Pregabalin (Lyrica) Yet Another Trial!

Because of current flare doctor has decided to try me on Lyrica again, albeit a slightly lower dose than previous attempts; 300mg per day instead of 600mg last time round which caused horrendous dizziness and a "spaced out" feeling.

Here's what I can source relating to Lyrica and how it is used to treat fibromyalgia - oh, and the potential side effects.

*Fibromyalgia pain is believed to be brought on by nerve-related changes, which cause nerve cells to fire off too many signals. This renders a person overly sensitive to stimuli that are normally not painful.

Scientists aren't exactly sure how Lyrica improves fibromyalgia symptoms, but laboratory research suggests Lyrica helps decrease the number of nerve signals, and as a result calms down overly sensitive nerve cells. This appears to alleviate pain in patients with fibromyalgia.

How Do You Take Lyrica?

When used for fibromyalgia, Lyrica is a capsule that is usually taken in divided doses twice a day. Doses range from 150 milligrams to 450 milligrams a day. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. If you miss taking one capsule, you should take it as soon as possible -- unless it is close to the time when you are supposed to take the next one. Never take two or more at the same time.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Doing so can give you a headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, and sleeping difficulties. If you wish or need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to slowly reduce your dose over time.

The Benefits of Lyrica
Lyrica can quickly reduce pain, improve sleep, and help some people with fibromyalgia function better and get back to their daily routines. (I can't wait! Where's my first dose!!)  In studies, some patients reported significantly less pain after taking Lyrica for only one week. Lyrica, however, may not help everyone with fibromyalgia.

Side Effects of Lyrica
Side effects appear related to how much Lyrica you take. That means the higher your dose of Lyrica, the more likely you may be to have side effects.

The most common side effects are:

• Mild-to-moderate dizziness
• Sleepiness (Already have!!)

Other common side effects include:

• Blurred vision (Already have!!)
• Dry mouth (Get this already!!)
• Swelling of the hands and feet (Yup!!)
• Weight gain (Could do with bulking up!)

Lyrica may also make it hard to concentrate and pay attention, (Just what we need!!) which can make driving dangerous. Ask your doctor if it is OK to drive when taking this medicine. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you.

In rare cases, severe allergic reactions occur. Seek immediate medical help if you have:

• Breathing trouble
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, mouth, gums, lips, tongue, or neck (Hmmm!)

Before You Take Lyrica Always make sure your doctor knows about all the other medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbs and supplements. Some prescription medicines may interact with Lyrica and may lead to dangerous side effects. Such drugs include:

• Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors; taking Lyrica with these medicines increases your chance for swelling and hives.
• Diabetes medicines Avandia (rosiglitazone) or Actos (pioglitazone); if you take these drugs with Lyrica, you may have a higher risk for swelling or weight gain.
• Narcotic pain medicines (such as oxycodone), anxiety medicines (such as lorazepam), and tranquilizers; combining these drugs with Lyrica increases your chances for dizziness and sleepiness.
• Sleep medicines make you nod off, and Lyrica can cause drowsiness. Combining the two can be dangerous.

Do not drink alcohol when on Lyrica. (Bummer!!) Doing so can increase Lyrica's side effects and make you dangerously sleepy. (I haven't slept well for 12 years - surely one can of Stella won't hurt???)

Also tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including:

• Bleeding disorders or low platelet counts
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems or if you receive kidney dialysis (a lower dose of Lyrica is needed if you have kidney problems)

So, a few things to mull over as I start ingesting this particular drug. From memory I don't think I experienced anything other than extreme dizziness last time round.

Has anyone had a really bad reaction to Lyrica? If so, please let me know in the comments below.

*Source: WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/lyrica-for-fibromyalgia-treatment