Lyrica a dangerous drug? Tahiri can you share more info?

[julia111]

Tahiri - You stated in another post that Lyrica is a dangerous drug.  Can you give more info?  My dr has just prescribed this for me neuropathic pain - I have fibromyalgia.

I like to be informed so any info about Lyrica that you can share would be great!

Thanks so much!

Julia

[EarthLady100]

Perhaps you should have asked your doctor for a 100mg supply of Lyrica. I have used Lyrica for nearly a decade with excellent results. Neurontin and many other pain meds did nothing for me and I absolutely cannot take narcotic meds.

Good luck.

[julia111]

Thanks everyone for your input!

I guess at this point I'll probably give the Lyrica a try - but at least I'm aware of the possible nasty side effects.

The print-outs that come with the presciptions always have a list of possible side effects that's a mile long - it's great to hear first hand experience from you all!

It's good knowing that Neurotin might be a good option if the Lyrica doesn't work.

Thanks again.  Wishing everyone a great day!

Julia

[michael1028]

I have been on lyrica for 3 weeks. My numbness has not subsided much at all the nerve pain has somewhat. I go for follow-up in 3 weeks. I am still taking 1200 mg of neurotin and 150mg twice a day for the fatigue.
Good Luck,
mike  

[Tahiri_Veila]

You are not the only one.  I took Lyrica for 3 days and the day after I first took it I could hardly move my legs or lift my arms.  By the third day I could barely struggle up stairs.  I called my doctor and he immediately told me to stop taking it.  It could have just been coincidence, but who knows.  It looks like a lot of people have seen positive effects of this drug.

Julia-Maybe it would be a good idea to at least try Lyrica if that is what your doctor thinks would work best. Remember you can always switch.
  Tahiri

[Rena705]

I was first prescribed Lyrica by my last MS Specialist at a dosage of 75mg tid and I was a mess.  I only took 5 doses of it and I couldn't speak at all, lost the use of my legs and had horrible double vision.  I called my pharmacist and was told to cease taking it immediately.

I then tried it again about 3 months later at a rate of 75mg/day to start and increased by 75mg increments once a week until I was taking it 4 times/day.  Although I had no further side effects I also had no relief from my nerve pain in my legs.  From what I have heard from many people, it works well for some and not at all for others...there doesn't seem to be a happy medium.  I also have not heard of anyone having a reaction like I had the first time so I would give it a try at a reasonable dose if that is what  your dr. is recommending.  Best of Luck to you and I hope it works for you!

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[angeline59]

I've been on lyrica (75mg 3X day) for nerve pain (MS) since January 08. It helps a lot! Maybe I'm just fortunate, but haven't had any bad side effects. In fact, it's served me well as a migraine preventative. I guess it's different for everyone, but I love it!

Best wishes in finding what works best for you!

Angie

[grannyhotwheels]

I currently take Lyrica.  I take 150mg 4 x per day.  Since upping my dosage to this amount I have seen a great deal of nerve pain relief.  I also have not had a seizure since July of 07.  I did have them on a regular basis until we upped my dosage from 75mg 4 x per day to the present amount.  I have no side effects from it except for the craving of sweets.  

I'll be praying,
Carol

[aura3]

Thanks for the info.  I have been on Lyrica for over a month now.  So far it doesn't seem to help.  I have a lot of numbness and tingling along with burning and a tightening sensation.  So Far 75mg 2, 2 times a day does nothing.  I am going to ask my Neuro about Nuerontin.

Thanks again,
Aura

[Tahiri_Veila]

I take nuerontin regularly.  It was originally prescribed for my tingling in my legs.  It does help it a lot.  It also helps with the burning sensation pain that I get.  So yes it does help the numbness and tingling. You could always try it for a while and see how it works for you. I think it would be worth a shot. It's generic name is Gabapentin.  I only get the generic from my pharmacy but it is the same.
Tahiri

[LLWB]

Hi Julia, I'll jump in on this answer. I take Lyrica myself. It is for nerve pain. It does nothing for my numbness, etc. I may have to go back to neurontin as my insurance co doesn't want to pay for Lyrica. So far for 4 months now, my doc has given me samples, but that can't go on forever. The only trouble I have with Lyrica is I have to be VERY strict about carbs, as it causes craves, and weight gain. Hope this helps.

Maggie

[julia111]

Thanks for the link I will definitely check it out!

As far as pregnancy goes, I shouldn't have a problem there as we do not plan to have more children.  

Another question for you: Do you know if either Lyrica or Neurontin helps numbness, buzzing and parethesis,  which are really my main concerns for now.

I am taking something that helps tremendously for the fatigue -  and pain is not a huge issue now as it was in December so I'm not sure if it warrants adding another med to my line-up.

Thanks so much for your help!
Julia

[Tahiri_Veila]

http://www.drugs.com/lyrica.html
It is a category C and therefore not safe during pregnancy or nursing.  My OB/GYN allowed me to take neurontin during pregnancy, but Lyrica has a higher chance of birth defects.  The sight I gave you can give you more information.  I just find that neurontin has basically no side effect and Lyrica does.  I took Lyrica and the next day I was 10 times worse off due to pain and fatigue.  But you have to decide for yourself whether this is the right drug for you. Remember if you do take it you have to have a card with you that states this in case of emergency where you cannot tell them yourself.  I just read this site and was warned to not get pregnant that it would not be a good idea.
  Tahiri