Hi There Everyone ,

I found your site last this morning while doing some research online for a drug that a Dr. has perscribed for me. He gave me the script and saying only fill it once I felt comfortable with the information I could find after researching it. Well.....I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with what I have found out about it so far.
The medication is LYRICA. I have several health issues that have brought on chronic pain which in turn has now left me chronically depressed. I'm sure most of you are very familiar with this cycle. Going to bed at night is depressing because you know full well in the morning it's another painful vicious cycle again
I've tried several pain management medications of which I have found Topamax to work the best so far. But with me having to go back to work (another long story) I find my pain worsening. I asked this Dr. to increase the Topamax to which he suggested Lyrica. So....here I am now, deciding which route I should go.
The side affect of weight gain from the Lyrica really does scare the heck out of me as I lost 80 lbs 8 yrs ago and have managed to keep most of it off since then with slight ups and downs here and there. I don't work out much in the winter months as the cold weather really makes my body hurt badly. I tend to stay cooped up in the house more.
So...after reading many many posts here in this forum, I've pretty much decided to stick with the Topamax.
Thanks for all the information and good luck to everyone here!

Pebbs

Hi Pebbs...love your name. *grin Welcome to Neuro Talk. Here is the link to our Chronic Pain forum...........

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html

I'm glad you've found us!.

And I love the cute pup in the picture (but I am a rather doggy person).

You mention not only Lyrica (Pregabalin) but also having taken Topomax (which often has weight loss as a side-effect, unlike most of the other anti-seizure meds which tend to result in carb craving and gain). Do you suffer from seizures of any kind, or from neuropathic pain (as these medications can be prescribed in both situations)?

Thanks Glenntaj! But I take the Topamax for Fibromyalgia and Degenerative Joint Disease. Ive tried several other medications, to which the Topamax has by far worked the best. I lost the weight long before going on Topamax...lol...I wish I had known Topamax had such a side affect as possible weight loss. I do know of another gal that takes it and has never had an issue with weight loss, so I don't know if that is true for everyone that takes it or not. Thanks again, Pebbs.

Hi Pebbs! Sorry you are having such a time of it. I took Lyrica for a little while, but it made me feel "loopy" for lack of a better term, however, I didn't notice weight gain at all. My DD started Topamax about 6 wks ago for severe migraines. She is having alot of side effects from the Topamax such as weight loss and stomach problems.

I wasn't aware it was RX'd for Fibro, as I have Fibro myself. I know several people who take Lyrica and swear by it, so guess I would say maybe you should at least "try it". Good luck and I'm glad you found us.

Pebbs,

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