![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 27. Go back in thread:
Posted by spriggy on March 21, 2006, at 18:52:28
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by kerria on March 21, 2006, at 14:27:02
My dr. tried me on Lyrica in January (also for fibromyalgia).
I only made it for 4 days, I felt so sick to my stomach, so dizzy and foggy headed. I also felt like i was more agitated with my children.
I didn't like how I felt on it. He said it's not uncommon for people to try it and hate it ( he hasn't seen much success on it).
So anyway, I ditched it and just stay on my regular vitamin B 6 shots and hydrocodone.
Posted by MidnightBlue on March 21, 2006, at 22:51:46
In reply to my experience with lyrica, posted by spriggy on March 21, 2006, at 18:52:28
Spriggy,
Why are you on hydrocodone? Do you hurt that much? I'm in daily pain but only on very low dose of Celebrex. It doesn't work.
MB
P.S. my doc asked me about Lyrica this last visit. I guess the drug reps are really getting around! I said no thank you.
> My dr. tried me on Lyrica in January (also for fibromyalgia).
>
> I only made it for 4 days, I felt so sick to my stomach, so dizzy and foggy headed. I also felt like i was more agitated with my children.
>
> I didn't like how I felt on it. He said it's not uncommon for people to try it and hate it ( he hasn't seen much success on it).
>
> So anyway, I ditched it and just stay on my regular vitamin B 6 shots and hydrocodone.
Posted by spriggy on March 28, 2006, at 23:41:50
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica » spriggy, posted by MidnightBlue on March 21, 2006, at 22:51:46
Hey there,
I take hydrocodone for fibromyalgia and Chronic Epstein Barr.
My main symptom that the hydrocodone helps is this general "achiness" that I get by mid afternoon. I can only describe as the feeling you get when you have the flu. You know that overall just icky, achy, blah feeling?
I have that nearly daily; especially when I exercise or assert myself at all. It's annoying.
My dr. insists I can't get addicted on the hydrocodone if I take it only when I'm in pain- some days I don't take it all, other days, I take 2 or 3 pills.
I usually cut mine in half ( 5/500) and if the half doesn't help, I'll take the whole thing.
It's about the only thing that helps enough to keep me functioning so I can care for my children.
Have you considered asking for something like that for pain? I know some doctor's are freaked out by it but mine is very sensitive to pain issues.
What is your RX?
Posted by MidnightBlue on March 29, 2006, at 15:32:29
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica » MidnightBlue, posted by spriggy on March 28, 2006, at 23:41:50
So far just arthritis and back problems and nodules in the thyroid and etc. etc. etc. I'm falling apart! LOL They have been trying Ultracet in addition to Celebrex.
MB
Posted by depressed2 on April 23, 2006, at 18:29:17
In reply to my experience with lyrica, posted by spriggy on March 21, 2006, at 18:52:28
Posted by DanBo on May 4, 2006, at 11:54:50
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica (nm), posted by depressed2 on April 23, 2006, at 18:29:17
I have Fibromyalgia, Gout, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue , Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux, amongst other ailments. I have been using Oxycodone and Aleve, in combination when the pain gets "unbearable only". I have extreme sensitivities to all pain and inflammatory meds. My Dr. put me on Lyrica at half the normal dose to start. After four days I had to stop taking it because I was unable to sleep and was dizzy and nauseated all the time, and unable to function in any mental capacity. This happens with the Oxycodone also, to some extent, but I only take it a couple of days or three at the most.
I have however just started a treatment that is doing miracles for me. I am receiving Chelation Therapy, for the heavy metals in my blood and vitamins along with the EDTA, twice a week and also having Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments done. From the very first adjustment I walked out of the office almost completely pain free, when I could barely even walk into the office. Do yourself a big favor and find a reputable Cervical Chiropractor.
