My Lyrica journey continues.

Have only taken two capsules, two separate days, wonderfully effective for cutting my pain, but when it wears off, I become an absolute Dragon!

Gives me a thumping headache, feel like I could kill something and the pain returns.

I feel like I'm in the film 'Awakenings'.

All i need is different colour tiles on the kitchen floor.

So my question is, I can see this becoming a dependancy to reach for the magic pill, not only to prevent the headache, but to keep the pain under control. Is it worth it? What is it really doing to me? What would you do?

Im not really sure if this applies to what your talking about, but, I turn into a "dragon" myself when I take ivsm. I get mean and violent when Im on it. I cant stand the feeling I get so I told neuro I will not be taking it ever again. I would rather wait out a flare then take ivsm ever again.

Hello offinthedistance,

Medication; what types, when and how much are always a tough call. In the end, we all need to make these decisions in consideration of our own situation, our observations and the information that we have.

For example, there have been times that I would have almost sold my soul to be free of the pain from TM or the full on flexor spasms that sometimes hit in the legs because most medications are a double edged sword for me. This is because I also have regional enteritis and have had a large portion of intestine already removed. Many medications affect intestinal integrity and can send that inflammatory condition into an acute stage with its own host of hellish symptoms.
Similarly, I also must keep a watchful eye on compromised liver function which is due to past peritonitis and the heavy hitter medications and treatments that went with that. Subsequently, the liver is not as good as it is for some when it comes to metabolizing (clearing) medications. Experience has revealed that the liver may also begin to fail in its other functions while taking some medications (most of the opiods).

Recently Baclofen taken at night when spasticity and pain have been keeping me awake too much has helped with relieving those symptoms; but I can not take it every night due a delay in clearing it and the subsequent carry over of its effects on my cognition and coordination into the day time.

Such is the case for many of us who have a particularly severe symptom but must consider a medication's potential effect on other health issues.

So while pain meds do relieve pain, they may at the same time ignite other health issues that one lives with; and that is often a major concern.
Another consideration is how well one functions while taking a particular medication. If it causes too much of an impact on cognition, body coordination or function in other areas, it may not be worth it at times, and at others it may very well be.

Giving careful consideration to these points may help you to decide on a pain relief regime that may involve taking medication at certain times like in the evenings; or you may decide to take something for a bit to see if the side effects wear off (they often do).

It may also take a bit of experimentation with medication type, dose, timing etc before you find something that both works well for you and doesn't 'upset the apple cart'.
Discussing your observations and concerns with your MD and/or pharmacist may be the best way to help you make an informed choice but we are here to share our own experiences as well.

With love, Erika

lyrica isn't a narcotic. i'd discuss this with your dr. perhaps a lower dose would feel better for you but help the pain too.

also, taking a med regularly raises the blood levels in the body. it's called a therapeutic level. that also may help control your pain levels. it's often more effective to control pain than to chase it (only when you have pain).

all good subjects for your dr.

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.