Lyrica use.

[cjnh]

I just found this web site and have MS diagnosed and currently using Avonex.  Legs are driving me crazy and Md perscribed lyrica.  Looks as if it has lots of side affects and I am leerie to try it. Has anyone used lyrica for MS and what results have you had?

[Farrahlicious]

Hi!
I have been on Lyrica 75mg (once, at night) for about a year and it has worked wonders on me. Even tho i read someone's post that it makes you crave carbs, to me, the Queen of all Carbs in the world (sorry, buddies, i claimed it!) i have no side effects. Except that my neuro and rheumatologyst made it very clear to take it at night because it may make me drousy (spelling check??) anyways, i do suffer from Spondylitis and MS, and it has taken away all the needles and the joint pains and all my aches. It also improves my mood, since i become Gargamel when i'm having a painful day. I have never tried Avonex, since Lyrica works for me. I have kept my size 2 ever since i have been on it and i wake up relaxed and very well rested. Some of our fellow buddies have been prescribed very high doses of Lyrica (around 200mg!) twice a day, so of course, you will be tired or sleepy during the day. I say, give it a shot. Talk to your doc about the pros and cons for YOU. And of course, don't expect miracles, but to me, it worked like sent from above!
Hope you find some relief, i hate to see my buddies in pain. Bad pain, bad!!
hugs,
Farrah

[cjnh]

Thanks for your support and your input. This is a multi-symptomatic and crazy disease!  I look forward to learning more about everyones experiences and learning from all of you. I had an acoustic neuroma removed from my left inner ear a year ago, then MS added to that. It sometimes is hard to know which is causing what problems.  Does anyone using avonex have depression problems too. I am amazed how little energy or ambition I have had since starting it. I wasn't that way before starting any tx for MS. The meds seem worse than the disease right now. Anybody else feel like that?

[Amyloo]

Hi,  I, too, was prescribed lyrica but chose not to take it for the reasons you stated.  Have you considered neurontin?  It is a sister drug to lyrica, works on nerve pain, etc., but has been around for a long time and (I believe) is not as "side effect-y" as lyrica.  

I take neurontin, have for years.  It helps  I believe it is milder; lyrica has the nerve pain med but also other componants.  God bless you, Amy

[sllowe]

Cjnh,

Welcome to the MS forum! I'm glad you've joined us.  I've not taken lyrica, thought it was prescribed for me too.  I was afraid of adding another med, and the side affects, but I heard here that it's worked wonders!

Just think, you can always go off of it if it gives you problems, and not relief.  That was my thought.  My issues resolved enough after about 3-4 months, that I didn't take it, but I was very, very close, as I thought it would never go away.  

Sorry to be so short and rushed on details. I really want to welcome you and look forward to getting to know you better when I have more time.

I know others will chime in, and one of our members "grannyhotwheels" swears by Lyrica, as it's been a life saver for her.

Hope to chat again soon,
Shelly