Hello fellow Lymies.This is my first post. Even though I have been reading for months.. as much as my eyes will hold out for and feel like I know some of you....Anyway...I have been misdiagnosed for years. Like many of you my pain has been almost unbearable. My doctor put me on a new drug called Lyrica. It is used for neuropathy in diabetes. It has been a God sent... The first day after takeing it I got out of bed and walked into the middle of my living room...before realizing that I did it with no groaning, grunting or pulling myself up. It does make the head feel foggy....but thats a normal state for me....anyway...just wanted to share in the hopes it may help others.
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
Here's some patient info about Lyrica from www.RXList.com
There is more info there. Ann - OH [quote] RxList Patient Drug Information from First DataBank
View Images Brand Name(s): Lyrica Warnings Uses This medication is used to treat pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes and shingles (herpes zoster) infection. It is also used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (partial onset seizures).
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using pregabalin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice or three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. You may take it with or without food.
When you start this medication, your dosage will probably need to be increased slowly by your doctor to reduce side effects, especially dizziness or drowsiness. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore it is best to take pregabalin at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may come back, or you may have a withdrawal reaction.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended period of time, or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache and diarrhea.
Report to your doctor immediately any such reactions. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming).
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. [end quote]
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
Looking at my post about Lyrica, it looks like I was warning against it.
I am not. I am so glad you found something that is helpful. Looks like it is working nicely for you and I am sure you will follow Dr.s orders.
So good to hear someone is feeling better. Ann - OH
Posted by bubbear (Member # 8976) on :
No prob Ann....All Meds should be closly watched and taken as prescribed.... Health to you! Greg
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Glad to know SOMETHING works these days!
Posted by tickitout (Member # 6982) on :
Were any of you on Neurotin prior to Lycia? Were you switched over and for what reason.
Just wondering it was mentioned to me but wasn't sure if it necessary to lower the dose of neurotin and then start Lycia.
Any less side effects than with neurotin?
Also, can a lower dose be as effective?
Thanks
Posted by bubbear (Member # 8976) on :
I was never on Neurotin....Sorry can't help with that one....Does Neurotin work well? Posted by tickitout (Member # 6982) on :
Hi Bubu...Neurotin does help with seizures and somewhat with the nerve pain although not 100%. You have to start slow and increase your dose. Does make you feel like a zombie if you increase too quick.
I see on here many people can't handle the way it makes them feel.
My dr. was thinking of changing me over to Lycia. He said there are less side effects.
Glad it is helping you. Keep up the good work.
Posted by bubbear (Member # 8976) on :
Hi Tickit In the beginning Lyrica made feel really high but has gotten better It took about three weeks.
Posted by tickitout (Member # 6982) on :
quote:Originally posted by bubbear: Hi Tickit In the beginning Lyrica made feel really high but has gotten better It took about three weeks.
Just wondering what dose you were started on. Some things are difficult for me to handle even at a low dose.
I try to stick with things if they are kind of a life saving medication and add quality to ones life.
Also at what dose are you on now. I guess I need to make a decision. Do you know if Lyrica is effective for seizures and neuropathy pain?
Hope you stick with it..Best of luck!
Posted by bubbear (Member # 8976) on :
Well, for me Lyrica is a life saver.....I started on 50mg 2 x day....It took me a while to adjust to it..and the Dr may up the dose tomorrow It works well for neuropathy....or at least for me...some of my pain has come back...but I think if he ups it ...it will be ok....but being on 21 diferent meds ...who knows Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
glad you're able to walk across the room without pain. what a gift for you.
![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
The first day after takeing it I got out of bed and walked into the middle of my living room...before realizing that I did it with no groaning, grunting or pulling myself up. It does make the head feel foggy....but thats a normal state for me....anyway...just wanted to share in the hopes it may help others.
![[confused]](graemlins/confused.gif)
![[cussing]](graemlins/cussing.gif)