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Lyrica as a Fibromyalgia Treatment

Lyrica gets nod from FDA and fibromyalgia gets some respect

By Denise Lynn Mann

When the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved pregabalin (Lyrica) for the treatment of fibromyalgia, the vexing chronic pain condition got its first bona fide medicine. If you have fibromyalgia, Lyrica may be a drug worth considering.

Fibromyalgia, which affects up to 6 million Americans, causes not only pain around the joints, but also tenderness in muscles and nerves, as well as sleep problems that lead to symptoms of severe fatigue. The widespread pain and severe fatigue can disrupt the ability to function at full capacity on a daily basis. Altered function of the central nervous system is thought to be a possible cause.

The FDA approval of the new fibromyalgia drug was based on studies that showed Lyrica reduced pain and improved sleep. In two double-blind studies of 1,800 people with fibromyalgia, Lyrica produced rapid and sustained pain reduction for up to six months, compared with placebo. At the 2007 annual meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism in Barcelona, Spain, researchers showed that if Lyrica works for you initially, then it will keep on working for as long as eight months, and effects may last longer.

In a 2005 study led by Arthritis Today medical advisory board member and previously Arthritis Foundation-funded researcher Leslie Crofford, MD, a rheumatologist and women’s health specialist at the University of Kentucky, people taking 450 milligrams (mg) of Lyrica per day had a 48-percent reduction in pain, compared with a 27-percent pain reduction with placebo. Significant improvements in sleep quality, as well as quality of life, also were noted. When sleep problems are reduced, and sleep becomes more refreshing, musculoskeletal tissues are better able to heal, which reduces pain and improves the quality of life.

Along with the positive side effects of reducing pain and improving sleep, one of the major benefits of Lyrica's new fibromyalgia indication will likely be much-needed major education campaigns about fibromyalgia and its treatment, says Daniel Clauw, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Michigan and a leading researcher on fibromyalgia pain.

Lyrica as a Fibromyalgia Treatment

Lyrica gets nod from FDA and fibromyalgia gets some respect

By Denise Lynn Mann

Christine

07 Nov 2009, 12:03

Have suffered Fibromyalgia since 1994. It began initially with a terrible headache that followed dental work. The headache felt like a balloon was blown up inside my head. Progressively in addition to the headache like a domino effect the pain and stiffness progressed throughout my whole body. I also had the foggy head couldn't think and was so so bone tired all the time. I had four children, two of whom were preschool so I couldn't just go to bed. After 6 years of doing the rounds of all the doctors, naturopaths, therapists of every variety, none of whom helped much I attended a lecture given by a man whose wife had suffered from CFS for many years. I learned more from that man in one night than I'd learned from all doctors etc all those years. I began taking Ciprimil to help seretonin levels. That helped a lot & I still take it today. BUT THE MIRACLE TREATMENT FOR ME I DISCOVERED BY ACCIDENT. ITS NOT A CURE BUT IT DRAMATICALLY REDUCED MY PAIN IN LESS THAN AN HOUR OF THE FIRST DOSE. IT CURED MY HEADACHE THAT ID HAD FOR 6 YEARS CONTINUOUSLY. OVER THE MONTHS I COULD FEEL THE PROGRESSIVE UNLOCKING OF MY MUSCLES SO THAT REGULAR MASSAGE COULD NOW HELP ME. WHAT IS THIS MIRACLE ??? It was a weight loss tablet that contained amphetamine. I discussed my miracle with my doctor who referred me to a psychiatrist who explained to me that amphetamines in low doses can provide very effective pain relief for Fibromyalgia and he had many other patients for whom this worked. Nine years later my daily dosage is still the same as when I began - 3 to 5 X 5mg first thing in the morning followed by either 0 or 1 or 2 tablets 4 hours later & 0 or 1 or 2 tablets four hours after that. I still have cycles of good days and not so good days. On my good days I may only need the 3 tablets in the morning and no more. On the bad days I may need the 5 + 2 + 2. Importantly I've never had any side effects. I can take just enough to dramatically reduce the pain so that I have an 85% better quality of life than before, but have not ever needed to increase my dosage levels over the past almost 10 years. If I choose not to take my tablets I don't experience any withdrawal symptoms, I just return to how I was when I was so sick - foggy head, pain everywhere etc. Over the years I have now read of many others who also have had similar success. Just Google amphetamine + fibromyalgia & see for yourself. As I said, it's not a cure and possibly it won't work for everyone but it's worth a try. Good luck. I sincerely hope my story can help you.

