Posted by Lonely on March 21, 2006, at 12:14:18
I'm taking part in a double blind drug research trial for Lyrica and am quite sure I actually have the drug - not the placebo. I was terribly afraid of the drug but wanted pain relief. I am
(a) extremely drug sensitive and
(b) have regular (insurance network) physicians who show little interest in providing me with treatment w/o terrible side effects.
(c) diagnosed with mild fibromyalgia although I'd say it's worse than mild and also have degenerative arthritis.I've never been on antidepressants or mood stabilizers or other psychiatric drugs except Tranxene and that's very off and on.
It seems like Lyrica is causing some significant dizziness and a feeling like I'd like to kick someone. (Anger? Agitation?) I'm also losing a lot of mental alertness and sharpness - almost like my brain is in a vise and can't function properly. At the same time there is some drowsiness although I'm having trouble sleeping (keep waking up). I'm just not "all there." I feel a bit shakey. The dose is supposed to be 150 mgs. a day but in fear of side effects (which appears to be well grounded) I'm starting myself at half the dose - so about 38 mgs. twice a day.
I'm REALLY worried about weight gain as I already have a significant weight problem. Also concerned about long term side effects.
Per pain relief ... well, maybe ... ever so slightly ... can turn over in bed w/slightly less back pain but am having more pain in lower legs and feel unstable getting up or walking.
Isn't this being tried as a mood stabilizer also? Boy, I feel anything but stable! But, then, haven't ever been diagnosed with a mood disorder, anyway.
I feel under pressure to continue since this is a study but ... there's got to be a better way to control the pain without blowing my mind.
poster:Lonely
thread:622897
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060202/msgs/622897.html