DanBo
Posted by MISABONZAI on June 22, 2006, at 17:52:26
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica, posted by DanBo on May 4, 2006, at 11:54:50
I am sorry to here about all the misfortune everyone is having with Lyrica. I myself am having a different reaction I have severe nerve damage due to a ruptured disk. Coupled with Hydrocodone the lyrica has helped eliviate my depression and pain drasticly on the other hand my wife has "female problems" and the Lyrica has done nothing for her. She has gained moodieness and a little dizzieness from it though. I believe everyone can't get the same results from the same drugs everyone has there own chemical makeup and what may work for you may not work for someone else. So I say just give it a shot it might work for you if you are lucky, I know I would do anything to get rid of this pain and Lyrica got me one step closer to feeling better, not perfect just better. I hope everyone finds a drug or treatment that works for them.
Posted by Brandibam on June 29, 2007, at 6:43:15
In reply to The good the bad the ugly with lyrica, posted by MISABONZAI on June 22, 2006, at 17:52:26
Hi There,
I don't know where you are all from but I am from Australia............I started Lyrica 2 weeks ago on 75mg once a day.....with no problems..........I have just had to increase my dose to 150mg aday and feel drunk......However..have just found out to split my doses so there is not such an impact on the brain in one dose......yes........to the other people who gave up after 1 week............You need your body to get used to it......and accept it.......maybe like an anti-depresseant if you have been of those........if you gave up after a week............you are missing out........I have never had such good nights sleep without pain in 3 years........and am willing to work through the initial side-affects........for my body to get used to the drug for the benefits.........there is no quick-fix and YES I am a Professional Person and feel every morning for the first 3 hours that I feel like I have just drunk a bottle of Bourbon, and it slowly wears off during the day to where I feel maybe the effects of 1 Valium and I still find I can function if you ALLOW your common sense and Logic to take charge and NOT YOUR Paranoia over the medication to takeover.....Maybe you are Over medicated on other drugs........Who Knows..........but my Neurologist wants me to to up the dose to 300 mg over an 8 week period and I look forward to it as after 27 years of pain due to an Unspecifeid Polyneuritis for which I have had to learn to walk ,talk and write again 3 times in my life (including Life-Support) and sufferred from unimaginable pain where my nerve endings become raw 1000 or more at a time.......in any given hour .......in any part on my body.............This is looking a great option.........Give it time.......I am................I look forward to any responses...............
Posted by cleopatraroxy on October 5, 2007, at 18:11:08
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by kerria on March 21, 2006, at 14:27:02
> Hi,
> Just a few days ago i tried Lyrica- my dr wanted me to try it saying that i 'would be better off' since i take pain medications. My pain is so severe from pudendal nerve entrapment that there isn't any way not to take them- i can't even be late with a dose without being in terribly bad pain.
>
> The dr tried me on a low dose- just 25 mg and adding it slowly to build up.
> In just two days it was too hard for me to drive. i felt ok but made all kinds of mistakes on the road- things i never would do. i came so close to having a bad accident- inches away when switching lanes. Lyrica disrupted my thinking and reasoning ability so much. Once i was confused whether i was going the right way on an entrance ramp. i had to stop taking Lyrica. Even at that early time- after a day- it felt that the burning part of my pain was better. The pain meds don't help all of the pain. It's not safe though for me to take Lyrica. i also felt a little shaky with it, a little anxious, too.
>
> Be extra careful if you drive.
>
> Take care,
> kerriayou need to give it more time. a few days isn't enough. those side affects will pass. i've been on it for 3 weeks and find it great. best pain relief i've had. don't drive until they have passed.
Posted by cleopatraroxy on October 5, 2007, at 18:15:11
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by cleopatraroxy on October 5, 2007, at 18:11:08
is anyone else having trouble with weight gain on lyrica?
Posted by Lonely on October 5, 2007, at 22:43:40
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by cleopatraroxy on October 5, 2007, at 18:15:11
I gained a little weight in the short time I was on it. I started just throwing it away. I'm not sorry I did it either.