Cheryl

05 Nov 2009, 16:24

Lyrica was horrible for me. I gained forty pounds and had severe swelling in my legs and ankles. I also noticed I didn't focus as well as before Lyrica. Thank goodness I stopped taking it.

Judy

29 Oct 2009, 23:52

I have FM since 2006 with body and limbs aching all over ,I have tried Neurontin,Lyrica as well as numerous pain killers (tramadol,celebrex, acoxia, etc) and sedatives as well.
Lyrica does help relief during the day but the numbness,stiffness and pain is sill there when you wakes up in the morning but the side effects included dizziness, forgetfulness,memory problems, finding words.
I take a short trip to the kitchen and i have to stand there thinking hard what was i there for and of course searching for my car in the car park. I have gained 12 lbs and is still gaining although i exercised alot.
I have ean excruciating ankle pain now and have reduced my daily morning walks to alternate days as walk and exercise i must to avoid the muscles from tightening. I too wish there is a miracle cure for FM.

butch

28 Oct 2009, 20:11

I had spinal surgery in 07, because of a herniated disk. My pain management doctor put me on lyrica, and i have to say, it did ease the pain, not all the way. Unfortuneately tho, when i was released back to work, a job i held for 7 years and knew inside out, i was terminated because i forgot how to do part of my job, and embarrasing enough, would forget my coworkers names and get lost mid sentence. I begged the doctor to take me off and find me something else. Its two years later, the pain, the sleepless nights from pain, i have asked the doctor to put me back on it for some relief, and discussed with him the side effects last time. he is putting me on much lower dose since it effected me so last time. But now i am going to pick up the script tomorrow and try this again.

Christie - Fibromyalgia Treatment

26 Oct 2009, 06:14

Effective and affordable safe natural treatments are available for Fibromyalgia as alternatives to painkillers. You must review the products offered by Biogetica (T24, HMLC, C57), they are the evolutionary result of years of Homeopathic, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Synergetic and Biotech research. They are an excellent assimilation of products that helps to relieve most of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The patient not only experiences a sense of comfort due to the reduction of pain, but also progresses towards overall good health. The solutions address the root cause and aid in maintaining normalcy of the connective tissues all over the body and strengthen the muscles, ligaments and cartilages of the body.

Carolyn

18 Sep 2009, 17:34

I took Lyrica for years as well as Cymbalta for my FM, CFS, RA, Neuropathy (Feet). It relieved the neuropathy for almost a week then back to sever pain with my feet, which makes it unbearable to walk but walk we must. I exercise, but only to the extent my Drs. allow. Ab lounger and glider (works the arms, legs and the rest of my body benefits also). I have never experienced the relief others speak of. I had all the side affects; and 13 of the 17 or 18 not common side effects. I never felt high, did not sleep well, a few days times slept round the clock (I think because of the exhaustion) gained over 50 lbs., couldn't eat more than two bites of food, healthy food. Excruciating pain constant, everywhere. I'm on Savella now 8/3 not good!

Maureen

25 Aug 2009, 12:33

I am only reading this because I am doing some research on fibro for an article I am writing for a newsletter for which I volunteer. It is all about fibromyalgia.

I also have had fibromyalgia for many years since 1996, then into remission for about seven years, it struck me again in 2004, and now seems to have gone into remission again for the past two years.

I always manage mine with diet and other things. Eat no carbs at all, no refined sugars, and almost no dairy products except for low-fat plain yogurt with live cultures. Avoid the nightshade veggies as well, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant. I do allow onions however.

I also take something called d-ribose. It is a totally natural sugar that is made in the body. When you get older or have a chronic illness, less of it is made. I order it over the internet from a certain company. No prescription needed. My clinical nutritionist told me about it. If you don't have a clinical nutritionist, get one. The d-ribose took away 90% of my pain and increased my energy. Whenever I forget my diet and start to eat more carbs, my energy level drops and I stay in bed too much.

