Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.

Multiple Sclerosis Community

Our Patient-to-Patient MS Forum is where you can communicate with other people who share your interest in Multiple Sclerosis. This forum is not monitored by medical professionals.
 | 

Lyrica Anyone?

by Want to feel well!!!, Sep 08, 2007 07:43AM
While I was at the back specialist yesterday we discussed pain medicine.  I have been hesitant to ask for anything, but my leg/hip pain has worsened, so I asked if there was anything I could take that wouldn’t make me loopy.  He prescribed Lyrica.  

Has anyone taking it had good results with nerve pain?  

I kinda chuckled when the doctor said the most common side effect was dizziness…like I need more of that!!!  He said it shouldn’t last more than a few days.

Wanna
Member Comments (13)

by Hope38, Sep 08, 2007 07:57AM
To: Want to feel well
I was on it for only 6 days.......it did help my nerve pain, but I'm glad I came off of it.  I couldn't drive while on this med...it took a few days after I stopped taking it to feel like I could drive again.

It made me sleepy and I felt totally drugged out.  The first day was scarey, I didn't care if the house burnt down.  I was not myself.  I was going to give this medication 2 weeks to see if that druggy feeling would go away, but my insurance denied the drug so I had to get off of it.  It does take time.  Only you will know if its worth it, everyone is so different on meds.

Oh I was on 75mgs 2x's a day.

Lisa

by grannyhotwheels, Sep 08, 2007 08:04AM
To: Want to feel well
I have been on Lyrica for about 2 years.  It helps me a great deal.  The first few days you feel kinda loopy but after that I did'nt have any problems.  I ran out for about a week one time and the pain was so bad I thought I was gonna die.  As soon as I started taking it again it was under control.

It works real well for some people and horrible for others.  I hope you can take it because it does work.

I'll be praying,
Carol

by Want to feel well!!!, Sep 08, 2007 09:09AM
Thanks...I'll let you know how it goes.  I really hope it helps and gets rid of my limp.  I feel like Quasimodo, but it is a source of entertainment for my family sometimes.  

Wanna

by moeck, Sep 08, 2007 09:10AM
To: want to feel well
I have been taking 75mg four times a day.  The first week I only took it after work and at bedtime.  I didn't increase until the loopy feeling went away.  I've been on it four about eight months now and it does work for me
moeck

by LLWB, Sep 08, 2007 05:56PM
To: Want to feel well
I took Lyrica for 2 months, and it did help with the nerve pain A LOT (for me) Unfortunately, I also gained 9lbs in those 2 months. I had to quit taking it as I'm diabetic, and suppossed to be losing weight, not gaining it! LOL Hope it works for you. It didn't make me sleepy, but I'm in the minority on that. Give it a try, and good luck.

by uk2, Sep 09, 2007 06:46AM
To: want
Hi iv been on lyrica for 3 months now started at 7mg twice a day now on 375mg a day it works well when im not in a flare (like the last two days iv been in bed just got up an hour ago hip thigh and body pain burning all over) but it keeps most of my nerve pain in check.
The only side effect i found was it puts on weight as it increases your appetite but if you watch this you should be ok. Iv gained 1 stone in 3 months it can cause water rention as well but it beats being in pain.
When starting it it makes you feel dizzy and motion sickness but that does pass and the tirdeness gets less the higher the does is.
What strength is the doc starting you on?
What is your dx do you have fibro cause its a great drug for that.

Good Luck and God Bless

by Jazzyfizzle, Sep 09, 2007 07:05PM
I wondered how many were gaining weight on it. Super doc is prescribing it for me also. I am hesitant to take it, I have a good number of times and got the stoned feeling heavy the next morning.
I can't afford to gain any more weight, I can't get the 20 pounds off I gained in the start of this. :(

It doesn't seem to make me sleepy either like he suggested it would.

Jazzy

by uk2, Sep 10, 2007 04:43AM
To: Jazzy
Hi

What dose are you on? are you dx with anything. I find it helps on a daily basis with the nerve pain but not in a flare!!

The weight issue is a problem for me too im trying to keep a check on it but its hard as im home all day as cant work.

God Bless

by smcneel, Sep 10, 2007 12:50PM
To: Want to feel Well!!
I began taking Lyrica for neuralgia a couple of months ago and it worked so well that it even relieved my severe back pain that I didn't realize was caused by nerve pain!  BUT, the 50 mg dose made me so sleepy that I couldn't think straight...for example, awhile back I left my office, saw a black SUV in the parking lot (I have a black Expedition), got in, and tried to start it before realizing that it was a co-workers!  We doubled my dose (that was scary), and I felt better.  Good Luck, I hope it works well for you too.

Shelly

by jozee, Sep 11, 2007 06:13PM

by jozee, Sep 11, 2007 06:17PM
lyrica helped me alot for my leg pains, i started out taking 3 a day couldnt handled it i was too tired it made me too loopy i just take one at night now it does help
jozee

by Tami1, May 06, 2008 09:29PM
To: Wanna
Hi.  I too have multiple sclerosis, and my worst symptom is nerve pain, especially occipital neuralgia, however it goes up and down my entire left side.  I have tried everything, and Lyrica is the only thing that works for me.  I am actually on it for the fourth time.  Like an idiot, I think I am better when the pain goes away, and I get off.  I think I'm on if for life now.  It really has saved my life.  The chronic pain had me so depressed.  For me, it's hard to get to a steady dose, I have to go slow because I get dizzy, confused, and forgetful.  That does go away, and then it's wonderful! As far as weight gain, Cymbalta made me gain 15 pounds, which I lost--not easily, but with Lyrica, maybe just a couple.  I am careful about what I eat, and have stayed a size 0-2.  You don't have to gain weight if you just stay aware of it.  I have actually been able to eat a little more, because with the pain and depression better, I exercise more.  Some people take big doses too quick and get discouraged from side effects,  I just take it slow, and am grateful for the drug.  I don't take anything else, but a little Klonopin for my MS anymore.  Once I build my Lyrica dose back up, I will wean off of the Klonopin.  Good Luck!

Tami

by JMar63, May 07, 2008 01:29PM
To: Want to feel well
I am currently on Lyrica for nerve pain and possible Fibromyalgia.  I took 75 mgs twice a day for a week and I am currently on 150 mgs twice a day now.  Sometimes it makes me drowsy and sometimes it doesn't. My worst side effect with this medicine is the "really dry mouth". Between that, the 4 mgs of Dilaudid (x3) and the Allegra, it is about to do me in. This is my third week of taking it and it has not helped with anything so far. I wish you the best. Like everyone here knows, sometimes there are many things they have us try until they find what works best for that person.
I really hope it works for you!

Jeannie
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment