Talk to me about Lyrica

[orangeflutie]

Hi I've just been prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain. I've been taking other painkillers but they have little effect and the pain is really starting to get me down. I'm considering taking the Lyrica but have read the leaflet and the list of side effects and I'm really worried.

How bad are the side effects and more importantly does it work?
Would really appreciate advice and experiences. Thank you

Itsmecathy I wondered about a pain clinic but have been hoping my pain wouldn't last too long.

The pain seems more noticeable today so have asked my doctor if I can take more Lyrica. She's said I can now take 50mg three times a day but need to increase it slowly.

I'm just desperate for some relief today and I'm counting the hours until I can have the new increased dose. Meanwhile I'm having a glass of wine. I know I'm not supposed to but I will only have one glass and what the hell it might help me relax and stop me thinking about the pain.

PS my dsis recommends yoga and so long as I can find a good beginners course at the right time I'll
give it a go.

Good luck! It's worth pursuing pain clinic because you can cancel appointments if it isn't long term pain

I was on Lyrica at unbelievably high doses for Trigeminal Neuralgia. Once under control my gp switchedme to gabapentin (cheaper) and I have been on it for over 5 years now. It works for nerve pain , but you are doped to hell on large doses..I saw imaginary mice in the lino!!!!! However it does settle over time!

I now have the TN under control but the meds also help with back/hip nerve pain. The only down side is I am dependent on it to sleep. without it... no sleep!

Wow seeing Mice is a bit alarming Glad your pain is under control now. I'm now taking 3 x 50mg and I think things are improving. Last night I slept very well, can't imagine how sleepy you must get on much higher doses! Being able to sleep is lovely but as you say I expect when you reduce the dose again you get problems. I'm still taking codydramol and dosulepin as well so do worry a bit that I'm getting too dependent. Still at least it seems to be helping for now so that's the main thing.

I saw the physio yesterday and he also thinks I might be getting better so fingers crossed

Well it's been a few days now on the new dose and things are better. The pain seems to be lessening. It's still worse at the end of the day but not so unbearable as it was. The only noticeable side effect of the Lyrica is constipation and difficulty getting up in the morning, I'm so sleepy. All manageable though so feeling happier

?? I'm so pleased for you!

Thanks Itsmecathy. Not so good today though, may have spoken too soon I decided last night not to take codydramol as pain wasn't so bad. Unfortunately it led to me not sleeping so well, meaning I tossed and turned a bit aggravating my neck/arm which has set the pain off again.

Probably a mistake not taking codydramol but wanted to see if I could manage without as my stomach has been suffering and fed up with having to take movicol! Heyho have now got to get through today... Roll on Tuesday when I get more physio.

Just coming back to report that things are improving. Pain in arm has gone, neck still stiff but I think it is getting better and I'm still having physio.

I've been cutting down on my Lyrica dose slowly and have spoken to my doctor about this. Was just wondering if any of you have anything to share about coming off Lyrica? I'm finding I'm feeling a bit depressed but really want to persevere with it.

As with all these things take it very slowly. Maybe taper off in a the reverse of how you built up? So glad you are feeling better. If the pan begins to increase at all it's perfectly ok to stay on the reduced dose for a while before tapering down again. Or even going up, just a question of trying things.

Yes at the moment I've reduced the morning and afternoon dose down from 50mg each to 25mg, but I'm keeping 50mg in the evening for a bit longer as I think this will be the hardest to cut down on. I do tend to have more pain in the evening and night too so I've got to be careful.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm struggling with mood changes more than anything. I'm still taking my ADs but this feels different. I think I've got used to the calming effect of Lyrica but was getting frustrated with the sleepy/lethargic feeling too if this makes sense.