Anyone on Lyrica? Ideas for low/moderate pain control

Question

I am trying to decide what to do next for my chronic back pain. The doctor suggested Lyrica as a possiblity. I am worried about the side effects and how hard it is to get off of it as I read that it is habit forming. I take Klonopin and Imitrex for migraine problems so I am limitied and have palpitations due to a PAC (pre atrial contractions). So, I can't take prestiq or Cymbalta.  I can't take Valium or a benzodiazepine because of the Klonpin.
thanks,
mkh9

marycarmel · Accepted Answer

Lyrica isn't really habit-forming in the sense like narcotics can be.  It needs to be tapered off but so do many other meds, like steroids.  Lots of people find Lyrica works great.  I used it and did find it helped with pain but I had a huge weight gain (16 pounds in 3 weeks without changing diet or exercise.)  I tend to be very sensitive to medications, though.  I would give it a try to see how it works for you.  You can always come off it if you find the side effects are bad.  I had also tried Cymbalta, but it wasn't a good fit for me.  Good luck and let us know what you decide on the Lyrica.

mkh9 · Answer

Thanks for the encouraging words. It took me 2 months to get off of Neurontin and it didn't help at all. But I'll try not to worry too much.
mkh9

marycarmel · Answer

The weight gain for me was from the med.  Cutting back didn't help things.  But once I came off, the weight just dropped off.

Try not to worry about what side effects other people get.  Everyone is different.  Your SIL could be this way for a number of reasons:  the way the drug reacts with her, drug interactions with some of the other meds she's on, she may have underlying mental health issues.

Thing is, if the drug doesn't agree with you, you can always come off it.

mkh9 · Answer

thanks for the info. Glad you didn't get the other side effects. I worry about the weight gain too. I can't stand the thought of that, LOL. I guess I can try it to see how it works for me. I'm also worried about the psychological aspects. It said be aware of suicidal thoughts, mood swings and I don't want to turn into someone else! My sister in law is on a lot of these drugs and it really affects her mood. She gets really manic (very very up and not nice) then really down and very very nice. I wonder if you cut back on calories if it is water gain or why the weight gain?
well maybe it would be good until I can get back on my feet.
I really appreciate your help.
mkh9

marycarmel · Answer

No, I didn't have any of those side effects.  Just the rapid weight gain (which doesn't happen to everyone!)  And it did help with the pain a lot.  (I was given it during a particularly severe fibromyalgia flare-up.)

mkh9 · Answer

thanks. Did you get nausea or vomiting from Lyrica? 
mkh9

Anyone on Lyrica? Ideas for low/moderate pain control

Drug test negative for my prescription?!?!

Chronic neuropathic pain in sacrum months after discectomy

Advice about methadone

Anyone had sciatica?

Drug test negative for my prescription?!?!

Chronic neuropathic pain in sacrum months after discectomy

Advice about methadone

Anyone had sciatica?

You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community