Anyone taking Lyrica?

I went to the rhuematologist yesterday and he put me on Lyrica as a precautionary drug.  They have not determined yet I have fibromyalgia yet, but they are trying to rule out other problems such as arthritis.  I was wondering how long it takes to get the full effect of this medication.  Do you take it during the daytime and does it make you sleepy?  My doc told me to start only taking it at night and after one week whether  could take it during the daytime as well.  Has anyone had any weight gain with this medication?

I have been taking the Lyrica for about 2 weeks,  I have Lymphedema in my left arm as a result of a lumpdeckmy from breast cancer.  I have noticed that the deep down bone pain has gone away fromt his arm.  i also  have Fibromyalgia(have been diagnosed with that for about 8 years) I take a various medicines for the pain, daroset, lodine.  Like I said since adding the Lyrica the deep pains in my hip joints and legs do seem to be going away.  I have also have the weaight loss surgery and had gained weight back which I am working on to get rid of again. So I am well aware of any weight gain that I may have with the Lyrica.  I have not noticed any.  I am taking the 75 mg twice a day at the same time each day.  I work so I must deal with any side effects and go on.

Hopes this helps anyone considering adding Lycria.  I would recommend it as of now.

 

 

I have RA and Fibromyalgia and just started Lyrica a few days ago. I was switched from Neurontin. I haven't noticed any improvements yet and the side effects so far have been dry mouth and dizziness. I'll keep you posted.

I have been taking Lyrica for over a year now.  I was overweight when i started taking it and my weight has not gone up.  It hasn't gone down much either, which is why I am seeking WLS.  I noticed effects the very next day after starting to use it.  And I REALLY notice how helpful it is if I forget to refill and run out.  It does a good job on the pain I have from osteoaerthritis, degenerative disc disease with entrapped nerves causing what's termed radiculopathy or "sciatica", neuropathic pain.  I have no drowsiness on it, bit some folks do.  It's not for everyone.  I titrated up slowly on it, and now take 75 3 x daily.  I can get away with 2x day so that is what I do now.  I accidentally took it twice last night and ended up having to stay home today feeling all loopy, so be careful.  That's why i have to use my pill organizer to keep track.  The side effects listed include increased appetite, but that does not happen in all cases.  If anything, for me I ate less because I stopped trying to distract myself from the pain with eating something soothing.  I have had a good experience with Lyrica.  I hope it helps.

I took it for a short time for fibromyalgia.  At first I slept all the time.  When I finally got through that and was able to wake up enough to take my meds, I had a reaction from Lyrica and my BP meds that was a horrible case of hives.  In addition, my hands, wrists, face and neck were very swollen.  My doctor switch me to neurontin (sp), which caused the same swelling problems.  I had to stop taking it.  I hope you do better!

I appeared to be starving all the time with Lyrica.  I refuse to gain weight and quit. After the increase in hunger, I never even gave it a chance. I totally backed away.  Try Tramadol- It works well for me and no weight  gain.Kim M.

Back in September of 2007, I stopped taking the Lyrica after about three weeks as I saw no improvement.  My doc started me on 75 mg once daily for a week and then 75 mg/twice day.  I did it for three weeks and noticed no difference in the pain.  I went for several months suffering terrible pain.  I have been taking so much ibuprofen (at least 6 - 8 per day) as well as Tramadol (6/day) and still the pain was barely manageable.  For some reason the Tramadol was not really doing anything for me.   I am scared about taking so much ibuprofen for so long but the pain was unbearable.  I finally did my own research and decided my rheumatologist was not giving me enough Lyrica, so I called him and told him I wanted to try 300 mg/day.  However, I am starting back slowly, taking 75mg three times a day, and for the most part I am getting relief.  At this point, I am down to 2 ibuprofen a day and not necessarily using the Tramadol unless it is a bad day.    I am noticing a bit more hunger but my band is revolting and making me throw up what I can't keep down.  Kind of like "God doing for me what I can't do for myself!!!"  I had the flu a couple of weeks ago and lost 5 pounds and I am sure I probably put it back on since then with this Lyrica, so be careful out there!   I have spent so much $$$ at doctor's offices trying to find out what was wrong with me and initally I thought it was Fibromyalgia but they had to run every test under the sun to eliminate everything else, so after almost a year of pain I am now starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I wonder if my doctor can give me a presciption for a hot tub.  I know that would help me so much.  Seriously, I got a prescription from my chiropracter for one of those air beds, and I didn't have to pay tax.  Every bit helps.  Now I just have to talk my wonderful husband into it.  I also wouldn't mind a handicapped sticker to use on those days when I can barely walk!!

Patti,

I have been battling with fibro for just over two years now and the only thing that is helped me so far is celebrex and flexeril at night so I am able to sleep instead of tossing and turning in pain.  I still have flare-ups and have to add skelaxin or tramadol on bad days but the Celebrex has helped quite a bit.  You might check with your doctor about it.  I have not had WLS but am thinking it might help with lowering the pain and stress on my joints if I get to my ideal weight or close to it.  I have gained at least 20 pounds since diagnosed because of the pain and lack of energy.   The warmer weather always helps my fibro with less flare-ups--so come on summer! 

Amy

I have a sticker, a hot tub, and take 225mg. of Lyrica twice a day.  If I don't take the Lyrica I absolutely know it.  But, in the 4 months I was first on it, I gained 30 pounds.  Those 30 pounds were the final straw in the decision to get a lapband.  Now they are off, plus more, and I'm grateful.  I did get sleepy, but that passed.  I tried 75 for 3 days, then went up to 150 for a week, then after a month, I went up to three morning and night.  But as long as you are careful, you won't gain the weight.  I just happened to gain the weight over Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Julie