Lyrica and Neurontin?
 

Has your Dr. ever put you on both Lyrica and Neurontin? Any benefit seen?

I understand that they are very close to each other, but was wondering if anyone else has taken both at once and why? My Dr. is putting me on Lyrica, as well as continuing the Neurontin.

Thanks.

Sounds odd..
 

Hi there..
I have just switched from Gabipentin which is also called Neurontin to Lyrica.

I was told to 1/2 my Gabipentin for the first week and to take 75mg of Lyrica a day. Second week no Gabipentin and double the lyrica to 300mg a day. Thats harsh on the reburn but eased off soon enouph as the Lyrica got into my system.

I am on week three and though I noticed alot of burning and zappies the second week it is not as bad this week. But I have some blurred vision (did with Gab too) and more alarming some almost dizyness or disorientation, so doc decided not to upp it though I still have some burning that the Gab was taking care of I guess.

I am sure not a doctor but I was told we taper off one as we upp the other, my doc was very seriouse about this, see what others say here and research Lyrica in google as well.

Hey I just saw an add for Lyrica in the front inside page of a Readers Digest in the docs office today.

Good luck to ya bud, I do feel better generaly than with the gab I think.
Sandra

I believe there is another thread regarding the mix of these two. If it is just to wean off of one and onto the other and for a short period you should be ok - As far as using both together on a regular basis it's not a good idea.

** Just as a note - I had read one time (gosh cant remember where) that Neurontin (Gabipanten) can stay in your system for up to 3 years AFTER you quit taking it.......something to think about.

Hi IHH,

Sorry you're not doing so well these days - I don't know the answer, sounds very unusual to be taking two types of gabapentin though - but it rings some kind of bell - I'll wrack my brains!

Yes there are a few threads on both Neurontin and Lyrica, you're a good searcher, IHH I know you've probably found them already LOL.

But HubbywRSD, oh dear...sigh... I'm trying to put this as diplomatically as I can - you've done it again! - that information you've given us *again* about how long Neurontin stays in your system is just *wrong* - it stays in the body a matter of hours.....(I believe Lyrica stays in the body significantly longer than Neurontin).

I've asked you before to tell us where you got this info, in my post entitled "Question for HubbywRSD:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...izer#post60861 I don't think you answered it, did you?

In the thread link I just quoted, I put the correct PI sheet info up. We need to be as correct as we can be about this kind of info, or this forum's reputation will quickly be devalued - most of us try to be as accurate as possible. So if you can find the reference, with respect, please could you post it? Just as a rule, if you're not certain about a big factual issue like this, it's better not to post it, ya know?

IHH, I'll dig up what I can, not got too much time though at the moment :)
Please take care, :hug:
all the best

I think if you're lowering your N dose and starting L then its not so bad, but I'm sure being on both together isn't wise, due to seretonin levels.

The best way to check for sure is to use the drug interaction checker on www.drugs.com Type both in then search for interactions and it will tell you whether there are mild/moderate/severe issues with taking both at once. Of course this comes with a disclaimer and if you aren't sure you should get your doctor to check, but it'll give you an idea on what problems may arise with taking both at once at normal doses (ie not coming down off one while introducing the other)

x Kate

Hi Kate!

Long time no hear from you - how are you? How are the kids? How's hubby? Are you still trying the ketamine, or was that a permanent glitch you had - I mean, I know it stopped helping, but could you try another infusion at a later date? Perhaps the bod needs a break from it before it'll work for you again. (Yeah, that's the level of my medical knowledge!)

Please post us an update, we miss you, you know!
all the best :)

Hi Artist, thanks for asking about me! :hug:

I haven't seen a pain doctor in AGES, though not through my choice. After my ketamine infusion in August, that didn't take and I had liver problems with (which were fine at a blood test 2 weeks later) I had a magnesium infusion in October, but didn't get to see my dr. I was sent an appt for mid Jan, which was actually about a week before we were due to move 1200kms away, back to our old town and where my previous rsd dr is (the weather in Melbourne was too rough on me, its more stable and warmer longer up here, north of Sydney). I turned up for that appt to be told they had no record of it! :eek: I'd been waiting three months already with no pain relief and was hoping to start on something before moving, or at least get some more breakthru meds. No matter what I said, they couldn't get me in to see him. :mad:

Then after moving here in mid Jan, there were big clerical dramas with my referral to this pain dr- they said they hadn't received my referral etc when they had (the pain dr faxed a signed copy back to my gp!), then then dawdled and dawdled and I was constantly ringing them and on their back to at least give me an appt date. :mad: I finally got one this week, for the second week of May- which isn't bad considering his usual wait is 3-6 months.

