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Can Lyrica Be Taken For A Long Period Of Time?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Jan 2015
Question: Hello, I have been using lyrica 150 mg for a while now. I tablet a day. How long do you advise I take it for and can it be taken for long periods of time? Please advise. Thank you.

P.s. I have a fractured spine.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, you can for long periods of time

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern.

I suppose you are taking Lyrica for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. As all drugs Lyrica as well has several adverse effects, with the most common being dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, peripheral edema.

If you have any adverse effect you should stop taking this drug.

Lyrica interacts with a wide range of drugs, so you should consult your GP before taking other drugs.

The dosage you are taking is minimal. So if it is effective in the pain relief and has no adverse effect, you can take it even for long periods, like several months. Consult your GP before withdrawl because you should do it gradually.

Hope this helps. Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Geldon Fejzo (17 hours later)
Doctor, thank you for your answer however I have been on it on and off for a couple of years now. Is that dangerous? I heard it depletes the body of vitamin B6. Is this correct? Finally, why does it make you gain weight? I gained a lot when I first started taking it but now am exercising and watching what I eat, however, I am having the most trouble losing my lower belly. Could Lyrica be the reason for that?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
weight gain is a possible adverse effect

Detailed Answer:
Hello. You can have Lyrica even for several years, unless you have adverse effect. Unfortunately weight gain is a common effect of Lyrica with several studies reporting till 16% of this eventuality.

B6 defficiency is a uncommon side effect of Lyrica. Still you can have a blood exam to see if there is any deficiency.

So, yes, Lyrica is the reason of your gain wight.

Hope this helps. Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Geldon Fejzo (34 minutes later)
Also I would like to know if Lyrica actually helps repair the nerve damage or just with the pain?

Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it helps on both of them

Detailed Answer:
Hello again. Lyrica is a very good treatment. It helps on nerve repair as well as with pain. Its benefits are greater with pain management though. Best regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Geldon Fejzo

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 337 Questions

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Can Lyrica Be Taken For A Long Period Of Time?

Brief Answer: yes, you can for long periods of time Detailed Answer: Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern. I suppose you are taking Lyrica for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. As all drugs Lyrica as well has several adverse effects, with the most common being dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, peripheral edema. If you have any adverse effect you should stop taking this drug. Lyrica interacts with a wide range of drugs, so you should consult your GP before taking other drugs. The dosage you are taking is minimal. So if it is effective in the pain relief and has no adverse effect, you can take it even for long periods, like several months. Consult your GP before withdrawl because you should do it gradually. Hope this helps. Wish you good health.