need some help with new meds - Fibromyalgia Message Board

bevann26 · 02-13-2008, 03:19 AM

i have been on lyrica, salsalate, and flexeril, for 3 mos now. i have gained 10lbs in 3 mos. also been dozing off while eating, sitting up watching tv, reading. i've had cfs several yrs. with fibro, but never to this extent. it's hard to tell if this has helped my fibro, because i have body pain issues from other things too. i asked the rheumy how i could tell what was acting up at the time and he said i can't.
i would love to get any response i could please......i am miserable! bevann

bluelakelady · 02-13-2008, 07:07 AM

hi bev,
sorry you are having a flare. why not wean off your meds and see what happens with the dozing off and the weight? there are other meds for pain you can try during the weaning off period. talk to your doc again about your meds specifically. weight gain with fibro is to be avoided, really avoided and the meds offered often cause weight gain. for myself no med is worth that. it is too hard to lose the weight and i am just getting too old to play teeter totter with my scales.
i don't and won't take lyrica. my doc says there is just not enough knowledge about the drug to make her feel safe giving it to me or any of her patients. i like how cautious she is with new drugs. she is very protective. unique and wonderful in a doctor.
peace,
blue

Backinthesaddle · 02-13-2008, 07:42 AM

Lyrica does have a bad side affect of weight gain, however, the few pounds you may gain is worth it for the relief you can get from Lyrica. I have done a lot of research and found that the weight gain is from the increase in eating not just the medicine. It may slow the metabolism too. I take 225 mg right now of Lyrica and around 300 mg Ultram and about 40 or so mg of Baclafen I started to gain a few pounds so I got moving and cut my diet. I am still around 7 lbs more then I want so am continuing to try. Anyhow, I also was getting those sleepy spells. I would doxe off on the radio (i disatch). I kept energy drinks in my locker and car. I now have no issue with that and actually stay wired all day. Your body has to adjust. I am not sure your dosages though. Is it working for pain? If it is working some continue on and get up and get moving. Even if you hurt you are going to hurt whether you are sitting watching tv or talking a stroll at the mall or around the park.

1sunny1 · 02-13-2008, 07:52 AM

Hi Bevann, I take 150 mg of lyrica in the morning and 150 mg at night. I am also on Cymbalta, and Flexeril, which I take at bedtime. The flexeril will make you very sleepy so try to take it at night. The Lyrica to me is a wonder drug. And, yes, it has made me gain weight, not from being hungry, in fact I am not hungry at all most of the time, I think it changes the chemistry in your body and you gain weight. The Lyrica has made me feel so much better that I have joined a gym to counter act the weight gain. So, hang in there, it is a great drug.

Sunny

bevann26 · 02-14-2008, 05:23 AM

thanks so much for your replies. i take 150mg lyrica 3xday, 10mg flexeril 3xday, 1500 mg salsalate 2xday. i also take 10mg percocette and 10mg valium for flareups, whether it be fibro, or my other bone and spine problems.i usually stay at my ideal weight of 140, with the new meds, in 3 mos time i am at 153...5'4 tall.
my body problems and diabetes need me to stay at a healthy weight. i have an appt. with my rheumy 2/22, and will talk to him once again. both him and my gp think i should be leveled out now, and start losing the weight and not being tired. well, guess what, not happening!
i have been in a bad flare for a few days, could be arthritis/joint disease/my spine/fibro, or everything put together.
hoping less pain for everyone......bevann