I have been taking pregabalin/Lyrica for some months for seizures, I suffer from several types and my consultant recommended this in addition to carbamezapine and levetiracetam with a view to dropping the last. Since then I have been suffering from swelling of my legs and other side effects. On contacting my doctor he told me that there were no such side effects and to keep taking the tablets, is there anyone out there who has the same problems and what can be done about them.

I also have celiac disease and wonder if there are any correlations between the drugs, my dietician is concerned with the possibility of malabsorbstion which could be causing problems.

Thank you.

--and welcome to NeuroTalk.

There are a couple of places here that it might be a good idea to visit and converse on--the Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity forum is one:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13

I'd pay particular attention to The Gluten File in the Useful Websites section there; it's an enormous database about the subject, including the neurological effects of gluten sensitivity, which includes seizures.

Of course, the Epilepsy board would also be a good place to visit:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=11


--as would the Peripheral Neuropathy board, where there are many people who can speak to the side effects of anti-seizure drugs such as Lyrica (which is as often prescribed for neural pain as it is for seizures):

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

BTW, the side effects you describe are not at all unusual with both Gabapentin and Pregabalin--fluid retention and kidney effects are common. (That doctor needs to read a few more continuing medical education papers.)

Is that a talent, or just a handle? LOL I took Lyrica for a couple of months, and it didn't cause any swelling for me. It did make me feel emotionally worse, which is why I stopped taking it. But many other people have said that Lyrica caused them to put on weight, although I always took this to mean general weight, and not swelling of any part of the body.

There are several good and lengthy threads on Lyrica at this site. If you click on search at the top of the page, and then use the key word Lyrica, I think you'll find plenty of info. In the meantime, I hope someone else comes along who can help you better. Either way, welcome to the site, and I really hope that you like it enough to come back once in a while.

Good Luck!
Idealist

Hi Shapeshifter...welcome to NeuroTalk. I see you have been well taken care of.

Shapeshifter,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

Welcome Shapeshifter. Now, that name might just need an explanation!! I took Lyrica for a short while a couple of yrs ago, but it made me very "loopy" feeling. I know many have good luck w/it, but it just didn't work well w/me.

You'll find alot of good info here, so glad you found us.

Hi, Shapeshifter! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Great name! I can't say it 3 times fast.

I hope that you'll find our community supportive and friendly. Feel free to join in anywhere.