In the meantime my GP (I think you call them PCPs) has been able to put me on MS Contin, as I was only on endep and baclofen and they weren't doing a thing! Its helped somewhat, but is killing my gut in the meantime and I now have to see a specialist about that- it never ends! :rolleyes:

I'm up for trying another ketamine infusion- for a long time after that last one I didn't want to have another one ever again. I think because the 2nd one lasted for so long I went into the 3rd one expecting at least a few months. So having to end it early because of liver function levels and having it not even lower pain levels at all, was just shattering. I had to regroup a little I guess before I could look at what to try next and get back on the merry-go-round again. But this dr does them slightly differently to the one I had- instead of 7days at 28mg/hr, it would be 10 days at 40mg/hr, so maybe the difference would help. Otherwise I'll see what else he suggests.

The family are great! Hannah's walking, started at 9 months the little bugger! She says "mumma", "dadda", "hurroh"(for hello), "buh bye" and says "yey" and claps her hands when she walks somewhere! :D She's definately a mummys girl, very clingy with me! The other kids are SO good with her, and with helping me! I'm very blessed to have great kids!

Hmm, I think I talk too much :rolleyes:

I hope all is well with you too! :p

x Kate

Please remember that some of the information I've shared has come from research in 1995 when my husband was 1st affected with RSD - How long ago would that be....12 years? I dont have links that I've saved for that long - some things that I have been pulling from memory, weather they are still posted or listed or not I'm not sure and have to then go out and search out the information again.

As far as the side effects from neurontin:

comment number 14 by: Melinda
October 5th, 2003 at 11:21 am

I took neurontin for a pinched nerve in my leg in 1998. At the time it made me feel terribly confusion and mental unstableness. I told my doctor, It wasn’t helping my pinched nerve but that I felt like it was frying my other nerves. She tried to refer me to a shrink and refused to take me off the neurontin. She thought it was helping my leg and that I just didn’t know what I was talking about. She thought it was a miracle drug.My family insisted that I stop taking it. I did. My thoughts got clearer, however I am affected to this day with confusion,depression,loss of sleep, suicidal thoughts,reaccuring welt like rashes. I had none of these symptoms before taking that evil drug,neurontin.

And there are others....

http://medrants.com/index.php/archives/1319

Then...

Apr 26, 2006
I had a terrible allergic reaction to neurontin. This was peddled to me by my neurologist for Trigeminal Neuralgia. He said it was Off Label use and during the time when it was being blitzed by the drugs manufacturer to cure any kind of woe. My eyes swelled closed, blisters covered my entire body and I still have skin problems some 7 years later. I also had slurred speech and I am not sure how I ever worked during that time I was taking it before the allergic reaction. The dosage was close to 3,000 mgs. a day and he kept saying the literature says I can take you to 4,800 mgs per day. Thank God I lived--no telling what long term damage my body has suffered. I haven't seen my medical record from that time but I truly believe that nothing was written down anywhere regarding the reaction that almost killed me. CYA

or how about this...

Nov 17, 2006
I was prescribed this poison, for chronic pain management, for over two years. Starting with a small dose, I eventually wound up taking 4800mg daily for well over a year. The only thing it helped was Pfizer's bottom line.
My memory is now a hit-and-miss proposition. I have an IQ of 145, but my thought organization is almost nil. Between my bouts of severe depression, and mad rantings and ravings, my wife of 32 years has just about had her fill; she's had all she can stand.
Whoever said that 4800mg was an allowable dose must be employed by Pfizer, or the Doctor that prescribed it. I have a pharmacist friend, for over 30 years, whom I've discussed my treatment and dosage with. His only remarks were "and you're still alive?" and "get a lawyer; you've got a helluva suit against Pfizer and your Doctor.
Any of you ever fell asleep standing up, waking up as you hit the floor? How about while waiting for a light to change, or driving down the road, with no notice? I have, and worse.
Neurontin has it's place in medicine. There are some medical problems out there that make the side effects of Neurontin worth the risk; they are few and far between. Pfizer paid almost 1/2 billion dollars in fines and penalties to the Government. They ADMITTED pushing this poison for numerous off-label uses without FDA approval. In the process, they made billions of dollars in extra profits at the expense of people's health, and lives.
I've not yet attempted suicide; my wife hid my guns when she saw it coming.
Unless someone out there in cyberspace can give me a specific time period, as far as I know, the damage Neurontin does to the brain, and the psyche, is PERMANENT! I've been off the crap since 1999 or 2000. My problems are getting worse, not better. These are things that were non-existent prior to being prescribed this poison.
Does anyone reading this post know an attorney handling these Neurontin claims, either individually or as a class action? It's time for Pfizer, and the Doctor, to pay the Piper.

http://www.topix.net/forum/drug/neur...VGGS3HD16K9Q2P


HWRSD (P.S. - Lost my password for other account so had to make up another....)

