A ? re: s/e's to the long time Lyrica patients. I've been on 100mg twice daily for ~6 months. During that time I've noticed the pitting edema in my legs is now constant and has moved up my calf sufficiently that my legs no longer have real muscle definition. I had pitting edema before the PN but it was localized to the ankles and lower legs and always resolved during the night. I know s/e's of Lyrica can include edema and weight gain - just wondering if other Lyrica users knew of similar experiences.


thanks
Alkymst

what you mean by pitting edema. As you know, I have been on Lyrica since April 2006 and I do not have any edema. The doctor checks me regularly for this. I am gaining some weight, but at this point, I am thinking it is because I am not outside and not near as active as in the summer. My husband and I do walk at the mall, but sometimes weeks will go by when we don't. We need to start walking on a consistent basis to get ourselves ready for summer and yardwork. Once I get outside, I hope to lose the pounds I have put on (~5-8). If not, then I will investigate if it is the Lyrica. I did not have this problem last summer. In fact, I lost almost 20 pounds from April-November. So....time will tell.

I've been on Lyrica since Sept. 2005 & haven't noticed any edema.
But I have gained over 30 lbs. Hunger, carb cravings, sugar/sweets cravings.(I'm not diabetic). Gotta try to diet (and stop smoking too- at 62, it ain't easy).

Bob, gee nearly 18mo and no edema - that's great! I haven't noticed a significant weight gain yet - I'm up a little, maybe 5# but that's more related to less exercise than previously - if I can get my feet and toes "fixed" it would help enormously. In any case I'll keep looking for other causes - thanks for replying.
Alkymst

Hi, my husband had to stop taking Lyrica because it made his legs so swollen. Now he is taking cymbalta.

Just wanted to share info.

Melody

Hi Melody , how is he doing on Cymbalta? Ill be getting either that or effexor next. Im on my way to the ER im pretty sure i broke my big toe though i cant tell you where or how. My feet are entirely numb. I can feel when i step on a pebble it feels like a nail but i cant tell when i hit my foot hard enought to break it...haha....Its black and blue and swollen and i cant move it. It also set off PN pain, stabbing, shocks, and the ever popular getting your toe squeezed and twisted by pliers feel. Aint PN grand?

Melody thanks for the info about Alan, I was beginning to think I might be the only person who saw this as a s/e. Let me know how he does on cymbalta please. My PCP and I talked about switching from Lyrica to Cymbalta since I assured her that w/ chronic unrelenting pain I was probably clinically depressed too - big surprise!
Thanks again - hope all goes well for you and Alan.
Alkymst

Diana, my understanding is that pitting edema is defined as an excess of fluid under the skin shown by pressing a finger into the skin - if a depression or pit remains after ~10 sec it's considered pitting edema - a common symptom of people w/ chronic venous insufficiency. Hope that helps and thanks for the reply.
Alkymst

Hi, Iam a new member to group here. Seeking people taking Lyrica. I have read some pretty cruel sideeffects from this drug. I have never had any sideeffects from any medications I have taken in my life. I live in chronic pain and have taking Tramadol for many years now. However, the pain has become worse and I was off to the Doc. He gave Lyrica. 2 x day 75 mg. to start. First day!!!!!!!!! Immediate relief !!!!!!!!!!! Feel a bit weird, but can focus better, type better and faster more acurate!!!!! Wonder drug for me!!!!!
Thanks for listening,
Indybizgal HQUOTE=Alkymst;73854]A ? re: s/e's to the long time Lyrica patients. I've been on 100mg twice daily for ~6 months. During that time I've noticed the pitting edema in my legs is now constant and has moved up my calf sufficiently that my legs no longer have real muscle definition. I had pitting edema before the PN but it was localized to the ankles and lower legs and always resolved during the night. I know s/e's of Lyrica can include edema and weight gain - just wondering if other Lyrica users knew of similar experiences.


thanks
Alkymst[/QUOTE]