Lyrica, Do any of you know if?

[trippedoutgirl]

Do any of you know if Lyrica is addicting? I suffer from class 2 Diabetes and I'am taking Lyrica for problems with foot discomfort. I was told that It may be addicting, But because it was a new med, that proof of that was not out yet. Any info on this would be helpful. Thanx

[Jacqui805]

I think the distinction between addicting and possible dependency needs to be made here.  While it is true, that it is technically possible to become addicted to it, you have to remember what addiction actually is....It does not mean that if you stop the drug you will have withdrawl..that is dependency.  For one to become addicted to something, there has to be a WANT to take the med..for a feeling one would get from it.  Look at the responses thus far, there really is no "high" from this med....at least that has been my experience, and it sounds like these other folks didn't "want" to take it...

There is a risk of dependency, but like so many other meds., one must weigh that vs. the possible benefit of the drug.  So many meds. cause dependency..such as blood pressure meds., corticosteroids, I could go on...

At first, when I was placed on the med., it DID make me very tired, and crushed my sex drive.  I was not sure I wanted to go on, but as a nurse, I remembered that often-times, when one starts a med. that can cause effects like these, that they will disappear over time.  This is a med. that requires careful and attentive titrating for proper dosage to be achieved..This drug may not work for everyone, and it can be some time before the right dosage is achieved.  

I thought, initially, that this was a waste of my time...and, I HATED the weight gain it caused, and it WILL cause weight gain.  While the average is about 6 pounds, I gained more, and was on a low dose.  Pain is a horrible thing when it comes to living with it daily, so while I was not too happy with the initial side effects, I was willing to tolerate them if it provided some relief and increase in my quality of life.  Long story short, over time, my dosage has been increased and I'm now on 200 mg twice daily.  I may be bumped up yet, to 225 mg twice daily.  

The tiredness has gone and I'm hornier than a young boy again...and best yet, while my pain is not gone, or gone all the time, it has decreased immensely, especially with the last dosage increase.  I have energy again and the pain is either tolerable or nonexistent .  I am heavier, yes, but I am now working out again, so I may look like Lara Croft again soon.  I'm willing to stay a little on the beefy side if I am happier...

The medication is VERY expensive and is not one that is covered by insurance companies often...Some insurance companies require an authorization for it to be covered..and my doctor (a rheumatologist) was happy to get that done for me.  In his experience, he has told me, he has had patients on Lyrica and not doing anything for them until they reach the magic dose for them.  I'm not 100 per cent, but I'm gettin' $hit done and feelin' kicka$$ again....if I'm not at my magic dose, I think I'm damned close.

The med. does not in any way cause me to feel high or euphoric, and it doesn't to most people....again, IF that should happen, it will most likely just be for the first two weeks or so.....I have absolutely no desire to take more of it, just as I would not take more of my Celebrex.....same difference, no mental benefit to me doin' either.

I'd say, ask your doctor for samples...and he has PLENTY!.....Give it a shot, and if you can tolerate any side effects you may experience, and the time it may take to find your dosage, do it...what can you lose?  Living with pain is no joke.....

Good luck............Jacqui

[HelpinUtah]

I also took Lyrica for Fibromyalgia.  It did nothing for me except make me dizzy, tired and I felt like I could hardly move as if I had no energy whatsoever.  I did not like the way it made me feel.  I didn't know it was addictive, but just one more reason NOT to take it.  Good luck!!!

[lovemypillhead]

i took lyrica before and it was the biggest waste of money. it did NOTHING for my pain. im surprised scaredmom had good luck wiht it in terms of helping with pain!  wow. it also made me sooooooo tired. i wanted to sleep nonstop on it. i was lazy and unproductive and seriously passing out at work.  so, IMO i wouldnt bother with it.  

my dr said it could be addictive.........

[scaredmom330]

you are right, you might google it and see what you find. good luck, and stay in touch,


Karen

[trippedoutgirl]

Thank you Karen for the Info. I 'am getting different answers from some people. I guess there is a small chance for some people to become addicted.

[scaredmom330]

Lyrica is addicting, I took it for about 8 months for fibromylgia, it works wonders for the pain, but I suffered from my hands and feet swelling. make sure your doctor does blood work every couple of months because it does effect your liver. And do not stop taking it without your doctor's knowledge.  Good luck


Karen