Hey, HWRSD,

Er, no.
all the best.

Ok..little confused here (and Long Post Warning. :-/ Sorry folks)
 

Good Morning,

Why was I upset? Why did I post what I posted? To show that people have had reactions/adverse effects etc for years after quitting Neurontin.......As also stated, through my research over 12 years and the onset of hubby's RSD I have lost the link to the "EXACT" 3 year mark and I've told Artist that - I'm still looking in between caring for my husband, children, working and recently/now caring for/visiting a grandmother is dying...So I'd like to say "pardon" to all who want/insist on seeing the exact three year detailed information. I'll post it as soon as I can locate it.

.

No offense taken to your response.....I dont have a problem with it at all. I will state, tho that in previous posts I believe I have explained that my father in law has taken and has been successful with taking Neurontin (so far) I have NEVER stated that one stop taking it or reject it because of what my opinions are about it. I believe I have shared that same thing, that what works for one may not work for others. I also believe that people should be warned about possible LONG LASTING side effects, reactions. I've said many times, research, research and research some more about what meds you are on or what you could be on. Visiting one site about a product does not guarentee or give anyone the educated information they need about a med. As a matter of a fact, I just found more side effects/possible side effects listed about a med hubby is on, and he's been taking this for 6 months. I was unaware of them, AND another med hubby had tried and ended up in the ER for - the side effects he experienced were no where listed on the net (I still have yet to find them), NOR on the package/information sheet, OR at the companies direct website YET the Dr in the ER had them listed with HIS information - (Information released to him apparently but not to the public.....) - Making informed decisions is important. I couldnt agree with you more.

So to make this story short in between everything else in my life when and if I come up with the "exact three year" mark, posting, site (as I read this 12 years ago) I'll make sure this is the first place I stop by and post it.

Hope your day is good,

HWRSD

ok...i'm stepping in here now. :)

let's keep things civil an on topic.

what has been asked is for facts to back up the information. such as medical data from a creditable source.

peoples beliefs or their personal experience are fine, but that must be clarified when posting.

Thanks, Artist. You are so sweet!:hug: Yes, I've been having an awful time... I explained a bunch in the Ihh thread started by dear Frogga. :)

Whenever you find that info- I'd LOVE it. Thanks.


Thank you very much, Kate! :) I am going to look into the seretonin level thing... thanks for mentioning in to me.



Right now I'm at 2700 mg of Neurontin, and atm I am at 250 mg of Lyrica (but it's being increased every few days).

The Neurontin I, at first wondered if it was helping, but when I had the flu not too long ago I couldn't take it, and then I realized how much it was helping, especially with the burning pain, tingling and allodynia.

I have already seen benefit with the Lyrica- the burning pain, tingling and numbness has decreased dramatically.

My Dr. is planning on keeping me on both. She doesn't want to increase the Neurontin much more, and since Lyrica is close to Neurontin, and I've seen benefit from it, she decided Lyrica would be a good choice for me. I am not too worried about taking them both at once, my Dr. explained it all to me in depth, and she is very cautious with meds and does not want me on any needlessly- she wants to get me comfortable and functional enough with a few, and not just snow me in with a bunch.

Thanks again for all the input!

Hi IHH,

So sorry you've been under the weather; finally the penny dropped, or the bell rang....Debby takes both together, it was staring me in the face:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...3336#post63336

Sounds like you're happy with both, that's very interesting...how did she explain it? Just curious LOL - I haven't read your other post yet, so if you've already covered it, ignore me!!

So good to see you back here,
all the best :)

:mfr_wha: artist...i'm curious

:Hum: :ROTFLMAO:

LOL! You just made me crack up!!!!!! :D :ROTFLMAO: :ROTFLMAO:

:hug: ihh

:D laughter is the best medicine. that and the choccy bribes i get from artist. :p

<---hands ihh a towel to wipe coffee off the her monitor.

Artist,

Well... my RSD is primarily "sensory", and then "vasomotor", "and I think "sudomotor/ edema" and "motor/ trophic" tie...

Both Neurontin and Lyrica are good choices for significant allodynia/ hyperalgesia. Anticonvulsants and/ or other sodium channel blockers and/ or NMDA-receptor antagonists are all good choices (see the "pharmacotherapy guide" from the RSDSA "Pharmacotherapy" article).

Since I have significant allodynia/ hyperalgesia my Dr. feels that both of these are very helpful. She thinks that if they are helpful (they are) with the burning pain, tingling and sensitivity overall then I will be able to be more functional.

In addition to increasing the Lyrica, I am working on "touching, moving, using" for desensitization and both together should be helpful.

I also do not deal with the weight gain, sleepy/ sluggishness, etc from either Neurontin or Lyrica, so they are good choices for me for that reason.

