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Conditions > Fibromyalgia > Fibromyalgia Treatment > Lyrica for Fibromyalgia: Your Questions Answered
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Lyrica for Fibromyalgia: Your Questions Answered

Q&As on fibromyalgia's newest treatment

Expert: Daniel Clauw, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Michigan and executive director of the university’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center and the Center for the Advancement of Clinical Research

Q: The approval of pregabalin (Lyrica) for fibromyalgia has been hailed as an important advance. Why is that?
A: In approving Lyrica for fibromyalgia, the FDA has legitimized fibromyalgia as a real entity. The new approval may broaden the number of fibromyalgia patients for whom doctors will use Lyrica, meaning more people with chronic pain may find relief.

Q: Is there any way to avoid the negative side effects of Lyrica? 
A: Many doctors suggest breaking the dose up so the lion's share is taken at night. If you are taking 300 mg a day, your doctor may suggest taking 100 mg in the morning and 200 mg at night, since it doesn’t really matter if you are tired or light-headed while you are sleeping.

Q: Is Lyrica the first of many new fibromyalgia treatments to come?
A: Two more new drugs may get nods for FDA approval in the next year. Two of the drugs showing benefit for people with fibromyalgia are members of a new class of drugs known as norepinephrine serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs). These drugs affect levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin, which play a role in pain and mood. Milnacipran is one of those NSRIs. The other – duloxetine (Cymbalta) – is already prescribed off-label for fibromyalgia and has FDA approval for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and nerve pain.

Q: How will having a treatment option that is specific to fibromyalgia improve treatment of the condition overall?
A: When we use drugs, exercise, cognitive behavior therapy and education, we can manage fibromyalgia in a significant number of patients, but unfortunately that's not what has been done in routine care. Many physicians haven’t known what to use to treat fibromyalgia. They’ll use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, but we know they don’t work well for fibromyalgia. Having a drug whose FDA-approved label indicates it is intended for the treatment of fibromyalgia takes away some of the guessing involved in treating this difficult-to-treat condition.

 

Anne
19 Dec 2011, 13:54
Iv just tried lyrica for the first time.. I felt quite scared at the way it has made me feel, very very strange feeling totally out of it... And now I'm really wondering wether to keep taking this ..? Does it get better ? I drive for my job and there was no way I could of drove tonight after taking these !!!
Emery
25 Nov 2011, 20:42
Drugs are a form of poison. This crap Lyrica is another example. There are real herbal and natural remedies that work. I know I use them. Don't put coal tar drugs in your body. They don't heal. They just make you and addict. In this case as in most the side effects are worse than the original problem. Your just a profit margin for a Big Pharma company. Google natural remedies for fibro. They work.