That much of an effect on the mind is dangerous - I couldn't wait a month to find out if my circuits are blown permanently in my brain. It's just too dangerous.
I've taken about 2-3 mgs of Elavil a few times too for pain and found it really screws up my thinking and speech. I've heard that SSRIs can cause permanent change in the way messages are transmitted in the brain and since my mind is my best asset I have little need to let go of it.
Recently I discovered (for the nth time, really) that I have extremely high inflammation in my body. I don't think that Lyrica really works for that.
> is anyone else having trouble with weight gain on lyrica?
Posted by cleopatraroxy on October 6, 2007, at 2:27:31
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental » cleopatraroxy, posted by Lonely on October 5, 2007, at 22:43:40
> I gained a little weight in the short time I was on it. I started just throwing it away. I'm not sorry I did it either.
>
> That much of an effect on the mind is dangerous - I couldn't wait a month to find out if my circuits are blown permanently in my brain. It's just too dangerous.
>
> I've taken about 2-3 mgs of Elavil a few times too for pain and found it really screws up my thinking and speech. I've heard that SSRIs can cause permanent change in the way messages are transmitted in the brain and since my mind is my best asset I have little need to let go of it.
>
> Recently I discovered (for the nth time, really) that I have extremely high inflammation in my body. I don't think that Lyrica really works for that.
>
>
> > is anyone else having trouble with weight gain on lyrica?
>
> i've had a lot of trouble trying to think of words, they just won't come to me. i've been wondering if lyrica was the cause. i guess it is. but it's a shame because pain wise it was helping a lot. but i've decided to give it up anyway because of the cost and weight gain
Posted by Brandibam on October 6, 2007, at 5:52:16
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental » Lonely, posted by cleopatraroxy on October 6, 2007, at 2:27:31
In answer to the post today on Lyrica............Yes had all the above side-effects..........then found out to stagger my doses during the day and not take them all at night or in the morning........as I was in the same boat and I am a Professional in my chosen career........so it was causing some major problems for me............I started on 75mg Lyrica once a day and couldn't cope.........I am now up to 4 a day ( 3 months on) and find the difference in my life amazing.........yes I have gained weight.......but a small price to pay to get a handle on my pain.....Most days now I only take three........I have one in the morning.........then at about 1pm..........then at about 4pm...............I never ever take them after 7 pm at night as if I do I end up with the dis-orientation feeling......(must have something to do with lying down and not moving about with them in your system........)......After taking a variety of Anti-depressants over the years I find the side-effects of this drug comparable if less than some of those.......with the effect of bufferring the intense pain I have endured since 1981.............I have tried everything and at the end of the day there is still nothing out there to stop the pain except morphine and remember that all those medications are addictive and only "Numb the Brain" so you don't feel the pain......you have to accept the pain and decide what degree of pain you can live with for the rest of your life and take what's available till something new comes along.......Talk to your Doctor.......staggerring the medication worked for me.............it doesn't completely stop the pain but makes life liveable and definately takes the "edge and sharpness" out of it.............I hope it wasn't just a GP that prescribed this to you as here in my Country only Specialists can prescribe Lyrica and a Good Neurologist can work with it with you..........Kindest Regards
Posted by Toothy on November 27, 2007, at 11:58:15
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by Brandibam on October 6, 2007, at 5:52:16
> In answer to the post today on Lyrica............Yes had all the above side-effects..........then found out to stagger my doses during the day and not take them all at night or in the morning........as I was in the same boat and I am a Professional in my chosen career........so it was causing some major problems for me............I started on 75mg Lyrica once a day and couldn't cope.........I am now up to 4 a day ( 3 months on) and find the difference in my life amazing.........yes I have gained weight.......but a small price to pay to get a handle on my pain.....Most days now I only take three........I have one in the morning.........then at about 1pm..........then at about 4pm...............I never ever take them after 7 pm at night as if I do I end up with the dis-orientation feeling......(must have something to do with lying down and not moving about with them in your system........)......After taking a variety of Anti-depressants over the years I find the side-effects of this drug comparable if less than some of those.......with the effect of bufferring the intense pain I have endured since 1981.............I have tried everything and at the end of the day there is still nothing out there to stop the pain except morphine and remember that all those medications are addictive and only "Numb the Brain" so you don't feel the pain......you have to accept the pain and decide what degree of pain you can live with for the rest of your life and take what's available till something new comes along.......Talk to your Doctor.......staggerring the medication worked for me.............it doesn't completely stop the pain but makes life liveable and definately takes the "edge and sharpness" out of it.............I hope it wasn't just a GP that prescribed this to you as here in my Country only Specialists can prescribe Lyrica and a Good Neurologist can work with it with you..........Kindest Regards
What total dose do you take per day? You said you take it 3-4 time per day. When do you take the LYRICA. Do you think it has had any anti-anxiety effects or mood lifting effects on you?
