by Cristina Olvera

Created on: April 30, 2010

Fibromyalgia is complex illness that needs a combination of treatments to control it.  When people find out I have Fibromyalgia the first question I’m asked is if I’ve tried Lyrica.  You can’t turn on the television anymore without seeing a commercial about Lyrica so when people hear Fibromyalgia they remember the commercials. 

Lyrica is a FDA approved drug for the treatment of Fibromyalgia.  Some rave that it saved their lives, while others say the drug made the Fibromyalgia worse.  The one fault many people find with Lyrica is the multitude of side-effects that range from mild to life-threatening. It’s scary when the medicine you’re taking to feel better could actually make you feel much worse.  For Fibromyalgia sufferers, taking this risk with Lyrica may be worth it.  

Lyrica is an antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drug.  It is believed to calm damaged or over-excited nerves.  Results from animal studies indicate that Lyrica may work by reducing the number of electrical signals that are sent from the damaged or over-excited nerves.  It affects the chemicals that send pain signals to the nervous system and reduces pain.

Lyrica is also used in the treatment of diabetic nerve pain, pain after shingles and to control seizures.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of Lyrica are dizziness, drowsiness, coordination problems, weight gain, dry mouth, infections, headaches, accidental injury and shakiness.

RARE SIDE EFFECTS

Rare side effects of Lyrica are memory loss, problems thinking, slow thinking, constipation, speech problems, weakness, increased appetite, problems walking, twitching, a spinning sensation (vertigo), chest pain, gas, euphoria, vomiting, back pain, bladder control problems, flu-like symptoms, low blood sugar, nervousness, fatigue, feeling abnormal or drunk, sinus infections, joint pain and muscle spasms.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

Serious side effects of Lyrica are severe allergic reaction, bloating or swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, changes in vision, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, inability to control urination, mental or mood changes, muscle aches and pains, pain, tenderness, weakness, speaking problems, sudden and unexplained  weight gain, suicidal thoughts or actions and unusual tiredness.

Have I tried Lyrica?  My answer is yes.  I am two weeks into my journey with Lyrica and I hope that it will be a good one.  It’s expensive, but if it helps even just a little, it will be worth it.  Lyrica may not be for everyone, but for some with Fibromyalgia it may very well be life-changing.  I hope that I’m one of them.  Everything about Fibromyalgia is difficult, so if Lyrica can provide a little relief then it will provide tons of hope. 

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