Natural healthy food, herbs to help you rest. Herbs for pain and inflammation. Supplements for energy and mental alertness. Drugs won't heal or address any of these problems. Apple cider vinegar and lots of water. Baking soda. Drug companies don't sell them because they can't patent them.
Patricia
17 Nov 2011, 19:54
I also have fibro. Diagnosed 3 yr ago. I take Lyrica 100 mg in the am and 100 mg at night. Some days I need a Vicoden for the pain and some nights I need 25 mg Flexiril to help my Ambien give me some rest. Yes there is weight gain but most of mine is water retention and I use a diruetic to help control the swelling in the feet, legs, body and face. I don't have to use the water pill all the time. But it helps, as the extra weight adds to the pain and the moods. All in all, Lyrica works for me so far, most days pain is managable, but when weather or activity changes it is good to know there are other meds to help.
Prayers for all who suffer with Fibro - God bless.
cmg
30 Sep 2011, 16:56
I am now 61 and look as though I'm ready to give birth. Taking Lyrica is no fun at all and I hate it, the steroids were bad but this Lyrica is in a league of it's own, I look in the mirror and don't recognise myself. My body swells up that much I feel as though I am going to explode and feel as though I am suffocating, ripples of fat just keep appearing on my body, my breasts have taken over my whole body above waist and abdomen has swelled up out of all proportion... and all for taking 200mgs Lyrica.The RA is bad enough without having all these side effects to contend with aswell. God it's murder and I would say to anyone like myself....be very careful!! I see consultant soon and want OFF.The weight gain ain't doing my joints any good at all, we all seem in a catch 22, so be warned! These docs aren't the sufferers so how can they know what it's like!!!!
Cindy
09 Sep 2011, 14:03
In regards to the weight gain, I do not gain weight. I poof. My whole body swells from the arthritis. I had jevy rheumatoid, 405 years of arthritis and Mayo felt I was born with the fibro, and now degenerative bone diease, collapsing 6 disc. I swell from arthritis inside my body cavity. When I poof, I go from a size 5 to a 15 in days. I can loose it just as fast. Docs don't like it when you drop that fast. They suearch for other problems and find nothing. Don't blame the meds. You maybe experiencing this poofiness, I hate it as you have to have a variety of size clothes in your closet! When i go without the lyrica, it is some serious withdrawls. I get hit with a bolt of electricity in the bottom of my foot that shoots to the mid back and makes my body jump right off the bed. I experience what resembles as an allergic reaction, My face and eyes will sweat a sweat that burns. All I can do is sit in a chari with feet flat on floor and wipe my face constantly with a wet cloth. I take 2 @ 150 mg a day. I feel the dose needs to be increased. I have been on Lyrica for 3 years and would never give up the drug. If it is not working for you, I would have to question your diagnosis. Too many docs are pushing off the disease just to ger women off their backs. I was diagnosed by Jasmine Joseph of Marquette, Michigan. She is from India and is a rheumatologist. She at that time, knew there were 13 trigger points. While she was diagnosing me, with her 2 little fingers. She created the most awful pain. She found 18 trigger points and felt there were more but I could not withstand the pain. This is the ONLY diagnosis for fibro. Docs at Mich Univ had created an MRI that would help diagnose it but I am unsure how far this has progressed. This has been a lifelong problem for me. If the Lyrica is not working. Talk to your doc about Celewbrex,that is a wonder drug but after 2 yrs I had an allergic reaction and regret not being able to take it anymore.
Cindy
09 Sep 2011, 13:49
I am on Lyrica and finally someone turned off the electricity in my body! Thank you Lyrica! I am wondering how many of you are or have a family member who was a polio survivor. My mother had polio as a teenager and She had 5 kids. Apparently no one told her she was not suppose to have any children. Being she had the polio virus in her body, should her children have been vaccinated with the polio vaccine. I approached Mayo clinic with this and they too did not have the answer, so I am curious how many of you have polio in your background.
Corinne
31 Aug 2011, 14:03
I agree with Lesa. Lyrica has helped my nerve pain quite a bit. It shoots down my right bicep and my right leg. I still have the pain but it feels a bit more subtle. It does increase my appetite but that doesn't mean that I have to eat more! I still eat my salads, and take my garlic tablets and L-Lysine as well.
Lyrica has helped to relax the pain I have in my back and neck from degenerative arthritis as well.
I too was on Tramadol for a while and it didn't do anything. Then, Hydrocodone, which I no longer need to take because Lyrica seems to be working for me personally, along with my herbs. However, I don't take them at the same time.
I still have to limit what I do quite a bit or I will pay for it the next day. :) But this is the first time I've had any kind of pain relief really. I've had Fibromyalgia since 1996 and this is the only drug that has helped me so far.
I remain on a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get plenty of fiber in my diet as well as some walking and a bit of gardening.
I wish it worked for others the same way it is working for me. I've only taken one 50MG. tablet today! It just shows us how unique everyone's system really is.