Toothy
Posted by JRTuttle4 on December 21, 2007, at 19:44:51
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by cleopatraroxy on October 5, 2007, at 18:15:11
> is anyone else having trouble with weight gain on lyrica?
YES! I take 100 mg twice daily & I can eat a huge meal (until I'm stuffed) & then be hungry within the next hour . . . Some days at work I eat all day long & I keep feeling like I want to eat more! I'm 6'0" & about 165 lbs. so it's not a horrible thing but it's all going to my gut!!!!!
Posted by MOON on March 11, 2008, at 19:07:42
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by JRTuttle4 on December 21, 2007, at 19:44:51
HI
IM ON LYRICA NOW MYSELF. NOW BESIDES THE FACT I TOO WOULD LIKE TO KICK SOMEONE IN THE HEAD, IM ANGRY ALL THE TIME . FEEL LIKE I NEVER EAT. PERCEPTION SKILLS?? GOT MY FIRST EVER TICKET ON IT.. TIRED. NOPE.. DUMBER THEN A BOX OF ROCKS ON IT?? CLOSE MORE LIKE A BOX OF KLEENEX.DOC SAYS TAKE HIGHER AMOUNT YOUR NOT ON ENOUGH. IM TAKING 200 MG A DAY OF THIS. N NOW MY MIND TELLS ME I BETTER NOT FORGET IT.. ITS HABIT FORMING N TOTALLY MIND ADDICTIVE PILL. NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I HAVE TO COME OFF A DRUG.CAUSE MY MIND IS HOOKED.............. I HAVE DYSREGUALTION SPECTRUM SYNDRUM.
Posted by Barbara M on March 13, 2008, at 11:59:15
In reply to Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by Lonely on March 21, 2006, at 12:14:18
Lyrica - My mother was prescribed Lyrica 75 mg twice daily for pain she was experiencing with skin ulcers on her leg. She is a type 2 diabetic and 81 years old. She never showed signs of dementia or not understanding what she reads.
The doctor increased her dosage to 100 mg three daily and she slept most of the day, became incoherent, signed checks illegibly and ordered things she claimed she never ordered. She also claimed that she had won lotteries and contests. She created $3,000 debt to two mail order contests. I am now battling with these mail order companies and returning what she claims were free gifts (which are not).
I have reduced her dosage to 75 mg three daily and she seems to have become more active, less demented and quite surprised of her debt. She is able to comprehend what I tell her and her pain is minimal compared to what she used to feel.
Her ulcers are healing due to another medical procedure. One the last one heals, she will be leaned off of Lyrica.
If only I had realized her problem earlier. I know it was the Lyrica because she is so much better now. She has also gained quite a bit of weight and had swelling which did not help in her healing process. I also have read that Lyrica causes skin problems. Once she was put on the Lyrica, her ulcers were multiplying. She started out with one and then had more than ten.
She experienced falls as well but did not complain of dizziness.
