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Posted 10/18/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Anybody had any success - or not - with Lyrica to control nerve Pain?
Posted 10/18/2009 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
PSR,

Lyrica has some scary side effects. Make sure you research it before you start taking it. Most people here take gabapentin which is generic for Neurontin. It is used for nerve pain. If I'm not mistaken, I think Lyrica is used more for fibro symptoms.

I'm not trying to scare you. I just want to inform you about the side effects.
Posted 10/18/2009 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Any idea of what the max a day for neurontin is ?         HopeFloats
Posted 10/19/2009 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hope,

This is what I found:

Adult Dosing

Gabapentin is started at low doses (100 mg qD to 100 mg TID) and increased by 100 - 300 mg every 1-3 days to effect (a typical schedule might include: Day 1: 300 qhs; Day 3: 300 mg BID; Day 5: 600 mg BID, Day 7: 600 mg TID). The usual effective total daily dose is 900-3600 mg, administered in three divided doses per day; higher doses may be needed. Titration should proceed more slowly in elderly patients.

www.mywhatever.com/cifwriter/library/eperc/fastfact/ff49.html
Posted 10/19/2009 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
I've tried Lyrica twice now - although I am one of those who have the pleasure of having not only TBI's, but Fibro as well (18 out of 18 tender points).

It didn't hardly make a difference whether I took it or not. We have decent ins., but the cost alone would have put a strain on us.

Before anyone starts this 'script - I would heavily suggest they also find out just how much it will cost them out-of-pocket.
Posted 10/19/2009 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
I tried Lyrica and hated it . For me the side effects are worse than Lyme symptoms. I had the same experience with Cymbalta.

I am on 1500 mg of Gabapentin (Neurontin) daily. 300 at each meal time and 600 before going to bed.

I had to get used to the dizziness and balance issues while I adjusted to the Gabapentin. They eventually went away.

For me Neurontin is a miracle drug. For me does it not only help with pain but it helps me think more clearly. Maybe that is because the pain is not an issue 90% of the time anymore.
Posted 10/19/2009 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I switched to the Neurontin - just took the first dose. Will keep you posted.
Posted 10/19/2009 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
I am happy on Lyrica- I am using it for shoulder pain. I started with 25 mg and gradually increased ever 5-7 days. I am now taking 100 mg each night- daytime use caused too much dizziness and fatigue-
Posted 10/19/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
Lyrica worked wonders for me for about 6 months. Then, the baaaaad depression hit. After I stopped taking it, within 3-4 days, the depression lifted. I would try it, just keep close tabs on side effects. Neurontin didn't do anything for me.
Posted 10/19/2009 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Jelainep- what dose were you on when you became depressed?
Posted 10/20/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
The Neuro that I saw wanted me to take it for the tingling in my hands and feet.  When I saw the Rheumy he also wanted me to take it for the tingling (I don't have pain or numbness, only the tingling).  I went to the pharmacy and asked him what he thought.  He advised me not to take it unless I was having severe pain as it is a serious drug with serious side effects.  I never took it.  These 2 doctors were handing it out like it was candy, it makes you wonder.  KO
Posted 10/20/2009 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Lyrica and cymbalta caused me severe anxiety. I'm just glad I knew it was from the drugs so I could cut it off. It was horrible. The first day i thought it was just a bad day for anxiety. So i took a second pill again and experienced the same thing shortly after I took it and it lasted so long it was almost unbearable. I did not take it the third time and i did not develope the anxiety. So I believe it was the meds. Thats my story of using the wrong things for Lyme conditions.
Posted 10/20/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)

pcpc said...
Jelainep- what dose were you on when you became depressed?

I can't remember - lol!  But, I was taking 3 red ones 1 to 3 times a day.  I think the depression came as the Lyrica somehow built up in my system.... it wasn't an immediate reaction.  I was on it around 6+ months and then became very depressed.... then I saw the commercial and side-effects and decided to stop it for a while and the depression just lifted.  I didn't have any side-effects from discontinuing it abruptly.... only very wierd vivid dreams for about 2 weeks.

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