Thank you NurseNancy. Something tells me you took this once too?
I realise it isn't a narcotic but to feel the downer coming on when it wears off makes you reach for another pill. and i have NO IDEA how it works, what it does for my brain and how addicted i will become. I know you have to taper off it. I'm on the lowest 'sample box' dose.
And I dont have a gp who will even listen to me, let alone know the answers to any questions! I'm in a sad place right now.

I think there is a huge difference between being addicted, and being dependent on a medicine. I think Addiction has to do with treating emotional situations or pains with physical meds. dependence has to do with keeping a disease under control. Would you deny yourself insulin if you needed it? A thyroid med? if this is the med that keeps your condition under control so that you can live in your own life, then I say go for it!

It took me a long time to rectify the fact that I WILL need medicinal help for the rest of my life. Whether that is pain control, spastic control, anxiety control...its always going to be something. now my iphone has a med box with a timer on it. it rings for me when its time to get the next dose.

likely to be addicted- No I would not touch it with a ten foot pole

likely to need it long term for treating some chronic issue- maybe, would ask questions about the ramifications & risks. For example I take thyroid medicine because I need it to function but I don't get high from it.

QUOTE: "And I dont have a gp who will even listen to me, let alone know the answers to any questions!"

A lot of excellent information can be obtained by speaking with a pharmacist. At least where I live (BC Canada), you can call ahead to a pharmacy, make an appointment to meet with a pharmacist and then sit down with them in private to discuss medications, side effects, interactions etc.

I have done this on a few occasions to address concerns regarding taking new medications that might have side effects on a seemingly unrelated medical condition. In one instance, the newly prescribed medication was in fact contra-indicated due to the potential of liver failure; but a substitute without that side effect was recommended and worked out just fine.

It might be worth a try to see a pharmacist to address you concerns. They might even be able to suggest something that works well without the side effects that concern you.

With love, Erika

dear off,

don't give up. keep searching for a better dr. how did you get the med to begin with? asking the pharmacist is a great idea. also, when you pick up a med at the pharmacy they have to give you info on it. if you want to dig deep ask for the manufacturer's handout. that gets technical but has "everything" on the med.

do you have a neuro? this isn't a med you can just take here and there. it has to be taken regularly no matter what the dose. it's typical with many meds to incrementally advance on a dosage and to come off the same way. otherwise you get side effects. that doesn't mean you're addicted. i don't see how this med could be considered an addictive med but best to ask a pharmacist or dr.

please keep up posted.

Long acting vs short acting meds -

There are long acting meds that need to be taken regularly to be efficient and there are short acting meds that can be used as needed. This issue might be something to look into more for your use.

I'm not sure which category Lyrica is in, but we have a nice Medications & Treatments forum - I believe lyrica as well as many other medications have been posted about quite often. Plus the sticky threads have medication & interaction info links posted.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum72.html

Or you can use the search link in my siggy to search for lyrica posts/threads faster.

My neuro chucked three sample boxes at me to try stating 'I suppose we need to address your pain issues'. And that was it! I've done my research and still don't really 'trust' this med.
Think I'll just stick with my pain killers.
And talk to my lovely pharmacist.
And keep asking questions here.
And hope for the best.

Bad neuro! what a horrible way to introduce someone to a medicine! we want answers! we want to know why this works, how it works, how long will i be on it, why do I need to add another pill...the list goes on! BAD NEURO! no wonder you are worried about taking this pill.

I've tried Lyrica but it was ineffective.

But to answer your question - absolutely not. I would never take something I could become addicted to. Well, never again, if beer and cigarettes count...

Tom

I find it so hard to find a GP or a neuro who will even listen to me let alone help me!!! I think they see 'RN' on my notes and assume I'm drug seeking or whatever.
I never have ANY luck getting anything that might help me!!!!

And I realise the difference between addictive and dependent. I just don't want to have to reach for a pill that I know nothing about, even if it works.

How do you guys get the pills you want/need?