If you are taking this drug, please pay attention to what it is doing to you. Forgetfulness can cost you a lot of money.
Posted by Lonely on March 13, 2008, at 12:21:56
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by Barbara M on March 13, 2008, at 11:59:15
Right on, I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, I take it a step farther and say that if someone is having side effects that are causing dangerous behaviors whether driving or mismanaging money or panic or paranoia ... get off this drug. Eventually I believe there will be more of the truth coming out about the dangerous side effects. Right now it's too new and the pharmaceutical company is getting the return on their investment. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of some of us who should not be on it. Here's a thumbs up to you for recognizing the problem and taking control. You did the right thing.
> Lyrica - My mother was prescribed Lyrica 75 mg twice daily for pain she was experiencing with skin ulcers on her leg. She is a type 2 diabetic and 81 years old. She never showed signs of dementia or not understanding what she reads.
>
> The doctor increased her dosage to 100 mg three daily and she slept most of the day, became incoherent, signed checks illegibly and ordered things she claimed she never ordered. She also claimed that she had won lotteries and contests. She created $3,000 debt to two mail order contests. I am now battling with these mail order companies and returning what she claims were free gifts (which are not).
>
> I have reduced her dosage to 75 mg three daily and she seems to have become more active, less demented and quite surprised of her debt. She is able to comprehend what I tell her and her pain is minimal compared to what she used to feel.
>
> Her ulcers are healing due to another medical procedure. One the last one heals, she will be leaned off of Lyrica.
>
> If only I had realized her problem earlier. I know it was the Lyrica because she is so much better now. She has also gained quite a bit of weight and had swelling which did not help in her healing process. I also have read that Lyrica causes skin problems. Once she was put on the Lyrica, her ulcers were multiplying. She started out with one and then had more than ten.
>
> She experienced falls as well but did not complain of dizziness.
>
> If you are taking this drug, please pay attention to what it is doing to you. Forgetfulness can cost you a lot of money.
Posted by genuinesweetness on March 13, 2008, at 19:09:50
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental » Barbara M, posted by Lonely on March 13, 2008, at 12:21:56
when I first started Lyrica it seemed like a God send - even though I was a tad high and chatty, I felt great otherwise. Slept great. then at one point I couldn't sleep well so I tried to take it with Flexeril. not a good idea..felt loopy/tired. So I just took the Lyrica.
in the 2nd week the pain started to come back so I had to increase from 75mg to 75mg twice a day and I had only had 2 small memory glitches. I was spacey a few hours after taking it... but all in all I thought I was doing great. Week 3 into week 4 I was irritable, had trouble concentrating, face swelled and knuckles, had cravings, a bit of bloating/weight gain..... pain came back worse so my doc said up it to 75 x 3. Did that for a week but when I went to the store and could not remember if I'd paid for the item, how I had paid for it, etc... I went off Lyrica. It took about 1.5 weeks to get the swelling to go in my face, I no longer have cravings like I did (it's been 2 weeks). The side effects kind of snuck up on me - I didn't notice the small swelling in my face, etc... until it was obvious to everyone else. Seemed to cause more flare ups which meant I had to increase the doses almost weekly (I had been managing very well with minimal flare up prior). Not a good drug.
Posted by lovelyme27 on March 20, 2008, at 23:12:01
In reply to Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by Lonely on March 21, 2006, at 12:14:18
I can't wait until I'm done taking Lyrica...hopefully sooner than later ! :)
I'm taking it for Carpal Tunnel syndrome (both wrists/arms) and I'm having all of the side effects noted on here... I'm angry, drowsy, forgetful.....I would almost rather have the pain instead of the anger. Its awful ! I flipped out yesterday over nothing ! I don't remember having side effects like this while taking Neurontin...
