Lyrica (made by Pfizer) was named one of Time’s top 10 2007 medical breakthroughs. Lyrica is the newly FDA approved, only prescription drug on the market to treat Fibromyalgia. Lyrica, which was already FDA approved to treat epilepsy, neuropathy, and discomfort from shingles, has been a long awaited miracle for many Fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia pain is hard to treat and often does not respond to the traditional painkillers doctors normally prescribe. Lyrica works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Lyrica also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.
Although this drug has been a much answered prayer for some, others I have talked to are experiencing some of the negative side effects that come with most medications. Some of the side effects I have commonly heard about Lyrica include worsening of fatigue, which is something Fibromyalgia patients do not need anymore of!
Side effects from using Lyrica include:
– Muscle pain, weakness and/or tenderness
– Easy bruising or bleeding
– Swelling of hands and feet
– Rapid weight gain
– Dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety
– Blurred vision
– Balance problems
– Memory and concentration problems
– Dry mouth
– Skin rash and itching
– Constipation
– Stomach pain
– Appetite increase
– Joint & muscle pain
I have been taking lryica for 2 years now because I have RSD. But now my muscles and joints hurt. I also cann’t remember anything.
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I don’t know if Lyrica is the medical miracle FM patients are looking for, but at least it’s a start. The medical field and drug companies are recognizing it as a medical condition. That’s one of the best benefits from Lyrica IMO.
I have begun taking Lyrica (200mg) for neuropathy. I have noticed decreased pain, more than with pain-killers. I did gain LOTS of weight however and I am always hungry. I gained about 10 lbs the first week and have gained 20 additional pounds since I started Lyrica in November. I am using exercise and diet to maintain my weight. I have no other bad side effects except constant dry-mouth and sleepiness. It is a good medication, but expensive.
Hi Nadia, Weight gain one reason why I’m afraid to try it. If a side effect of a drug is weight gain, that one always affects me.
I have just started on this drug..50 mg. at night..this for my numbness after chemo therapy..I can see a difference just after one week..I will see later about side effects..none yet..thank you
I had a bad experience with Lyrica. I was on a very low dosage
25 mg , twice a day for 6 months. Over this period I developed
a severe Vitamin D deficiency even though my diet didnt change.
The result was a nightmare. If you dont get enough Vitamin
D – you stop absorbing Magnesium. So I began to experience
terrible bone and muscle pain. I also developed muscle twitches
all over my body due to the low magnesium. My blood calcium
went up – since with no VitaminD, you cant absorb calcium.
Your body starts to take the calcium from your bones – so osteoporosis.
I was placed on Vit D3 , 50,000 units a week plus Ca plus Mg
for 3 months. My D3 went from 9 to 40. So, I am now in the
normal range. I now take 10,000 units of D3 as a maintenance
therapy and the calcium and the magnesium.
I hurt less but the twitches remain.
If you take Lyrica, make sure you take twice the RDA
for Vitamin D3 every day plus calcium.
That is 800 mg of D3 and 1200 mg of Calcium.
You can buy a combo tablet.
The doctors wont tell you this – but hey a low D3 level is very
bad and at least for me LYRICA did it to me.
I wont take Lyrica now – no way.
Sure seems that others are having some significant “side effects”. Is the benefit worth it?
My wife has Epstein Barr and CFS and my friend has fibro. She tried Lyrica but it made her drowsy and the bruising was awful. She often seeks prescription remedies but my wife is going organic, exercising and improving her diet and rest habits. Over time, she is feeling better and experiences less fatigue. I don’t think there is a quick fix for what they have.
Chronic fatigue is not only debilitating for the patient, but it is also difficult to diagnose without multiple tests by your physician. Lyrica could most certainly be welcome news to anyone suffering and in pain from Fibromyalgia.