May everyone here experience some relief from your pain... ♥ I hear you.
Lisa
08 Aug 2011, 15:15
I too gained weight on Lyrica...5 lbs in a week! And my middle seemed to grow overnight. I've stopped the med immediately...I don't want to know what will happen in another week. I've visited numerous sites/blogs. They all state the same findings about the Lyrica & weight gain. Many people saying that the gain has been excessive & doesn't budge much even after stopping the med.....No thanks! Who needs that on top of what we're already dealing with?
Mary
19 Jul 2011, 10:57
I have been taking Lyrica for a year now due to cervical bulging disc which caused damaged nerves and was up to 400mg a day. My side affects include: weight gain, bad water retention and blurred vision. Recently I was also diagnosed with fibro so of course I have been reading everything I can get my hands on. I found out about Sevella and asked the dr to take me off Lyrica and put me on Sevella to try and see if it works as good as Lyrica. I am only a week into reducing the Lyrica and taking Sevella and so far my water retention is going away. I have gained about 30 lbs in this time period and hopefully I can lose the weight again with Sevella. I would not recommend Lyrica unless all else fails. It does help with the pain due to fibro but the side affects are horrible. I may not be able to stay off, but I am going to try. I also now take flexeril 3 x's day, trazadone at night, Opana 4 x's day, fentanyl patch (100 mcgs) every 2 days and lexapro. I would really like to not take so much but maybe this combo will work for me. I wish everyone with fibro good luck and will keep checking back to see what everyone has to say. Thanks for reading. Mary
Bonnie Chilson
18 Jul 2011, 06:27
I take 150mg of Lyrica daily, I am not sure if it's the drug of I did have a shot in each knee just prior to beginning this drug (cortisone) I had the shots before but they never worked, this time I know they did (right placement we found our) but we tried one knee first and then the other knee. The Doctor prescribed the Lyrica as a follow-up because my knee pain has been so bad - so far I have gained weight (not alot) but notice now that I am getting back pain from fluid retention. I am going to talk to the Dr. about it today but thankfully I had some fluid pills from a past bout with Remerin (bad drug for me - MAJOR fluid retention) so I took some and it helped! I am too heavy and can't afford weight gain as I am trying to lose weight - so this is a bad side effect for me, weight gain is from CONSTANT hunger - never had before - so I notice weight gain, fluid retention and hunger. I have felt still good with pain, will find out - out of the pills and can't get more until the 10 day refill by mail, so we will have a forced test to find out. Anyone else experience these issues? I know we all react differently, I always have weight/fluid issues easily, but so far the pain is in check - anyone else?
Debi
02 Jun 2011, 20:59
I have just been diagnosed with Fibro. I too am on Lyrica 75mg at bedtime and I have since upped it to twice a day. i am a factory worker and stand on my feet 7 hours a day. When I get home I am in so much pain; that is when I add the second dose. I have not gained weith but I am sure if that is one of the side effects I will. Looking into aquatics program at local Hosp.
Tess
15 Feb 2011, 13:32
Hi my reason for writing is that I have been on Lyrica andCymbalta for 6 yrs. At first I too felt out of sorts. I have gone up and down on dosages, found that maintaining 150mgs 2times/day. Maintains well w/less grogginess. I have gained 5o pounds tho. This is my complaint . To help w/ mobility is the Miricle ball program by Elain
e Petrone, her program helps w/my trigger points and I sleep much better after doing this. Thanks for listening.
Ann
07 Jan 2011, 16:22
Hi I have had fibro for 7 yrs . I have started the same diet as a friend of mine who has managed to go into afull remission from fibro and return to a full time job as a nurse . The diet is from a book called The absolute truth please go to amazon to purchase it. My pain is lessening now and the author Kent replies to your emails . So if you need advice you can ask him anything. There is a video recording to watch just put in your search absolute truth Kent .By the way for you on tramadol that opium drug nearly killed me I was taking 4 a day it's no-good for fibro and eventually causes more Pain it is addictive and I ended up having to go through withdrawals for 2weeks I am offit now and said I will nottake another Pharma drug .I know with fibro we are missing magnesium vit D vit B .L Tryphoton p5p this helps normal sleep patterns naturally you may need Betaine H CL this helps digestion immensely all this helps with fatigue too . Also get a good probiotic as we with fibro normally have more bad bacteria than good . As we crave carbs which are usually sugar form also don't have anything with aspartame in read up on it. No msg monosodium glutamate it is so bad for us or even healthy people. My friend has stuck to absolute truth and reaps the benefit of no fibro . If we do go back to eating old way again we will get the pain and symptoms of old back. As I said I am only just starting it but already feeling some benefits. My daughter has reversed chronic fatigue with this it's gone she never had pain. God bless ann
Elaine
07 Nov 2010, 11:45
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago but after surgery in the spring it flared up and the pain throughout my body and joints became severe. My rheumatologist put me on Lyrica a couple of months ago. At first I felt like I was drugged or drunk but after a few weeks it got better. I am on 150 mg twice a day and also take SOMA. I am sleeping much better and generally feeling better. The pain in my joints, expecially hands, writsts, feet and ankles is still pretty bad. I go back in December and will see what he says.
kendra
30 Oct 2010, 02:24
i'm glad to hear that the 'wonder' drug lyrica is not such a wonder to others also. i have degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis hip and knees and am 41 and already live on ultram for this. for the last 10 months i have had rib pain which i urged tests and found i don't have ie bone cancer etc but yet my primary doc just says maybe its fibromyalgia. my doctor (am looking for a new one) was no help to me and last visit blew me off big time; first tried me on savella which sent me to er with very hi blood pressure and heart jumping and cymbalta helped my joint pain some but thats all; she sent me to a new pain mgmt doc and my hopes were shot down and am hoping to get into an established pain mgmt doc now. the new doc started me on lyrica which helped me sleep and helped my pain at first (but mind you on 150mg twice a day still had pain)then the dizziness and extreme forgetfulness and zombie world i lived in was too crazy and still had pain! i have a tens unit but it can only cover so much of me. the useless new pain mgmt doc proceeded to increase my dose ect yet doesn't seem to be able to get refills called in so i have went thru lyrica withdrawal twice. after a week of being off it now i am still having nausea and feeling like i am starting to get my brain back; that can't be good for a med to do this to someone. i have pushed my primary doc into a rheum appt referral and started swimming this week which seems to help so far and waiting on appt with the established pain mgt doc who i have heard good things about. thanks for listening and confirming my concerns etc.
michelle
08 Sep 2010, 13:54
I tried Lyrics last night for the first time. For about 3 hours this morning, I felt like I couldn't wake up. Cloudy, dizzy and disoriented. I don't think I will be taking it again.
Lesa
27 Aug 2010, 11:55
My fibro was diagnosed in 1995 and I am still able to manage the pain with yoga, diet and exercise. Sleeping was becoming a little difficult in early 2010 so I took 5mg of flexeril each night. In May, ended up with severe nerve pain due to a bulging disc in my cervical spine. Started on 100mg of Lyrica a day and am now up to 400 mg a day.

Side effects have been a "drunk" feeling about 2 hrs after taking the pill during the day. Effects go away in 1-2 hours. I sleep very well; do not take the flexeril any longer.

I have gained maybe 3 lbs since May, but through diet and exercise I am staying even in weight.

Lyrica has been a wonder drug for my nerve pain, has helped with any fibro pain and helps me sleep. I feel lucky when I see the others negative side effects written here. I would not be too concerned with the weight gain if you are commited to an exercise program and eat healthy.

Be well!
Chris grose
25 Aug 2010, 10:03
I was diagnosed with bi lateral diabetic neuropathy and tried Gabapentin, 2100mg per day, which cabbaged me and made me gain weight. Tried Cybalta, but was so sick that after a week I gave up on that! Then the pain clinic put me on Lyrica. The pain is much more managable but I`ve gained weight and have very little drive on a day to day basis! Wife is not happy either, if you know what i mean!
rishi verma
15 Aug 2010, 15:12
HI
It was very intertesting reading about lyrica and nerve pain..........
i am given by my doctor but i am scared after readiong side effects.it the moment i am 8 tramadols and 8 paracetamol plus twice daily 10 mg mst continus-.morphine
still i go through hell of nerve pain in my coccys and hip area..i wish there was something to cure nerve pain but without these scarey side effects,
Karna
27 Jul 2010, 20:44
I have been on Lyrica for a month. the first two week dose was 25mg twice a day...no problems. Then my dosage was increased to 30mg twice a day and I am gaining so much weight that it is unbelievable. It has been helpful with the pain but I have gone from having no stomach to looking like I am pregnant. What a disappointment. I am a vegetarian and I eat healthfully so it has to be the Lyrica.
Stacey
20 Jul 2010, 23:06
Like Kay, I'm being put on Lyrica in conjuction with other medicine. In my case it's Effexor, not Cymbalta but same concept. I'm starting off really low as I am sensitive to medications and am on 25mg. to start. I'm hoping it will work with little side effects as 1) I need to take care of my young children and 2) I can't afford to gain anymore weight than I already gained on Abilify.
Barbara
11 Jul 2010, 17:09
I have peripheral neuropathy. I have researched natural supplements and have been quite suprised as to what I have found out, Try taking Zinc, Magnesium and Amino Acid. You can buy a supplement called ZMA. I started taking it and the pain is gone.
carl Moore
15 Jun 2010, 14:23
why does Lyrica make you gain weight ?
Trina
19 Apr 2010, 15:53
I took Lyrica first a few years ago. I had such a bad reaction while driving they actually thought I was having a stroke in the ER. I am only 25 now, diagnosed almost 4 years ago. I have my 2 girls, had 3 surgeries and 2 not-at-fault accidents in 3 years. I have had 5 more surgeries this year on kidneys. I was on 15mg of oxycodone 5x a day, Klonopin, and Trazadone and it worked. But I am now trying the non-narcotic way as I was injured badly in an accident 5 months ago and the pain couldnt be controlled due to my high level of pain med tolerance. I tried Cymbalta but it didnt work. I decided to try Lyrica again and in a little over a month I went from a size 7-9 to gaining 45 pounds. I stopped but I am struggiling to lose the weight no matter how hard I try. I am now taking nurontin 1200mg a day and Sevella. It seems to work. I still have RLS but the nurontin helps. I am also taking Ambien a night. You cannot take Trazadone apparently with Sevella. Nurontin is just like lyrica but without the side effects. I have tried 5 doctors including a pain management doctor, now I have found someone who is helping me try how I want. Non-narcotic. More pain, but I need to for my kids. If I can help let me know!
Helen
15 Apr 2010, 17:53
Has anyone noticed sinced being diagnosed
with Fibromyalgia, you are now having bad Daily (Chronic) Headaces? Also, what about Constipation? I refused to take Lyrica mainly due to the weight gain. I
just cannot afford to gain any more weight
due to a very painful knee. I feel like
I am in a Fog most of the time. I cannot
puts words together while having a simple
conversation. I seem to have a lot of anxiety and depression because the overall
body pain is just too much someimes. Thank
God my husband has been there for me and
has truly been a Blessing. The only thing
I take is Ultram mainly for my horrible
headaches and Topamax which I have recently started back on. Massages (Deep Tissue) some Chiropractic care has been helping me a lot. I know I should excercise more but every since I had a Bunionectomy Surgery in 2008 for my Hammer Toe, I am still dealing with a lot of pain. I have found that people with Fibro. do not do very well with post surgerys. Thank you for listening, and I wish everyone the Best, God Bless!
Sue
15 Apr 2010, 00:23
I tried Lyrica 2 years ago. I still have 60 150mg doses left from that prescription. I had numerous side affects and decided to revert to Vicodine (1-3 500mg/day) and trazadone (100mg) at night to sleep. This had been working well enough (still bad flares if I overdid) until recently when I have been trying to restart dental issues. The appts and work is really sending me backwards but my teeth have been steadily getting worse and worse while I have been struggling financially with no insurance. Oh yeah and I got rear ended in February. Long story short, I am at my wits end. I am considering the Lyrica again because I do have some left. My doctor gave me a sample of the Savella (milnacipran HCI) to try but I don't know if I am stable enough right now to add something else to the mix. Any thoughts? If I don't get out of this flare soon I really am ready to give up. I am alone and can't manage my life anymore. Everything is a mess...and I am exhausted.
Dena W.
06 Apr 2010, 15:00
None of these fibro meds have worked for me, I have to take hydrocodone for the pain because it's the only thing that works that actually takes the pain away so I can function! Some supplements I take help but not near enough but to a point where I can tell if I forget to take them. I am having the nerve burn block done in my back the next 2 weeks and am praying it helps...though I'm not going to hold my breath either. This is sorta my last hope, it this does not work I don't know what else to do.
maureen
06 Apr 2010, 10:52
Newly diagnosed fibro it took a few years to get diagnosis. Rheumatologist prescribed plaquenil not sure I like it. I assumed he would prescribe a new drug it is so confusing has anyone used plaquenil for fibro.
Christina
31 Mar 2010, 19:14
Have fibromyalgia, urethral syndrom, interstital cystitis. Lyrica caused me to gain 40 lbs, swollen so bad ankles legs, can't find words they came out all messed up. Was taking 150 twice a day total 300mg day. Helped with the fibro pain took pain from 10 to a 5, but now stopping because can't handle the side effects. Stopped 75mg for four days another 75mg four days total 12 days totally off. My pain came back so bad that on the second day had to take 75mg to calm myself has been 5 days and no lyrica and I am feeling like I am going to die. Hot sweating then cold freezing sick to stomach arms shoulders are cramping whole body in pain. I will never take Lyrica again!! Only thing that helps my pain is vicodin I take 2 10mg vicodin a day last few days 3 a day. If my pain can be helped with pain meds I'd rather live like this than all the nasty side affects from Lyrica. God Bless all of you that suffer from this, I think there is a special prize for us in the after body life. Christina
iloliver
21 Dec 2009, 17:06
I tried lyrica a few months back and gained 30 pounds in 3 weeks. I got off that then tried Savella. Savella was wonderful but way too expensive. I tried tyrica again and have gain 15 pounds in 45 days and this weight wont come off. I am mow on Cymbalta staring today, I hope this works without weight gain.
Tea
04 Dec 2009, 18:03
.I'm back to being in constant pain. after i missed 2 or 3 dose of 75 mg capsule. my intro to Lyrica was 1 capsule at bedtime for a week...then 1 capsule every morning & bedtime.... yes it takes adjustment to the dosage and to your nerve damage. I had a cyst removed too late and tried 3 spine blocks + liver damage meds. Tylenol PM drugs are more painful and fearful for me. its only been two months and it has helped me move again! i can do yoga outside and help audit during the football games. i cant run, jump, or ride my bike yet, but its baby steps to keep the kinematics going. So Far So Good...as Bryan Adams may say...
Susan
01 Dec 2009, 15:11
I have taken Lyrica quite a while back and quit taking it because of the fact it made me gain weight. Is there something else that can be taken without the weight gain?
Jodi
18 Nov 2009, 09:34
I have been on Lyrica for over a year now at 150mg twice daily. I haven't had any side effects from it and it has definately helped me. I went off of it for two weeks while the doctor tried something else and boy oh boy did I hurt worse! I gues this just shows that all meds work differently on different people and you don't know until you try it. I'm glad it works for me and sad that it didn't for others. I certailnly couldn't live with some of the side effects described in the posts here. Hopefully they will keep trying to find more meds or other approaches to help with this debilitating disease.
Kay
13 Nov 2009, 14:29
I take 75 mg of Lyrica in the morning and at night, 60 mg Cymbalta, 100 mg tramadol in morning and evening doses, and 25 mg trazadone to sleep. This particular combination works very well for me. It doesn't take away all the pain or fatigue, but really suppresses it so that - on most days - I'm able to work without major interference.

I gained several pounds when I added Lyrica to the mix, but it seems to have leveled off there. I need to lose it - but the relative freedom from pain makes it worth it to me.


Several mentioned taking double or more the amount of Lyrica that I take and it doesn't work well - I wonder if smaller doses in combination with Cymbalta would work better? I've taken both by themselves, and for me, it takes both together towork.
Betsi Gunnerson
07 Sep 2009, 13:35
About a year ago I tried one Lyrica and had many side effects. At my doctor's insistence I took 50 mg. pill of Lyrica last night and slept for 10 hours straight. I am still a bit woozy at 11:30 a.m. I feel "out of it". The fact I have less pain in my shoulders is negated by this fog I am in.
AnnB2
22 Aug 2009, 17:20
My rheumatologist thought I was crazy when I asked to take 50 mg Lyrica a day, at bed time. My husband had it prescribed for nerve tingling in connection with diabetes. I'd seen it advertised for fibro, and after 25 years I'm inclined to try anything not clearly labeled POISON.
My experience was that 1) I slept like I was floating on a cloud and awoke refreshed; 2) I gained about a pound a day, and 3) after a week it was not as effective, and I felt depressed during the day. My choices then were to increase the dose or stop, so I stopped. I scarcely slept at all the first night I went off the drug, but got back to a normal pattern of a few pretty good nights followed by up-and-down every hour or so.
Tylenol PM still most effective drug for me.
Sharon
14 Aug 2009, 21:44
Yes, you will more than likely gain weight on Lyrica. I gained 40 pounds in a few months. I don't take it anymore, and I have not lost any of the weight. I didn't do anything different to gain it, I don't know what to do to lose it.

