Lyrica question - Pain Management Message Board

BlueSteam · 03-09-2007, 08:19 AM

Hi Everybody, it's been a while--I hope everyone is doing better or at least coping. I did go off the topamax for my migraines and nerve pain about six months ago and while my headaches are still under control, the nerve pain is getting unbearable again. My primary gave me lyrica and promised that there was no s/e's. Now, I do know better than that, but...I am concerned after checking up on it. The s/e's from the topa are still getting me...hair loss, memory problems, etc. So, I'm a little worried starting something else. Has anyone taken lyrica? I'm really interested in the usual s/e's. I really want to get back to work, and yet I'm worried the med will hold me back. Any stories would be great.

Take Care,
Blue

BlueSteam · 03-09-2007, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the reply. It is sounding a lot like topamax to me. I am still having memory problems, reading is hard, and hair is still falling out. I did read that weight gain is a problem for lyrica and I don't need that. I've gained 10lbs since my injury as it is. I hope you let your dr know what's going on. You didn't scare me! I've been thru a lot worse

Thank you

enie · 03-09-2007, 07:11 PM

I wish I could take lyrica.
I tried it last year and it really helped the pain. For me, it was the first time in 23 years that my left ear pain had almost stopped. Wow! it was so nice. It also helped part of my back pain and the damaged nerves in my leg for an old break.
For me, the drunk felling goes away after a couple of weeks.
But sorry to say; I had to stop taking it because it caused me to retain fluid and I ended up with fluid around my heart, so I had to stop taking it, sadly. I tried taking it three times but the same thing happened each time...bummer...
enie

Katirina · 03-09-2007, 09:25 PM

I am taking Lyrica for pain from severe spinal stenosis. I also have had migraines for about 32 years and taken topomax but it made my hair fall out and my hands would shake, etc. I got off the topomax and now try amitripyline ( I took it about 10 years ago but the dr was out of meds I had taken). It actually is helping my migraines. I have Fiorinal w/Coedine to take when I feel one coming on and it helps also (it really is the only meds that has ever helped with my migraines). I have been taking Lyrica 150 mg twice a day for about 2 months now and I don't think it helps me at all. The dr said I might notice if I go off it but I doubt it because my pain is so bad nothig really helps. I have not felt tired at all from Lyrica but I know my SIL took only 75mg and felt very weird and had to stop. BlueSteam: I am so glad you got help at the ER as sometimes they don't even treat you. Perhaps you will be able to get some relief now. I sure hope so.

BlueSteam · 03-12-2007, 08:40 AM

Enie, I did read about developing fluid around your heart and that is one thing that is bothering me about this med. I don't trust my primary enough to start taking this med...she's not quick to identify problems. She put me on a new med once and two weeks into it I saw her because of incontrolable shaking. She told me to learn to live with it. Four days later I was in the ER because I couldn't breath, was covered in hives literally from head to toes and my face was swollen beyond recognition. That's been over a year ago, and I still don't feel quite myself. So, I have little trust or faith in her.

Katrina, Topamax worked miracles on my migraines and headaches. I didn't realize how much it was helping my nerve pain until I quit taking it. If only we could get that kind of relief without loosing our hair and "marbles"

You must have me mixed up with someone else on going to the ER--sorry. I haven't been to the ER since my allergic reaction (above) (and yes, they were very helpful at that time

)

Thanks for your advice!!