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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 15:29:23
I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
Dan
Posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 17:24:53
In reply to I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 15:29:23
> I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
>
> DanI don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
Phoenix1
Posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 17:58:40
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » SteelyDan, posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 17:24:53
> > I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
> >
> > Dan
>
> I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
>
> So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
>
> I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
>
> Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
>
> Phoenix1Sorry that that was such a severe withdrawal for you! I've never experienced any withdrawal at all with lyrica..I've been on 700mgs. for months and stoped cold turkey without any withdrawal symptoms. Everybody's different..benzo withdrawal is very hard for me. What benzo were you on and please tell me how you tapered off it and how you felt,etc. I'm currently tapering off Klonopin .25mgs. per week..i'm down to 2.25mgs, was on 3mgs for many years.
Posted by Phillipa on February 11, 2008, at 18:06:54
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 17:58:40
Uggg don't want to gain weight but I have some. I thought about 25mg was good for anxiety that high a dose? Phillipa
Posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 19:20:41
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 17:58:40
> > > I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
> > >
> > > Dan
> >
> > I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
> >
> > So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
> >
> > I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
> >
> > Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
> >
> > Phoenix1
>
> Sorry that that was such a severe withdrawal for you! I've never experienced any withdrawal at all with lyrica..I've been on 700mgs. for months and stoped cold turkey without any withdrawal symptoms. Everybody's different..benzo withdrawal is very hard for me. What benzo were you on and please tell me how you tapered off it and how you felt,etc. I'm currently tapering off Klonopin .25mgs. per week..i'm down to 2.25mgs, was on 3mgs for many years.I tapered off of Ativan 6mg/day using the Ashton method (I posted links for you on the withdrawal board) It was painless. Then I recently went from 6mg klonopin to 3mg klonopin to 1.5 to 0 in a very short time, almost cold turkey without only minor withdrawal symptoms. It wasn't fun, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the Lyrica was. Like I say, YMMV considerably. But I know your having trouble reducing the benzos. You REALLY should investigate the Ashton method. It will save you from some pretty uncomfortable withdrawal.
Anyways, glad the Lyrica is working so well for you!
Phoenix1
Posted by bleauberry on February 11, 2008, at 20:31:36
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 17:58:40
.... I'm currently tapering off Klonopin .25mgs. per week..i'm down to 2.25mgs, was on 3mgs for many years....
Perhaps because klonopin has been the base all along it has served a purpose of eliminating lyrica withdrawals maybe?
Posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 22:17:23
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by bleauberry on February 11, 2008, at 20:31:36
Posted by cumulative on February 12, 2008, at 3:29:18
In reply to I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 15:29:23
Lyrica/Neurontin are nice, friendly even, and very useful, but the biggest problem for me with these meds is cognitive impairment, which I don't wish to tolerate.
Of course, depression causes cognitive impairment too, much more severe in I would guess the majority of cases. So if the stuff works for you that's awesome.
Posted by SteelyDan on February 12, 2008, at 13:01:33
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » SteelyDan, posted by Phillipa on February 11, 2008, at 18:06:54
> Uggg don't want to gain weight but I have some. I thought about 25mg was good for anxiety that high a dose? Phillipa
N0, you probably need at least 100 mgs. Low dose probably won't affect your appetite.
Posted by SteelyDan on February 12, 2008, at 13:04:13
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » SteelyDan, posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 19:20:41
> > > > I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
> > > >
> > > > Dan
> > >
> > > I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
> > >
> > > So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
> > >
> > > I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
> > >
> > > Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
> > >
> > > Phoenix1
> >
> > Sorry that that was such a severe withdrawal for you! I've never experienced any withdrawal at all with lyrica..I've been on 700mgs. for months and stoped cold turkey without any withdrawal symptoms. Everybody's different..benzo withdrawal is very hard for me. What benzo were you on and please tell me how you tapered off it and how you felt,etc. I'm currently tapering off Klonopin .25mgs. per week..i'm down to 2.25mgs, was on 3mgs for many years.
>
> I tapered off of Ativan 6mg/day using the Ashton method (I posted links for you on the withdrawal board) It was painless. Then I recently went from 6mg klonopin to 3mg klonopin to 1.5 to 0 in a very short time, almost cold turkey without only minor withdrawal symptoms. It wasn't fun, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the Lyrica was. Like I say, YMMV considerably. But I know your having trouble reducing the benzos. You REALLY should investigate the Ashton method. It will save you from some pretty uncomfortable withdrawal.
>
> Anyways, glad the Lyrica is working so well for you!
>
> Phoenix1Thank you! I appreciate your help.
Dan
Posted by SteelyDan on February 12, 2008, at 13:07:25
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by cumulative on February 12, 2008, at 3:29:18
> Lyrica/Neurontin are nice, friendly even, and very useful, but the biggest problem for me with these meds is cognitive impairment, which I don't wish to tolerate.
>
> Of course, depression causes cognitive impairment too, much more severe in I would guess the majority of cases. So if the stuff works for you that's awesome.Lyrica is much more effective for me than Neurontin was, i don't feel it has a bad affect for me in a cognitive way. Thanks!
