Nice board, first day
 

Hi, I was googling "how to get off lyrica and opiates" and came across this board. I've been on the above for a few years, and now with pain getting worse, I think it's time to kiss them all goodbye. I think that tolerance is much of the pain increase cause. Being a bad patient, I turn to double doses when it's too much to bare, causing me to run out the last week breaking pills in half to avoid withdrawals. I have an appt next week and hope to do the suboxone therapy to stop this madness, only then I wonder where my pain level will be...I also have to mention that I'm tired of my life revolving around going to the pharmacy. Last month I traveled a couple hundred miles and no one would fill my scrip there. I was going to have to come home early and the 14th pharmacist filled it. I live in a remote area and do not have a national chain pharmacy close.
As for the lyrica, I've gained a lot of weight on it but the drug works. A good side effect from it is the lack of anxiety attacks starting my first day on it. It's been almost 5 years now. I don't like the memory lapses, the lost words, the 25 pounds (was 50!)
Has anyone successfully gone off of this? When did the sweating stop? How did you feel etc? My husband struggles with my issues and I'd love to see him not worry about all the drugs! I have "failed back surgery syndrome" fibromyalgia, sacroiliitus, arthritis, and issues with pain in my hands, knee, and feet. Also some auto immune thing... I am too young to feel this old. I try to keep busy and I want an active life. Not revolved around meds!
Peace!

Hi Sarah,

Welcome and glad you are here. No matter what our ages, our conditions rob us of our normal lives and make us all prematurely feel old. Well, I may actually be old but I have some even older friends (20 years my senior and then some) and they can run circles around me. Makes me feel really old, much much older than my years.

I hope many will stop in and respond to your post. You are among people that understand.

tylenol arthritis 650 mg (2) a.m. and p.m.
 

hello sarah...I have recently been diagnosed with hypersensitivity of the central nervous system...I have suffered since 2000 but really since 2011 the leg weakness has set in and am now using a cane and walker depending on the day..i am not satisfied with my diagnosis.....I have been on lyrica, amytripaline, gabapentin, clozapam...I only take them for a month or so and refuse to take any more...i'd rather know where my pain threshold is each day, I control it with the Tylenol arthritis and rest...hope this helps....what is your exact diagnosis and how did you symptoms start and for how long? thanks tg

Great to meet you!!