I don't take anything specific for the fibro except for Elavil and Trazadone. I've been taking those a long time to help the sleep. I sleep like a rock. I rarely experience any pain.

I work out a bit at the YMCA, nothing excessive, just the stationary bike and some walking and the elliptical. I also do the Cybex equipment when I want to. I've visited the physical therapist every so often (maybe every other year) if I strained or injured my tendons or ligaments. You will need to find a good one, not your run of the mill.

You can e-mail me at mfalkowitz@yahoo.com if you want more info.

Carol Foster

23 Aug 2009, 16:35

I have been taking Lyrica now for about three years. I have peripheral neuropathy but onlly in my feet, thank God. Yet, that is plenty to deal with as the pain and stiffness is constant. I try to take about 300 mg. in the evening when the pain hits badly, however, lately I find I must also take an additional 300 mg. during the night, or I am unable to sleep because of the foot pain. Having pain is so challenging, I truly commiserate with everyone here and out there who deal with pain of any kind. I try to exercise as much as possible, but not doing anything that requires I be standing on my poor painful feet. There are many exercises that one can do. . .and I am determined to stay fit. I think I gained about 10-12 lbs. on Lyrica, but I am in the process of getting rid of that plus some additional caused by another medication I take for depression called Remeron. I think total from medications I gained 30 lbs. and I have always been tall and trim, so I am determined to lose the weight that I want to while still remaining on the medications I know I must take. It does cause fogginess in the brain, but that seems to have subsided over time. I think it also causes me to have a shaky feeling, but again, I tolerate the side effects with patience because I know the alternative is simply not an option, too much pain. Best to all. Carol

Debbie

20 Aug 2009, 19:30

I take LYRICA with Ultam (highest dose allowed), and Cymbalta (highest dose allowed) and it has helped me.

Sharon

14 Aug 2009, 21:31

I took Lyrica for a while. Only 15mg once a day until a disc herniated, then twice a day for a month or so. I did not "feel" any different, no high feeling, no dizziness, no loss of alertness. And it helped the pain some, though I did still take Vicodin some days. It really made a difference in my migraines. But I gained 40 pounds, with no noticable increase in intake. After stopping it, I haven't lost the weight, and it is actually causing more tender places. I wear mens pants because they are looser at the waist than the hips so they don't touch me there much.

jane

12 Aug 2009, 16:53

I tired Lyica.
Yes, I got lazy and the brain fog got worse, but it did make some of the pain subside.
I believe the weight gain on this product, is the fact that it appears to increase appitite in a "high" sort of manner.
Currently not taking it.
Don't reccommend it for anyone who has to drive...as one may become spacy.
Triazolam for sleep has similar effects, and I just read an article that states FM causes decrease in gray brain matter.
Geez, we're all screwed.
Anyone on Trazadone?

Julie

11 Aug 2009, 08:13

I have been taking Lyrica since it was approved for FM and I have also experienced the weight gain. I take two capsules of Lyrica a day and if I take more it does make me feel high. I don't like that feeling so I limit my intake. I have also noticed that I have to search for words when I am talking and it can be embarrassing, other then that so far it is working for me.

wimpy

21 Jul 2009, 12:16

After reading some of the complaints and praises of the medication for fibro, I am feeling wimpy. I don't take any medication for mine, I just put up with it and try to nurse my pain away with warm showers and lots of rest. While it is not always possible to avoid stress I do my best to remain calm and serene in my spirit for the sake of my body.
Moderate exercise on a regular basis seems to be helpful is alieviating the pain the muscles etc. By moderate I mean just going outside and casually working in the garden or yard and doing the normal (moderated) daily chores in the household. Some days it is just taking care of myself.
It always helps to eat a diet of good healthy foods. Junk foods seem to make my condition worse. I watch the salt and sugar as well as spices, etc. Always eating in moderation is helpful.
I do feel wimpy if I compare myself with the suffering that others are undergoing with fibro. It helps to know that others have similar experiences and handle it in different ways. What works for one may not work for another for we are all different.