It worked okay for the Fibro, but it really wiped out my migraines.

I'm back to being in constant pain.


mona - it's the right medication if it helps.
Florence
21 Jul 2009, 15:20
I had a very bad experience with Lyrica. I found out what BiPolar meant. . .The only meds/treatment that really help with my Fibromyalgia are Topax, Triggerpoint Injecitons and Nerve Blocks, the Arthritis water class in the warm pool, and after having my hormones checked, balancing them out. I also am on Wellbutrin. There is also a Magnet - Trans Cranial Magnet Therapy - that has been approved and more research is being done - It too helped. Forget Cymbalta - it made me feel like I was stoned and stupid and gained weight with it.
I am sure, like me, you are tired of feeling like a guiney pig and wonder how they got the drugs approved for FMS?
Ann
21 Jul 2009, 11:05
I am on 300mg a day of Lyrica and while I agree it is helping, it's not helping enough o be worth the side effects. This medicine is hard to tolerate and is impacting my life as much as the Fibro itself. I'm hoping to convince my doctor to lower the dose and give me something to take for pain only when I need it but it's hard to get the doctors to take your pain seriously. I can't live the rest of my life with these side effects and all of the research I have read, the # 1 reason for people to stop taking this drug is the side effects, something doctors don't tend to talk about. Also, I have been taking this for about 8 months now and it does not seam to be working as well now as it did when I started. This drug is not the miracle solution is portrayed to be. It helps but is it worth it? I'm not sure...
Randy
25 Jun 2009, 17:14
I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few months back and it's been a constant up-and-down battle between trying various medications to find relief. I tried Cymbalta only once and really didn't agree with me, even at just 100 mg. I remember first feeling really good, but then about 6 or so hours later I started feeling like I was drunk, for lack of a better way to put it, almost like I was intoxicated from alcohol (by this point I hadn't had alcohol in 6 months, not really a drinker). Then the rest of the day I just felt really drained like I was coming down from it. Kind of disappointed. Hoping it works better for you all out there than it did for me.
Bonnie
02 Jun 2009, 09:16
my husband has been prescribed Lyrica for arthritis relief? Is this common? I haven't read anywhere that it is a substitute for Celebrex but it seems to be working.
linda bryan
26 Apr 2009, 10:56
I have been taking lyrica for quite some time. I am a heavy person and I have been trying desperately to lose some more weight. I have been hearing that one of the side effects of lyrica is weight gain. Is this true? It is vital that I loose weight.
Laaura
23 Apr 2009, 12:24
My doctor increased my Lyrica level from 300 mg/day to 600 mg/day. I had a severe overdose reaction that took a week to resolve. Then, back on the 300 mg/day (a dose I had been on for more than 6 mo.) I had two more episodes within the next 3 weeks of symptoms as if I was on very high levels of Lyrica. I am now on 200 mg/day. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem? Thanks for input.
Angela
24 Mar 2009, 12:54
I took Lyrica the lowest dose at night and the next mroning after taking a shower the rook started spinning and I fell backwards. I'm afraid to try it again!
mona ibrahm
19 Mar 2009, 19:57
I had RSD for almost 1and half year after I had surgery (knee surgery), and very soon after the surgery about 4-5 months I find I have alots of problem in the other knee and the Vagina ,also my shoulder and different places in my body , now the Dr gave me Lyrica for the nerve damage , Iam wondering I am taking the right medication,also is the right the nerve damage can spread it every where in my body ,thanks.

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