edema

70 year old male had decompression procedure of L4, L5, and S1 on 1/31/11 with a fusion.  He has done very well since surgery and now takes Percoset for pain about every 4 hours.  Since surgery he has been on Lyrica but it was changed to Neurontin 7 days ago as he was getting some edema in his feet and ankles.  His last doses of Neurontin were yesterday because he has again developed the same edema but now it has extended to calves of both legs.  The edema has not subsided, in fact, it is somewhat worse.  His legs are not hot or red, but walking is more difficult because of the swelling.  Is there another possible cause for the edema?  

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. The common side effects of neurontin are blurred vision, dizziness, and muscle ache, swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs, trembling and unusual tiredness.  Lyrica is also known to cause general weakness, lethargy, blurred vision, ascites, facial edema, generalized edema etc. You must consult your neurologist to change your medications since both of these can cause swelling and you have swelling in both the legs. If the swelling persists despite stopping the drugs, you must be investigated for deep vein thrombosis. Hope this helps. Take care.

[concerned807]

Thank you for your advise.  How long does it take for Neurontin side effects (edema) to disappear?  We stopped the Neurontin 36 hours ago and the swelling was somewhat reduced after sleeping for 5 hours.....especially in his lower legs.   The edema returns when he walks around, so he's resting with legs elevated a lot today.

He has good pedal pulses and any tenderness in his calves or feet is related to when the swelling increases.  I certainly want to get a DVT diagnosed if it is present, but I think that for now the swelling is due to having taken Neurontin.  Just don't know how long to think this way.

We will not be restarting either Lyrica or Neurontin.  

Thanks again.