Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Avoid Lyrica Mediated Severe Side Effects?

I STARTED TAKING LYRICA PREGABALIN ABOUT 4 TO 5 WEEKS AGO.HAVE SUFFERD WITH CHRONIC PAIN IN MOST OF MY JOINTS FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW. OSTEO ARTHRITIS IN LEFT HIP BOTH KNEES. HAVE HAD TKR ON R/ KNEE. NOT SUCCSESFULL, STILL VERY PAINFULL WHEN BENDING. SPONDOLOSSIS IN MY BACK. BOTH L/R SHOULDERS TORN LIGARMENTS.THIS IS CAUSING PAIN IN MY NECK MOVEMENTS. HAVE MANY SLEEPNESS NIGHTS BECAUSE OF THE PAIN. I AM WORRIED ABOUT SOME OF THE SIDE AFFECTS OF THIS MED. LYRICA.. BED IS MY WORST ENEMEY. PAIN BECOMES WORSE. SOME SIDE AFFECTS SINCE I STARTED TAKING LYRICA. MEMORY LAPSE, DRY MOUTH, CONCENTRATION, PIN PRICKS NUMEROUS PARTS OF MY BODY,DROWSINESS,UNSTEADY ON MY FEET, ITCHING,HOARSNESS IN MY VOICE, WEIGHT GAIN OF 6 KIL, DIAREAHO AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, AND EVEN CONSTAPAITTION SOMETIMES I THINK I SHOULD STOP TAKING THIS MEDICATTION . YOUR ADDVICE WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. REGARDS PATRICK ARNEL..
Tue, 20 Aug 2019
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Pregabalin can cause side effects like unsteadiness, memory loss, lack of coordination etc.

The alternative is non-opioid analgesics like Acetaminophen and topical analgesics like Lidocaine patch, at a dose of 1.8 % or 5 %-applied over the sites of pain for up to 12 consecutive hours per day.

Capsaicin 8% patch -up to 4 patches are applied once for 30-60 minutes. Over the counter preparations (Iodex)of menthol, methyl salicylate though weaker have an effect on pain.

Anti-depressants like Duloxetine, Amitryptiline have also been used for chronic pain and benefits are outweighed by side effects in most patients.

Other anti-epileptic drugs besides pregabalin (as you are intolerant), are Oxcarbazepine, Carabmezapine, Lamotigrine, and lacosamide used for neuropathic pain with variable success.

These are all prescription drugs. You can additionally go for complementary therapies for chronic pain like acupressure, meditation, yoga, massage, chiropractic, guided energy, and biofeedback.

Hoarseness of voice and weight gain(6 kg) warrants exclusion of Hypothyroidism ( go for serum free T3,free T4 & TSH level).

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Drowsiness


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Avoid Lyrica Mediated Severe Side Effects?

Hello, Pregabalin can cause side effects like unsteadiness, memory loss, lack of coordination etc. The alternative is non-opioid analgesics like Acetaminophen and topical analgesics like Lidocaine patch, at a dose of 1.8 % or 5 %-applied over the sites of pain for up to 12 consecutive hours per day. Capsaicin 8% patch -up to 4 patches are applied once for 30-60 minutes. Over the counter preparations (Iodex)of menthol, methyl salicylate though weaker have an effect on pain. Anti-depressants like Duloxetine, Amitryptiline have also been used for chronic pain and benefits are outweighed by side effects in most patients. Other anti-epileptic drugs besides pregabalin (as you are intolerant), are Oxcarbazepine, Carabmezapine, Lamotigrine, and lacosamide used for neuropathic pain with variable success. These are all prescription drugs. You can additionally go for complementary therapies for chronic pain like acupressure, meditation, yoga, massage, chiropractic, guided energy, and biofeedback. Hoarseness of voice and weight gain(6 kg) warrants exclusion of Hypothyroidism ( go for serum free T3,free T4 & TSH level). Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist