Has your LLMD prescribed anti-seizure and neuropathic pain meds prior to starting antibiotic therapy? I'm likely two years into a never-before treated infection, but I've had other diagnoses in the meantime (fibro, migraines). I just saw a LLMD for the first time and prescribed a month of three such drugs before they'll start antibiotics (my choice of Lamictal, Neurontin, Ativan OR Lyrica, Trileptal, Ativan). I was pretty surprised by this, hadn't heard of it before, and wonder what other's experiences have been. Is this fairly normal or unique to this doc and clinic? I'm apprehensive about adding any medications as I'm already taking three similar drugs (Namenda, Flexeril, and a NSRI for said "fibromyalgia" and migraines).
Thanks!
Posted by joalo (Member # 12752) on :
Up for help.
Posted by mamalicious (Member # 43611) on :
I have just been diagnosed with neurologic Lyme by a LLMD. They think I have had it most of my life but have worsened since the birth of my daugher 2 years ago. My horrible neuro and sleep disturbance symptoms began about 1 year ago. My LLMD also wants me to try to control these symptoms with Neuronin or Lamictal prior to taking antibiotics. 100 mg of Neurontin made my occasional bad nightmares worse and my vision blurred the next day. They advised me to try 50mg but the pill couldn't be split, now it's a holiday weekend. The triage nurse advised that I move on to Lamictal, but the side effect profile is SCARY! I don't have a mood disorder but they said it can regulate sleep and neuropathic pain. What did you end up doing? Any advice?
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
sorry you both are having such a rough time, but just want to say that you might want to research neurontin and lyrica before beginning either of them just so you understand the risks, which most docs just gloss over if they mention them at all.
Like so many things, some people do well and find them helpful, but for others the side effects are serious.
It is also not easy to wean off these drugs. If you don't react well, as my son has not to Lyrica, tapering off is difficult and takes a very long time to do properly.
It's especially hard to do this in the midst of Lyme treatment and can really muddy the waters in terms of knowing what is causing what symptom-wise.
You can go to askapatient.com to see reviews, glowing and otherwise--or google of course.
The side-effects that my son experienced were a drugged-like sleepiness which began a few months into treatment and very severe depression. It did nothing for his head pain. Coming off he's had insomnia, anxiety and palpitations even though we're titrating slowly.
Not trying to scare you, as you could be one of the lucky ones, but it's just that most docs don't give all the facts when they prescribe these meds and most people go into it unaware of potential adverse effects.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
NO way I would take those FIRST. Very hard to get off of those drugs.
Doesn't this "LLMD" realize that treating the infection can alleviate "fibromyalgia" symptoms?
Are you sure this is a tried and true LLMD??
Neurontin is about the only one I would try .. and it has its own list of side effects.
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