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Is Lyrica Intake Safe When On Heart And Diabetes Medication?

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Question: I am a 58 yr old white female,5'7" 240lbs, triple bypass surgery 6 months ago(did not have heart attack) diabetic(12yrs) hypertension(12 yrs) currently taking metformin,glimeperide,lipitor,digoxin,plavix,asa,and carvadilol..noticed increase in neuropathy symptoms and muscle pain..is it safe for me to take lyrica? alsoold like advice on appropriate diet for weight loss

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Following diet and exercise to lose weight... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. Lyrica is used with caution in patients with heart failure. I suggest to avoid alcohol and tranquilizing drugs as the effects will be enhanced leading to heart failure. With regards to losing weight, I usually the following diet to my patients: - drink plenty of water - have your meals often and small portions - eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts, etc. - avoid fatty/fried foods - avoid carbonated drinks - limit fresh squeezed drinks up to 1 glass/day (no added sugar). Exercise is also important to lose weight and keep fit. Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (22 hours later)

thank you for the response on the weight loss and I am making the effort to follow those suggestions, still wondering though about the safety of the lyrica or if there is an alternative htat I might discuss with my doctor..thank you again for the weight loss advice

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Alternatives to Lyrica... Detailed Answer: Hi, There is nothing you should be worrying about Lyrica safety as long as your doctor prescribed it and you keep following up with the doctor. Please bare in mind that every drug has its own side effects, however, if the benefits will be higher than the side effects, the doctor will prescribe this drug. With regards to alternatives to Lyrica, there are many other drugs, however, it all depends on your current health condition which is evaluated by your doctor. Alternatives include tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, gabapentin, amitriptyline, etc. The choice is up to your curing doctor which evaluates your current health situation. Dr.Benard

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar