New Fibro Drug: Lyrica

[Kandra]

The drug Lyrica has been approved by the FDA. Has anyone here tried it yet?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/290654/lyrica_the_new_fibromyalgia_medication.html
There's optimistic news on the horizon for fibromyalgia sufferers! A new fibromyalgia medication has just been approved by the FDA for treatment of this painful and frustrating condition.
What is fibromyalgia? It's is an arthritis like condition that causes diffuse muscle pains and excessive fatigue in the sufferer. Surprisingly enough, it affects as many as 2-3% of the general population, primarily middle aged women, and is an important cause of missed days from work and loss of productivity. Previously, there hasn't been an FDA approved fibromyalgia medication available to treat this condition. Prior treatments for fibromyalgia, focusing on reducing levels of pain through pain management, have been relatively ineffective in most patients. Plus, new treatments have been difficult to develop as the cause of this perplexing disease is still unknown.

Fortunately, the FDA just announced the approval of a new fibromyalgia medication called Lyrica to treat the symptoms of this condition.. Interestingly enough, this is not a new drug to the medical community.It's been used to treat a variety of other conditions unrelated to fibromyalgia including pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, pain associated with shingles and treatment of partial seizures. This would be the drug's first approval specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Before approving this drug, the FDA looked at the results of randomized, controlled, double-blind studies on over 1800 people before giving their support and approval for the use of Lyrica in fibromyalgia patients. This fibromyalgia medication was shown to decrease pain levels in patients affected with the condition as well as improve their ability to carry out their daily activities. Reduction in pain levels were seen as early as the first week of treatment and were associated with significant improvement in sleep patterns as well as improvement in levels of fatigue experienced during the daytime hours. Adverse effects included difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and daytime sleepiness. There were also some reports of visual changes, weight gain, and dry mouth in patients enrolled in the studies. The side effects experienced by the patients in the studies appeared to be dose dependent.

Could this be the answer that fibromyalgia sufferers have been looking for? It's too early to tell, but the preliminary test results look optimistic. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, you may want to ask your family doctor to tell you more about this newly approved fibromyalgia medication and ask him or her if it would be right for you.

[suze_c]

My pain specialist wanted to give me lyrica for painful legs. I think it is also prescribed for restless legs syndrome.Reading about it- I also see it is originally an anti-seizure med, and can have weight gain as a possible side effect...:(

[Kandra]

I saw that, too. I take a lot of nsaids which do the same thing. I think that most of us do. I wonder if anyone here has tried it and if the weight gain is worse than other meds. I know when I was on cortisone I gained A LOT. Some of the drugs seem to be worse than the others at packing on the pounds. I wanted to hear from some people before I started it since I really struggle to lose an ounce.

[Fernie]

Hi there,

I've been on Lyrica for three months for treatment of partial simple seizures related to a brain tumor. Though it has helped with both the seizures and my fibro pain, I have gained 15 pounds. This while actively "watching" my diet. I have to stay on Lyrica because of the seizures, but watching the pounds piling on is depressing.

It's definitely a mixed bag.

[rfscala]

I had one of my specialist doctors give me a prescription for Lyrica last week. After reading plenty of info it seemed like I had a 50/50 chance of getting some relief....however, what I noticed is that the people who have problems with it are generally on a much higher dosage (300 mg) and/or started Lyrica with a high dose right away.
I started the first two days with a 70mg pill split into 3 parts over the morning, then I added a 70mg pill split into 3 parts over the afternoon. Since they are capsules, I have to dump them out onto a paper and split the contents into piles, then eat one at a time. Luckily it does not taste bad.
In this way I have avoided any side effects so far. I was most concerned with tiredness and weight gain. The tiredness has not been an issue and so far I am still losing weight. I plan to increase my dose only to the point that the benefits outweigh any problems.
Frankly, I have had more weight gain with methadone, antidepressants, and various nsaids over the years. Needless to say, I don't take them anymore.
I have begun to feel better, though it is early to say. But since I have been bedridden from this for nearly 4 years (except for occasional good periods) I am willing to try my damnedest to make this work...or make something work.
My goal is to take the least amount of some drug that makes my life as close to normal as possible.
-Robin

[ruthla]

I was just prescribed this yesterday, and I picked up my prescription but I haven't taken it yet. I'm still not sure if I'm going to.

At the very least, I'll probably wait until Friday night to take it, so if it makes me very dizzy, tired, or unco-ordinated I won't have to drive anywhere the next day.

It just makes me nervous that the medication designed to treat pain can excaberate the other fibro symptoms. I'm also worried about the weight gain.

[NfldArtist]

I have been taking Gabapentin (Neurontin) for a couple of years when I could afford it. 75 Canadian a month. My doctor told me about Lyrica last year. It cost 120 canadian for the same prescrip but doc told me that a person needs less of a dose. I ddin't find any difference except the cost so I went back to Gabapentin. By the way Gabapentin is the generic drug in both brands. When I had to go without the pills I would get terrible pain in my shoulders and neck and feeling low so I know it works. No side effects for me other than spaciness at times. Oh..and I finally got my drugs approved so they are free to me now.

[SissyPoo]

My doctor put me on Neurotin aandd muscle relaxers for my fibro but I cannot tell it is doing anything for the pain yet.
I have been on it for two months now. I do not see him againn until next month.
This new drrug out called Lyrica, has it done anything for you who have taken it?
.

[Vanessa =)]

I have been Lyrica for my chronic pain for about a year now. I take 200mg 3 times a day. I also take Ultram ER (extended-release) at 300mg 1 at bedtime.
I have been dealing with pain for over 9 years (I have nerve damage and all sorts of other pain) and have finally found these to help somewhat. Even though I still have some pain if I forget to take a dose and the meds wear off.....The pain is unbearable! So I know they work for me. Finally after trying about 30 different drugs, my Pain Dr. and I found something that is working. =)

[Gailew]

I was put on 25mg of lyrica about 2 months ago, and seemed to do well on it, so it was upped to 50mg last month. I got really dry mouth, and my mind is doing funny things.

I'm taking so many meds now, it's hard to know what's causing problems. I was cut back down to 25mg of lyrica last week, and already the dry mouth is gone. I'm still having trouble watching tv or driving (I get very drowsy immediately), so another week should tell if lyrica is to blame for that.

My weight hasn't been a problem, but then I'm on a real low dose. I have noticed more pain the last few days--rats!

[SissyPoo]

Kandra, my doctor just put me on Lyrica Friday when I saw him.
I am hoping it will work because I hurt all over. I was hurting so bad on Friday when I saw him I know he seen how bad this fibo makes me feel.
I am praying it will work.
Has anyone here been on it for awhile and how did it work for you?

[goose70]

Hello. I just wanted to add that my experience with Lyrica has been wonderful. I take 25mg in the morning and 50mg at bedtime. My doctor says she gets an ear full from the pharmicutical reps because they want it prescribed at 300mg starting and building up. I believe it should be based on the patient and their tolerance. I have to say NO WEIGHT GAIN!! I have more energy and rest better. I have had Fibro since 92 and I thought nothing would make it better. Thankfully, I was wrong :)
If anyone is considering giving it a try, I would encourage you to do so.