One week at 150mg Lyrica BID...

[Lernica]

PS: I was VERY concerned about my huge increase in appetite and my water weight gain.

AM,

I know what you mean since I have always been slim and have taken pride in maintaining my figure at my age. But honestly at 5'4" and 112 lbs, you have a long way to go before worrying about losing your figure!!

[RJR]

Hello AM,
Having been on the Lyrica express for ~ 18 months, it took at least 2 months to get accustomed to it (ie less mental side effects)...it does add a millisecond or two to all my interactions with other humans, and it takes more effort to focus on the task at hand. But it does take the edge off the day. Other side effects for me: dry mouth, slight flushing of feet. No appetite change though.

I wish there were other choices out there with less side-effect profile.
Take care,
RR

[A's Mommy]

Hi big brother RR!

I pray you are well. I am recovering but slowly. Dr Hibner still has great hopes for me considering the degree of nerve damage. I am coming off a month long flare, so I'm really trying to take it easy, but the lyrica at the higher dose really helped. I've got to figure out this meds mess. I am thinking about just taking a 150mg capsule tonight. But then, tomorrow I'll be so groggy. Ughhhh...

AM

[KC17]

Hi AM,

I no longer take Lyrica because at just 150mg I was losing my memory. I now take Elavil and one of the biggest things for me is the weight gain. I'm a tiny person too, 5'7" and 112 pounds, but over the last couple of months I've been gaining weight slowly and noticing my pants don't fit quite as good as they used to.

I'm very weight concious so this has been disheartening because I can't exercise the weight off and I have the munchies CONSTANTLY! However, the benefits I gain from the medicine far outweigh the weight gain so I keep taking it.

With regards to the side affects hopefully RJR is correct that your system will adapt to the ones you are currently experiencing. I had some side effects other than the weight gain on Elavil when I first started, but as I continued taking it they have lessened to a degree at which I no longer experience them. It is my sincere hope yours will too.

Regards,

Krista

[RJR]

Hi lil' sis AM,

Will go out on a limb here, relaying what Dr Campbell (John Hopkins neuro, and pain clinic director) told me in 2009 and actually put it in his clinical notes for my visit. He told me that Lyrica could be used PRN (which I later learned means ~ take when neccessary or when needed). For instance, if Lyrica gives you a bad side-effects profile...avoid using it/or use less during the week when you gotta be on your "A" game at work, then use it over the weekend for pain.

Dr Hibner disagreed with that assertion BTW, but Campbell is a pain guy. Of course each of us should first consult with our doctor before heading down a path such as that...

I know you are going to continue your improvement...and I lift you up often.
RR