Dan
Posted by Abby Cunningham on February 13, 2008, at 17:29:11
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » SteelyDan, posted by Phoenix1 on February 11, 2008, at 17:24:53
Phoenix1 and SteelyDan, the message below is of utmost importance! I can testify to the absolutely *horrendous* withdrawal of benzodiazepines (worse by far than heroin w/d)
Anyone considering LYRICA, for your LIFE's SAKE, please think about withdrawal which can make you feel you wish you were dead==experiencing the worst Hell here on earth!!!! Worse than anything you can imagine. IF you should be one of the very few who do not have severe withdrawal (panic/depression/derealization/depersonalization 24/7, then you are very lucky indeed!)
DO NOT take this drug lightly! Any drug which messes with GABA A receptors is a potential horror show. If you don't believe me, well, good luck.
> I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
>
> So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
>
> I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
>
> Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
>
> Phoenix1
Posted by SteelyDan on February 13, 2008, at 20:45:49
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by Abby Cunningham on February 13, 2008, at 17:29:11
> Phoenix1 and SteelyDan, the message below is of utmost importance! I can testify to the absolutely *horrendous* withdrawal of benzodiazepines (worse by far than heroin w/d)
>
> Anyone considering LYRICA, for your LIFE's SAKE, please think about withdrawal which can make you feel you wish you were dead==experiencing the worst Hell here on earth!!!! Worse than anything you can imagine. IF you should be one of the very few who do not have severe withdrawal (panic/depression/derealization/depersonalization 24/7, then you are very lucky indeed!)
>
> DO NOT take this drug lightly! Any drug which messes with GABA A receptors is a potential horror show. If you don't believe me, well, good luck.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
> >
> > So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
> >
> > I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
> >
> > Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
> >
> > Phoenix1
>
>
I've gone off Lyrica many times with no problem at all. Have you ever taken Lyrica Abbey?Dan
Posted by Phoenix1 on February 14, 2008, at 7:48:50
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » Abby Cunningham, posted by SteelyDan on February 13, 2008, at 20:45:49
> > Phoenix1 and SteelyDan, the message below is of utmost importance! I can testify to the absolutely *horrendous* withdrawal of benzodiazepines (worse by far than heroin w/d)
> >
> > Anyone considering LYRICA, for your LIFE's SAKE, please think about withdrawal which can make you feel you wish you were dead==experiencing the worst Hell here on earth!!!! Worse than anything you can imagine. IF you should be one of the very few who do not have severe withdrawal (panic/depression/derealization/depersonalization 24/7, then you are very lucky indeed!)
> >
> > DO NOT take this drug lightly! Any drug which messes with GABA A receptors is a potential horror show. If you don't believe me, well, good luck.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > I don't want to be a party pooper here, but there are a couple people on this board, myself included, that had horrible withdrawal reactions when stopping this drug. Even though I tapered slowly, my withdrawal was extreme, much worse than benzo withdrawal which I've experienced too. I had to use a cross-tapering dose of diazepam to take away the shakes, sweating attacks, nauseousness, and severe agitation and insomnia. This withdrawal syndrome is only published in a couple of papers and doctors don't realize that it exists at all yet.
> > >
> > > So I agree that it is a great drug for sleep, anxiety, and even depression, but think about what it may be like for you to stop it before you decide to start it.
> > >
> > > I was on very high doses (800-1200mg) and decided to stop because it was making me emotionally numb, somnolent, lazy and I gained tons of weight and had whole body edema. Other than that, it worked great for my anxiety and depression... But as usual YMMV when it comes to the benefits, side effects, and withdrawal.
> > >
> > > Again, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but my experience with this drug wasn't worth the agony of the withdrawal.
> > >
> > > Phoenix1
> >
> >
> I've gone off Lyrica many times with no problem at all. Have you ever taken Lyrica Abbey?
>
> Dan
>I'm quite sure Abbey was on Lyrica, as I talked to her on the withdrawal board when she was going through withdrawal from it. We both had absolutely horrendous, similar eperiences with Lyrica withdrawal.
Phoenix1
Posted by yxibow on February 14, 2008, at 17:35:16
In reply to I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!!, posted by SteelyDan on February 11, 2008, at 15:29:23
> I love the way Lyrica makes me feel!! I take 700 mgs. a day, and right now i feel a little euphoric, but i don't care..it feels great to feel "good" for a change!! The problem is i have to go off it periodically (approx. a week) for it to work for me..i develop tolerance to it after about 4 days. I believe Lyrica is chemically related to the neurotransmitter GABA. Please, if you are anxious or depressed, ask your Doc if you can give Lyrica a try..hopefully you will love it like i do, but you need to get the dose up to at least 400 - 500mgs. to get the affect. Best wishes to you all!
>
> Dan
I did, unfortunately unlike the similar Neurontin I take, it made my vision 20/20, 20/30. I don't know, I mean, maybe that would go away but not the best idea for me at the time. Yet for some Neurontin does that too, so its sort of individualistic.
Posted by okydoky on February 15, 2008, at 16:11:21
In reply to Re: I urge everyone to give LYRICA a try!! » SteelyDan, posted by yxibow on February 14, 2008, at 17:35:16
Watch what you mix it with.
I took it with valium. I had nausea and dizziness for two days. At a 50mg dose. I also take it with oxycontin and get some headache and cannot function because of the brain fog.
It does calm the heck out of you though. I suppose if I did not have to take the other drugs I would probabley like it a lot.
This is the end of the thread.
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