30 Jun 2009, 10:14

If you do not tolerate Lyrica well - makes you feel out of it or worried about weight gain - or it simply doesn't work for you...ask your doctor about Neurontin (gabapentin) it is an older drug that is chemically similar to Lyrica that works better for some people than Lyrica and is a fraction of the cost! You will need to take large quantities of this drug for it really to do anything and some docs are scared of high dosages - see a rheumatologist or neurologist who knows the drug well - I take 1200 mg in AM and in PM. For me no weight gain and I am not loopy at all.

Victoria O'Sullivan

16 Jun 2009, 12:11

Lyrica has been my best friend for the last 9mth. I have not gained weight. How ever I do a lot of cycling,and work out at the gym. I listen to my body most of the time. I can at times over do it but thats more likely to be from cycling for 27K. I am 59yrs old!! The best advice I would give is to keep moving. I still live with the hope there will be a cure for all thoses who suffer from FM.

Chrissy

06 Jun 2009, 08:56

I have fibromyalgia,RA, and degenerative disc disease which resulted in back surgery. I am 29 yrs old. I have been on Lryica for about 4 years now and it has helped alot with the nerve pain from surgery and with the fibro pain. I haven't gained any weight with it and just now am having my first "Fibro Flare up" in a couple years. It does take getting use to but as long as you go slowly the dizziness and foggy feeling does go away. Everyone reacts differently to meds but this one has helped me alot! Take the time to slowly build up in dose and hopefully it will help you too!

jon

24 May 2009, 04:35

hopeless situation

Karen

17 May 2009, 20:20

I was on Lyrica for a few months and gained 40 pounds. I also felt high all the time. I didn't like the feelings that I was having, however it did kill more of my pain and helped with my restless legs. However, I just couldn't take gaining all that weigh since I am not a big person and I didn't like the high feeling that I got from it. I just wish they would find something with no side effects that would work for Fibromylasia. I am currently on Cymbalta and that seems to help with some of the pain.

Joan

14 May 2009, 11:48

How many of yu knew that 'Prozac' was initally developed by Scripps clinic expressly for FM? I have been on it for 30 years and find that if I do go off of it I am once again being dragged down like a whirlepool. Keep in mind that not all drugs work on everyone. Pick and choose and work closely with your Doctor. The main caution that I can give anyone is that it is easy to blame every ache and pain to the FM. Getting older presents different problems, so LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

joan

14 May 2009, 11:42

Cathy i
Memory loss and forgetfulness are part and parcel of the FM. If you relax and forget about the subject/name/incident. you will find that it will return to you quickly. I find that if I get frustrated and try harder to remember all I get is continued frustration. Keeping your mind active and doing puzzles, memory games, etc. you will find it doesn't happen quite so much, besides the games are fun and help you face your daily planning with more energy rather than a chore.

JEANNETTE

05 May 2009, 12:02

I HAVE BEEN TAKING LYRICA FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW. I TAKE IT BEFORE I GO TO BED. I'M A HEAVY PERSON ANYWAYS, SO I COULDN'T NOTICE IF IT HAS CAUSED THE WEIGHT GAIN BUT. MY EATING HABITS HAVEN'T CHANGED SO, I DON'T THINK THAT IT HAS AFFECTED IT. IF YOU TAKE IT AT NIGHT TO HELP SLEEP WITH THE PAIN THEN YOU SHOULDNT BE EATING MORE????
I TAKE IT BEFORE BED BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE THE RESTLESS LEG. IS THERE REALLY A GENERIC COMING OUT SOON??????? AND IS THAT THE REAL NAME? I THINK IT IS A LIFE SAVER!

Walter

05 May 2009, 08:10

I am a 61 yr old male with FM,C F, Ankylosing since young. Only help(not perfect) I have found is 3000mg of GABA plus 1000mg L-Glutamine plus 1000mg each of taurine and arginine (separately on empty stomach up to 3x per day), Advajoint and Recovery.At least none have serious side effects which are common with Rx. Best of luck.

