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Posted 9/30/2016 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I haven't been here in a while. I pretty much gave up on any sort of treatment since 1) none of the many I've tried so far have worked and 2) I have next to zero funds while I wait for my disability hearing. A family member suggested Lyrica which is the only thing I haven't tried yet. I called the manufacturer and they agreed to give me several months for free. So now I have it and I am having second thoughts about taking it. The possible side effects are a bit nuts. Increased depression and suicidal thoughts. Well that's no fun for me or my wife. Been down that road when Cymballta destroyed me. Another concern is a 2016 study that links it to birth defects. This was also listed on the paperwork that came with the meds. Not planning on having children but you never know. last thing i want to do is pass them Fibro and birth defects. I just don't know if it's worth these side effects.

Is there anyone out there who has had success with Lyrica?

Thanks,
A
Posted 10/3/2016 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have been taking lyrica for about 6 months now. I was prescribed it for pain and anxiety.

My starting dose was way too high.... I'm really sensitive to medications so I never need a dose as big as the doctors think I do.

I took it for around 2 weeks and the pain went, however I was dizzy, had really bad palpitations and felt spaced out. I stopped, thinking maybe the pain has just gone now and BAM, I was floored within 48 hours of not taking them. I hadn't realised how much of a difference they were making until I stopped.

I re started them on a third of the prescribed dose with the promise to my gp that I will increase slowly but as of yet, I am on the lowest dose and the palpitations have calmed down and the pain is bearable. My anxiety has also calmed.

I have to take paracetamol every 6 hours but from my experience they're great once you've got the right dose.

I'm sure if I took the morning pill as the doctor suggested
I'd feel much better but I know my anxiety will increase, so I feel that while I'm ticking over as I am, I'll keep it as it is
Posted 10/3/2016 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I took it for 6 months and gained 35 pounds - when my insurance ran out and I stopped it the withdrawals were insane for 5 months. I would say it helped about 25%
Posted 10/6/2016 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Take the maximum fibro dose of 450mg a day. It's helped me tremendously and it allows me to continue working. It also ensures I meet my $4k deductible by July of each year at $500/month. I have no suicidal thoughts and it's nothing like an anti-depressant. People tell me all the time it's "ruining my nerves", etc. so I try to take 300 mg a day as often as possible, but the 450mg makes me feel almost normal.

Oh, yes, I have gained about 30 pounds, but it leveled of there, so at 215 and 6'1 I need to lose it one of these days...
Posted 10/6/2016 8:26 AM (GMT 0)
I have gained a considerable amount of weight too but I don't know if that's because I'm so much less active than I was.

It's a bit if a vicious cycle to be honest :(
Posted 10/9/2016 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I used Lyrica for 4 days. My husband was out west for business and I was home on the East Coast last year when we were hit with a big snow storm. I took Lyrica the first day of the storm and I swear it was like taking speed for me! I was outside every hour from 9am til 11pm shoveling to keep up with the storm. I couldn't have done it without the lyrica. I was bouncing off the walls though and after 4 days had to stop taking it! It sure did help with shoveling though.
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