posted
I went to a pain management doctor today and she put me ony lyrica for my Lyme Pain. Is anyone else on this?
Posts: 52 | From Owings Mills MD | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
Yep. I take 100 mg at bedtime to help with sleep. I sleep like a baby. It helps with the pain, too, but I only take it at night.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
My neuro recommended this for muscle tension in the jaw / neck. Does anyone think it would actually help without a major sedative effect?
I thought it was for neuropathy mainly. He said it's an off-label use. Muscle relaxers did little on bad days. He honestly had no idea what to do with me, but he was 100% sure I didn't have Lyme of course.
I'd be interested in others' response as well. I never know if muscle rigidity / jaw tightness is "pain" to others.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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I went to a neurologist (who knew I probably had Lyme) and she prescribed Lyrica as well; she said it helps many fibromyalgia patients.
It did help me sleep but I would wake up groggy and it didn't help any with pain, including the jaw tention:( I only take it on the weekends sometimes-not work days.
posted
If you wake up with jaw tension, you might try wearing an appliance at night. You can get a cheap one at the pharmacy.
I had major TMJ work done (splint, braces) and my jaw pain is all gone. But before I started treatment, I got a little relief wearing one of those cheap appliances.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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It has helped with the hideous neuralgia I have in my facial nerves/ears.
On the down side, I get very groggy every afternoon. I'm not sure if it's from the disease/treatment of the disease, or if it's Lyrica. And, I still have nerve pain, it's just not as bad as it used to be.
Since I've been taking Lyrica for ten months, I know that when the pain is resolved, I'll have to back off of it very slowly, as it causes dependence. UGGHH. It's "popular" right now with doctors because it's not a narcotic, which makes it easier on them to prescribe.
Supposedly narcotics don't help with nerve pain, but I use hydrocodone (Vicodin) when I need it, and it does usually help.
For me, Lyrica doesn't help fibro-type muscle aches or for joint pain.
But I haven't gained weight or had any other side effects.
It is quite expensive if you have to take it every day.
I give Lyrica about three stars out of five. (wishing I could find whatever would be five stars)
Posts: 353 | From Florida boonies | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Yes i have had horrible jaw tension since i started it yesterday and i already have A LOT of TMK issues i have an orthodic and stuff like that. But i woke up this morning (yesterday was my first day with lyrica) and my whole body was swollen like gross swollen... i feel REALLY bloated and gross. Plus the pain is still bad today i called the doctor and told them what was going on. I dont know what she will do next but I cant deal with this. I have already gained about 20 lbs since I had lyme 3 years ago. The only thing that has worked is narcotics but i hate asking for them in fear they will think i am a pill head
Posts: 52 | From Owings Mills MD | Registered: Aug 2008
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lymeHerx001
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posted
I dont think Lyrica is a narcotic.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Lyrica was originally a seizure medication. That is why it is so helpful with the neurological pain of Lyme Disease. I also take it at night with xanax so I can sleep.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
Has anyone thats been on this swelled up REALLY bad? Like eyes everything?
Posts: 52 | From Owings Mills MD | Registered: Aug 2008
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katiegirl625: Here is some info. I'd put in a call into your doctor sooner than later. If it's really bad, ER. Don't want to mess with swelling, especially around your head. These are recent postmarketing reports that were added/revised to the prescribing info.
Angioedema
There have been postmarketing reports of angioedema in patients during initial and chronic treatment with LYRICA. Specific symptoms included swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, and gums), and neck (throat and larynx). There were reports of life-threatening angioedema with respiratory compromise requiring emergency treatment. LYRICA should be discontinued immediately in patients with these symptoms.
Caution should be exercised when prescribing LYRICA to patients who have had a previous episode of angioedema. In addition, patients who are taking other drugs associated with angioedema (e.g., angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE-inhibitors]) may be at increased risk of developing angioedema.
Hypersensitivity
There have been postmarketing reports of hypersensitivity in patients shortly after initiation of treatment with LYRICA. Adverse reactions included skin redness, blisters, hives, rash, dyspnea, and wheezing. LYRICA should be discontinued immediately in patients with these symptoms.
As a side note, I was taking Lyrica for a year and a half and it was very helpful.
Posts: 38 | From behind the definitions | Registered: Sep 2005
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Thank you! Yeah i called them they told me to stop using it and see if the side effects go away. I am started to have hives on my stomach. My face seems so swollen and so do my eyes... along with EVERYTHING else! I dont know how they can put a patient on a medication that causes swelling if they already have a lot of inflammation like myself. I dont understand why they cant give me a narcotic! Its they only thing that works! So frustrating
Posts: 52 | From Owings Mills MD | Registered: Aug 2008
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Phew. I'm glad to hear it. Good thing you stopped now, if you're starting to see hives. I think there have been a great many reports of the swelling/allergy issues since the drug was first on the market. That is why these warnings had to be added/amended.
It won't do much for the swelling, but you might want to take a benadryl for the hives.
I hear you about being given what works. It's more than frustrating. It's painful. Literally. Unfortunately, narcotics ARE effective pain relievers, usually with a low side effect profile. I wish doctors would understand that it does relieve suffering and does not cause dependence in everyone. I hope you are able to find someone who will listen to you about what YOU know works. I'm in the same boat, so I understand.
Posts: 38 | From behind the definitions | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
OMG! Now i am on TOPAMAX? I havent tried it yet but it says for migraines i have BODY PAIN what the heck
Posts: 52 | From Owings Mills MD | Registered: Aug 2008
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