Posted by pkr316 on May 15, 2008, at 19:40:24
In reply to Re: Lyrica side effects - physical and mental, posted by lovelyme27 on March 20, 2008, at 23:12:01
I've been on Lyrica for several months. Initially, I didn't see many side effects but now I'm beginning to wonder if I was just too "out of it" to notice them. But it has gotten entirely out of control & scary! I have had quite a reduction in the fibromyalgia/tender point pain but this will be the last day that I take this drug. I'm am always stumbling, bruises on my arms & legs..and my memory/recall is terrible. I will do something & not be able to remember if I've done it. Going out to find my car in a parking lot can be terrifying. Now I have started getting double vision. Over the last month, I've gone on spending sprees..now I'm getting the credit card bills & I'm shocked. And the hunger is overwhelming... now that I've set down & calculated, I've put on about 30 lbs. & still could eat ice cream three times a day. Because they've adjusted all of my meds, I hadn't really narrowed it down to Lyrica until today. I read the side effects and it was like reading my life for the last few months... and my driving scares me, my focus is so far off. Please be careful with this drug...it can change your entire life.
Posted by pro-tracker on July 10, 2008, at 1:15:54
In reply to my experience with lyrica, posted by spriggy on March 21, 2006, at 18:52:28
I have been fighting severe pain in the legs since my early teens and am now in my mid 40's.This was always marked as "growing pains" and then yhe need for exercise (I leg press 585# at 60 reps and hike). Finally a doctor identified me as having severe B12 related neuropathy and began taking injections for the B12. The problem being the damage was allready done. I am now on 600mg of Lyrica a day. With this I have experienced SEVERE drowsiness and moments of near narcoleptic to include falling asleep at traffic lights and simply setting at the table or my work bench. Weight gain is nowe kicking in and is difficult to control. Anger is more common and requires me to really make mnyself more aware of the situation and think about my response to avoid conflict with Darwin award nominee types. Small bouts of depression have been common all of my life which of course is not that abnormal so it is difficult to see any changes in that. With this I also have a severe problem with dry mouth.
At no time do I recommend that any one stop taking it with out it being medically controlled. Being uninsurable I have to relly on samples at this time which leves me short or out of the medicine at times. Since I anm now at 600mg a day I can tell you the problems I have had by running out and starting back at a later date leaves you in a mental turnover that has left me awake for as much as 48 hours.
Trackermg
Posted by Swing600 on September 5, 2008, at 7:25:38
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica, posted by pro-tracker on July 10, 2008, at 1:15:54
Posted by Swing600 on September 5, 2008, at 7:27:31
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica (nm), posted by Swing600 on September 5, 2008, at 7:25:38
Chronic and accute pain in my feet. Tried Lyrica and had the dizzyness, weight gain. Felt DUMB. Much harder to orgasm. Anyone else have this one? Haven't seen it mentioned. Pain control was not that significant. After maxxed out at 600mg for a while, didn't help at all anymore. I think drug companies are as evil as politicians but not quite as bad as bankers. If a drug will get rid of a headache but will likely give you a stroke, You'll see it advertised on CNN or Faux News or MSNBC. Corporate Media is right up their at the top of the evil scale with the others.
Posted by okydoky on May 27, 2010, at 10:18:23
In reply to Re: my experience with lyrica, posted by Swing600 on September 5, 2008, at 7:27:31
First much harder to orgasm now not at all.
When I first tried it i could not take it because I became suicidal. This year a few months ago I tried it again. Lots of side effects. some depression if I take a bit more, dizzy, a little high like... But my urinary frequency and a lot of the pain was completely gone. I started having a "social" life for the first time in many years. Big deal after a week or so. No orgasm no matter how hard a try. I have been titrating off of it and still nothing. Perhaps the drug I am using instead "tizanidine" causes some problem, maybe it is just fear?You are not alone. I read a few stories on the net. I am a woman. I wonder how long it will take for this affect to go away. I just wanted to allay my frustrations and probably go back on it. I have had no life at all without it so I guess the trade off is worth it. I guess!!
oky
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Health | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.