Lyrica Question

[Jennij]

I've been prescribed Lyrica for my nerve pain and am wondering if anyone is taking or has experience with this medication. I'm always wary of taking something new and I trust and appreciate the insight from members of this forum.

[kayjay]

It was helpful for me. I had no trouble with it but I did gain a little weight.

I also found my vitamin D levels were too low which increased my pain. I just wanted to mention that in case yours haven't been checked. Thankfully I was able to discontinue Lyrica.

I worry about new medications because I've had scary reactions like many of us. For me Lyrica was very safe and it did reduce my pain.

[Goschi]

I was prescribed Lyrica too 10 months ago, when my docs believed I had polyneuropathy, prior to my pots diagnosis. It made me a bit depressed and didn't help my "nerve pain" - no surprise, as it turned out I don't have polyneuropathy. What kind of nerve pain do you have? Is it pots-related?

[TCP]

Lyrica wasn't strong enough for me and went on Gabapentin. It works for some people though.

[Jennij]

I've tried gabapentin and it had the opposite effect on me and it kept me awake all night. I know it's all trial and error but it helps to know other peoples experiences.

[Trev425]

It's so different for everyone so you won't really know until you try. I tried 900 mgs of gabapentin for suspected neuropathy. It didn't really do anything for me so I stopped. I don't regret giving it a shot. I figured it was worth the potential upside with minimal potential for downside based on all the experiences I have read about.

[Psalm 23]

I was on Lyrica for about 18 months and while it did help neuropathic pain and sleep issues to a degree I started to notice that I had developed depression and anxiety issues that were very unlike me. I had to slowly taper off of it which was very difficult. I'm presently on Gabapentin which is extremely helpful for me. I'm sorry Gabapentin was problematic for you. It really is trial and error. Everyone has such different responses medications.

Janet

[SarahA33]

Just a quick question,

My epileptologist (seizure specialist) is certain he believes Lyrica (as an add on therapy along with an anticonvulsant med - Keppra) would greatly reduce the frequency of the new onset of generalized convulsive epilepsy seizures that I've been having. Anyway, this isnt a question related to an actual Lyrica experience, but I was curious if anyone has had trouble getting it approved through there insurance. I went on their website and printed out the coupoins but it didnt help reduce the cost all that much. Unfortunately, due to the unpredictabily and amount of seizures I am having I am unable to work, so the price of a $140.00 a month for the Lyrica is absolutely impossble.

My seizure doc did mention gabapenten but said it wasnt as strong as Lyrica. Did anyone run into this problem? I'd greatly appreciate any tricks ot tips you all used to get it covered. I have blue cross/blue shield insurance. Thanks in advance.. ~ Sarah

[Trev425]

I was Rx'd lyrica first,but could not get prior authorization from my insurance company, so it was going to be $650 if I wanted to pay for it. I tried gabapentin and it was only $15. The difference is really staggering. I think the way it works is that you try an alternative first, like gabapentin, for a certain period of time (like 2mos) and once it proves to be ineffective then the doctor will tell the insurance co to authorize the lyrica.

[TCP]

In the UK we are often prescribed the generic forms of Gabapentin, as they are cheaper. Lyrics is still under license so costs more and it second choice.