As you know, Neurontin and Lyrica are both used for nerve generated pain. I describe my pain consistant to nerve pain: "burning", "shooting" and "tingling". I also describe it as "stabbing" quite frequently.

Using Lyrica for RSD is off-label use. It was not "made" for use of treating neuropathic pain. But, it has been shown to work.

My Dr. said that using Lyrica would be a problem if I was planning on becoming pregnant... I told her not to worry- I am not planning on that. -grin-

Overall my Dr. and I discussed the options and we decided it seemed like a very good choice for me. I am glad I started it!

Oh- and my Dr. thinks it might help somewhat with the headaches the RSD has caused.

Most of what we discussed about it was how it would help me personally, taking into acount my primary RSD symptoms, age, etc...

Sending my love! :hug:

Yeah! And I hear that laughter is known to build up endorphines- needed for your body's own natural pain relief! So it is the "best medicine"- I need more endorphines to get some nice pain relief- should I laugh a TON? Would it help, do you think?!

I'll keep laughing! :D

You are funny! Can I have chocolate, too??? I LOVE the milk chocolate... I am fond of Milkways... please?! :D

will brownies be ok? Attachment 1070

Yes! They are good too! YUM! As long as they are chewy and fudgy like?!

Thanks. :D I feel very blessed to get some chocolate from you... makes me feel better! :winky:

Artist... the only "study" I found using Neurontin and Lyrica together is a study done on rats!

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2210/4/14

Why do you say it is not a good idea? Seriously, do you know of bad cases when they were used together?


I am not just telling you this, HubbyWithRSD, it is voiced to everyone, just some of my thoughts, that have crossed my mind as I have laid in a dark room for days from my pain, as I have passed out onto the floor (from the amount of pain. My dad had to pick me up off the floor), as I have vomited from migraine/ RSD pain, as I have had major nausea and as I have been "corrected" for being on drugs by a 'friend' and so on...

Sometimes, I think, we need to weigh out the positive/ negative of being on these drugs. If a certain drug (just take Neurontin and Lyrica for example) improves my quality of life dramatically, or even a small amount than I would rather take the drug and deal with any side effects or effects on the body when using it long term.

For me, I have to make a choice. I have to decide whether the effects of these two together are improving my life enough that I think it is worth taking them though they will do some damage (as any drug) to my body. Would I rather take the drug and be able to have some semblance of normalcy, some quality of life or would I rather not take any drug and live in even more excruciating, debilitating pain that I cannot do anything but scream and cry in bed from? If I take no drugs and that is how I live my life (in bed, unable to do a thing), why? I am not some hero, who is going to win some prize, because "well, I didn't take any drugs". Sometimes drugs are needed. They are not the best thing, but you have to make a choice. A choice that decides your quality of life. Sometimes the side effects and effects are worth it. There is a price to pay. Believe me, at my age (I am only 16, will be 17 in July), I don't want to take drugs that are going to harm my body, that may shorten my life span and cause many more problems... but I have to weigh out the options I have.

If there was something that I could take naturally for pain relief, I would... but I cannot find that anywhere. Anticonvulsants are not heavy drugs- they are not going to mess up the liver and body like others...

I am trying to take the lightest, most harmless drugs there are.

I wanted to mention, as well- I take milk thistle (an herb) daily, which cleanses the liver and is really something everyone who is on a medication should take!


I hope that all I have said makes sense. I know it should to those with RSD. As RSD is the worst form of chronic pain in the world today!

Some people without chronic pain don't understand, don't understand why we should be on meds, and they think we are drug addicts and we should just act like nothing is wrong. Until you have experienced chronic pain you are not an expert in it!

Really fuzzy, foggy mixed up RSD/ migraine moments at this time...

...just realized that this is *comparing* Neurontin and Lyrica, not usin them together?!

Sorry, I am having such a rough time as of late and I didn't realize...

Also found this letter written by Keith Orsini to the families/ loved ones of RSD patients that has to do with what I was talking about it my one post in this thread:http://www.rsdhope.org/Showpage.asp?...1&PGCT_ID=2953
I put in bold what I really wanted to stand out-- how true! I really thought this letter he wrote was great!

Wording Straightened Out
 

Ok - to set this all straight - I believe I should have used the exact words / wording "side effects" for 3 years (not that the medicine actually STAYS in the body for 3 years) - Because thats what I really ment. People have had side effects for 3 years (and now I read even longer) after quitting/stopping the medication.

The links I added were regarding those and the fact that people still suffer years after taking N. and Gab...This is something serious that cant and shouldnt be disregarded.

I think had artist asked that question or that I noticed the "wording" issue this could have been resolved a lot sooner. Sorry for any confusion.

HWRSD

my doctors have me on both which you are not to take both I have found some help from it don't know if I only take lyric will it still help the little it is. very scared of with draws