want it....Tramatic FAST weight GAIN!!!! and i do mean fast!!
So the Drs have to give them balance...Topamax helps reduce weight you know...so they have to stay on that....but they say it REALLY HELPS!!! Im thinkin bout tryin it , a pound or two wont hurt ME
IM SICK OF THIS PAIN
Well...that excludes me, then...I take ZOMIG and TOPAMAX not only for seizures but for migraines.....so guess cant go that route.
2. lyrica is NOT that new of a drug. It is actually an anti-convulsant. It's used as the primary choice for Shingles and Diabetic Neropathy. Most recently it has been found to be useful in Fibromyalgia.
For me, I was given this when I had a pinched nerve in my neck. I took for about a week, but for me it caused headaches.
Everyone is different and no two people experience the same side effects. These are some of the side effects that the Lyrica web site will advise.
What are the possible side effects of Lyrica?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired);
easy bruising or bleeding; or
swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
dizziness or drowsiness, anxiety;
blurred vision;
loss of balance or coordination;
problems with memory or concentration;
dry mouth;
skin rash or itching;
constipation, stomach pain;
increased appetite; or
3. I have been on Lyrica for 2 months now, I did have side effects and stopped the first time around. I was sleepy, blurred vision and felt down right stupid. After a few days off it my pain got so bad I tried again. The side effects did go away after a week and the pain was 75% better. I did gain 6 pounds and now that has subsided.
All medications have side effects.Good and bad. It is a personal choice as to wither you can hold out for a few weeks to see if the drug works for you...
4. Hi Meagan. I am sorry that you have this darned condition. I have been taking Lyrica for two years, 150 mg at bedtime. After years of trouble sleeping, the Lyrica has regulated my sleep so that I sleep about 75% of the time. It helps with the pain, but I have decided not to take it during the day or in higher doses because of the side effects -- weight gain being one of the least desirable! Another desirable effect is that it relieves anxiety. Lyrica is the only medication FDA approved for fibromyalgia, so that insurace cannot deny its coverage for an off label use. Hope this has been helpful!
5. Meagan,
I've been up all night long researching Lyrica and I can see that it does have some side affects, but then again--what doesn't. If you'll look at any medication information page, the first few side affects are headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. etc. I just know this one thing, I was diagnosed with this monster over 10 years ago, but I've had it for many more. I've tried everything under the sun to "fix" the problem and this is the first time I've ever seen anything specifically designed for fibro. So honey, I'm gonna try it and see what happens. I figure that shoot, I can't feel any worse than I do right now LOL. But in all seriousness, I've read a lot of really good things about Lyrica and I hope and pray that it works as good for us as it did for them.
Gentle hugs and sound prayers,
Kathy
6. I have fibromyalgia and wanted to make another suggestion if you find that Lyrica is not the medication for you. Try the over the counter supplement called "DRIbose". DRibose has improved so many patients lives who have fibromylagia. It works in several ways to treat fibromylagia. I have recently found out from a doctor that DRibose is used to treat neuropathy, without having to resort to medications like Lyrica and neurtoin. DRibose is a naturally occuring components of our bodies.(Its the D, in our DNA). For whatever reason our bodies just don't manufacture enough of it or cant process it.Address your fibromyalgia on the cellular level! Read my blog if you want to learn more.
My life has improved so much, I just want everyone to know about it.
deb