Bublitz

30 Apr 2009, 23:03

Merilyn-I have FM and MPS, OA, and hyperlordosis so I can relate to your plea for pain relief. I used to take Celebrex which was just okay and now have been taking Lyrica for about a year and half. What doseage are you taking? Perhaps it needs increased. I take 450mg (150 mg 3 times daily) which is the highest recommended doseage that studies have indicated for a therapeutic level. I also take joint and connective tissue supplements and recommend gingko, fish oil, ginseng, magnesium w/malic acid (check for studies on their combination), glucosamine w/chondrotin, and vitamin D3 also. I have to take muscle relaxers some days, Skelaxin and Flexeril, but refuse to take anything narcotic b/c I'm in the health care field and have seen the bad effects of the dependence and/or addiction they cause. I also take 800mg ibuprofen on days that my muscles are in knots. I can't imagine having to function w/o the Lyrica, but the next best thing that has worked for me, though is joing a women's workout club, doing yoga and stretching, and being much more active b/c it increases the oxygen to your muscles which are deprived and help me a great deal. I had 4 doctor's tell me that aerobic exercise was the only thing that they could advise to do that I wasn't already doing. just thinking of exercising when you have no energy and ache all over is exhausting, but if you sit still it makes the muscles tighten up and become worse. It also helps w/the weight gain you get w/Lyrica and certain antidepressants (I recommend Welbutrin b/c it doesn't add weight and gives me so much more energy than Cymbalta or Effexor). I too wish they would make a magic non-narcotic pill that would alleviate all the FM pain. Try upping your Lyrica dose to 450mg a day, if you haven't already, before you give up on it. Best of luck to you all.

Merilyn

14 Apr 2009, 16:55

Dear Readers,
My name is Merilyn, I am 33 years old with four children. I come upon these sites where everyone talks about how Lyrica helps them feel better....NOOOOOO it does not I have had Fibromyalgia for many years now and have tried many medicines for pain includind what I'm currently on now (Lyrica)I must say it does absolutely nothing for my pain. I just wish someone would come up with an miracle pill and make all this darn pain go away.. I just can't take living like this huge ball of nothing but pain,discomfort and fatigue. It's a really horrible way of life for us suffering with this debilitating discomfort..I wouldn't wish for anyone to have this.

cathy i

31 Mar 2009, 19:29

lyrica has been miracle drug.off 4 meds now.but,have noticed memory problems,finding words,and forgetting names. anyone else? is this a permanent change? thanks

Denise

28 Mar 2009, 09:13

I agree with Trish. It caused me more side effects and it didn't take away any pain for me. I would rather deal with the pain as the side effects were worse. The one thing Dr.s don't tell you is that you can't stop taking it abruptly, you have to slowly stop taking it. I'm glad it works for some of you and hope the new medicine will work for the rest of us.

Judy

26 Mar 2009, 10:58

I took Lyrica for about 6 months, it did help, but.....I gained 20 lbs., I have a small body frame and the extra weight was very uncomfortable.. I stopped taking it and have noticed quite a bit of nerve pain returning. I lost 9 lbs and hope to lose more by staying on a healthy diet, however, losing weight does not help the pain, I hope there is another drug that will help me, but not include weight gain.,

Cathy

24 Mar 2009, 08:54

I also have Fybromyalgia and have nerve ending pain in my legs. I have taken Lyrica for 2 years and it has been a God sent. It is expensive and I'm just waiting for the day it becomes generic which will be called "Pregabalin".

Diane

20 Mar 2009, 22:54

Lyrica has given me substantial relief from my pain caused by fibromyalgia. I have noticed some weight gain, but I would rather have a few more pounds than the severe pain that I was experiencing. I haven't really noticed an improvement in my sleep pattern. I am unable to sleep at night and don't take naps either. I would recommend Lyrica to anyone who is having severe pain because it sure has helped me and I have had little to no side effects. It does not make me sleepy at all. I am still trying to figure out a way to sleep through the night.

Trish

12 Mar 2009, 12:39

I took lyrica and gained 15 pounds in a month. I ate everthing I could put in my mouth and could not control it. On top of that, not only did I sleep during the night, at about 2:00 pm everyday I had to have a 2-3 hour nap. The total of my waking hours I felt as high as a Georgia Pine. I ditched the stuff. I know two other people who took it who had the same experience. I'd rather have the pain than walk around like a drunken sailor or sleep my life away. That drug is terrible.

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Lyrica as a Fibromyalgia Treatment

Lyrica gets nod from FDA and fibromyalgia gets some respect

Lyrica as a Fibromyalgia Treatment

Lyrica gets nod from FDA and fibromyalgia gets some respect

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