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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16
New_Member
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OP
New_Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16 |
Hello~ I have been to the rheumy twice with AS like symptoms... or so I think anyways... and he seems stumped. Yesterday, he put me on Lyrica for 2 weeks... and then to go back. He never said why, but I figured I'd try... I took 1 pill last night... was REALLY sore this morning... and for the last couple of hours today, I feel like my back is ULTRA sensitive to any kind of touch - like my office chair and shirt are driving me CRAZY. Kind of like when you have a fever and don't want ANYTHING touching you, but I'm not feverish. I've never had this happen for this long for no reason, nor this badly... outside of being extremely ill with a flu or cold or something. But I feel healthy. (other than the stiffness and pain)... If you have any input at all, I'd love to hear it! Thanks much!  (ok, so I know the smile is laughing, but it looks like he's terriby frustrated when he puts his head down, and that's how I feel  haha)
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47 |
It sounds like you might be having some bad side effects. Check the information sheet that came with your Rx, where it lists side effects and allergic reactions. I'd recommend calling your doctor about those symptoms.
I took Lyrica for a few months last year for mid-spine pain, but it didn't help very much and the side effects were too bothersome (for me, it affected my ability to concentrate and made me tired); but I never had any of the symptoms you're describing.
Good luck.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,482
Silver_AS_Kicker
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Silver_AS_Kicker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,482 |
My doctor wanted me to go on Lyrica but the military gave me Gabapentin instead. If my thinking is correct (which it surely may not be) Gabapentin is a cheaper version of the same drug. I haven't noticed a great improvement but then again, I haven't had any side-effects either.
If Lyrica is a problem then possibly Gabapentin could be another option? Just a thought, I'm positive your doctors will be far more useful in this regard.
Also, the last drug I was given (haven't taken it yet) was Flexorol? which is a muscle relaxant/sleep-aid. I was warned about a "rebound effect" where the drug might cause my symptoms to become even worse - if this happens I am to stop taking the drug. I know nothing about Lyrica but I'm guessing that what you are describing might be some sort of "rebound effect"?
I'd go see my doctor right away. Everyone down at the base hospital knows me by now, the staff don't even lift an eyebrow when I go to their exclusive smoking area. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Even if you became a pain in their butt, it would NEVER compare to the pain you feel in your own butt.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16
New_Member
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OP
New_Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16 |
haha. yes. I like the way you put it at the end  . I see the rheumy again in 2 weeks (less than that now), and I see my family doctor Monday, the 15th... so I will most definitely be bringing it up to him. I haven't had too many issues with the strange over sensitive back today, but I woke in pretty bad pain today, and have had some through most of the day. I'm trying to see if weather changes play into effect of what's going on... it seems we have another front coming through, so I best be prepared. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a repeat of last Sunday which was none too fun. Thanks for your advice!
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,482
Silver_AS_Kicker
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Silver_AS_Kicker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,482 |
Well if you hold your breath and count to ten I'm pretty sure someone will come along and post some far more valuable advice, but you're welcome all the same.
My basic philosophy is that you have to take care of yourself, no one is going to work as hard for you as you can for yourself. I would qualify that nowadays to include the fact that the members in here can be relied upon for advice, support and understanding...things that have a value beyond any measure when they are lacking elsewhere in your life.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21,346 Likes: 2
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21,346 Likes: 2 |
i can't tell you about side effects for the Lyrica, but if you feel a side effect is coming from the drug, even if its not a known / reported / listed side effect, listen to your body. i just went off a statin that i had only been on for 1 month. in that time it gave me (nonpitting) edema (fluid retention) in my feet and legs so bad i couldn't stand anywhere for more than a few minutes and walking for more than 30 minutes was out of the question. a week off the drug and i just spent an hour and a half shopping! something that was impossible a week ago. that side effect is not reported anywhere that i can see and my doctor concurred that it is not a side effect he is aware of, but at least he believes that anything is possible, everyone's body (chemistry) is different.
sue
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Member
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Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 38 |
Nothing positive to add about this drug. Was on it for three months as Consultant was insistent that I gave it a good try. Made my pain and fatigue even worse, couldn't concentrate on anything, put on weight and wouldn't really recommend it. Incidentally, it is not a modern version of Gabapentin, but is prescribed in the same way as a treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 227
Second_Degree_AS_Kicker
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Second_Degree_AS_Kicker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 227 |
I was prescribed Lyrica for major headaches for which no cause was found (MRI, etc.). The most common use for Lyrica is to treat epilepsy, so you know it directly affects your nervous system.
It made me so loopy I could hardly function. I completely lost the ability to remember appointments or even what I wanted to do minutes before. I told anyone who called wondering why I missed meeting them, "Hi, I am on drugs and can't remember anything." Because of the lack of memory, I was incredibly cheerful and accepting (couldn't remember anything to worry about). My friends all found it quite amusing.
But, it didn't help me... Although cheerful, I did not enjoy being so useless. And it was difficult to stop taking. You MUST get off of the drug very, very gradually or there are major side-effects.
There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is.
- Albert Einstein
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 745
Decorated_AS_Kicker
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Decorated_AS_Kicker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 745 |
I have been on generic lyrica for a year and a half. I am up to 900mg a day. For the first month or so it made me extremely loopy to (good east coast word haven't heard it in a while). Last summer I tried to get off all meds. The first one i noticed missing was that one. My migraines came back, which I thought were gone forever. Then everything else followed. I have fibro along with the AS and I still have bad days but for me it is a godsend. I know how much worse I can get. So living with a 7 for pain is better than off the charts. I did do the slow decrease and I ended up in too much pain to stay off it. I hope you found something to help with the pain
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 616
Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 616 |
"If my thinking is correct (which it surely may not be) Gabapentin is a cheaper version of the same drug."
Not exactly, but close. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an older drug that was originally approved for seizures, but Pfizer claims it helps just about everything under the sun, including pain. Problem is it requires ultra-high doses which cause more side effects.
Lyrica is the same type of drug. It was released by Pfizer when their patten ran out on Neurontin. Its supposed to be more effective at a lower dose, with fewer side effects. Personally I'm having trouble taking it, but I was never really at a theraputic level of Neurontin.
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