Fellow AMNers I would like to know what your experience with lyrica has been. I've read almost too many threads that have likened it to either their savior or the devil. I know many have posted on this and would like more feedback from those with AMN and what you like and don't like about the treatment. Is it worth it in the long run?
I currently take baclofen/ hydrocortisone/ and modafinil.
What's this? A drugs discussion, on AMN easier? Talking my language now.
Look at the MS boards, and it's all drugs, drugs, drugs.
Lyrica.
You know I've posted a lot about it before. It is like a Benzo that doesn't send you to sleep.
Comes on quicker than Gabapentin, but as far as I'm concerned, they are interchangable.
I originally demanded it from my neurologist because I read it helped with spasticity.
It does, though not a lot, but it does. Relaxes the hell out of you, including your muscles. But it doesn't help you pick your legs up.
4-AP does, but that's a post for another time.
Was accidentally, I realised Lyrica stops my spasms.
Leg, stomach, arm. Stops them all, stone dead. Going to bed used to be a waking nightmare for me. Lying there, the dread of knowing the next spasm was about to kick off. Night after night of barely any sleep.
Well, no more, not with good old Lyrica.
I Googled it, read the horror stories.
Worse than Heroin, withdrawals, side effects.
Not for me. And I've taken huge quantities over long periods. Stop suddenly, the only effect of stopping is the spasms.
My neuropathic pain comes and goes. Not really sure if the Lyrica helps that.
Waking up the next day is murder, sound asleep, sleep through any alarm. I don't work any more (46 years old), so this doesn't bother me in the slightest. Sleep late. When I finally drag myself out of bed, my wife has gone to work and my son to school. What kind of father am I???
I still take Modafinil and 4-AP. They are non-negotiable.
When all is said and done, I really couldn't care less about taking Lyrica every single day.
Thanks monkeybus you are a treasure trove of knowledge and you shoot quite straight and it's much appreciated! I just got my shipment from mod4all of the lyrica and the 4apmeoh3 and I am cautiously optimistic about the results . The work and knowledge seeking you've done has definitely helped all us and I thank you for that! So here's to the drug cocktail experiment .
Hello,
I took Lyrica for a time but didn't find there was enough positive effects, the neuropathy was still there and fortunately my spasms aren't that bad, but the side effect that I experienced was most unpleasant. It isn't easy to discuss but here goes.... It made it so that I had a very hard time reaching orgasm. I think my sensations are reduced anyway because of the AMN, and the Lyrica seemed to make it worse. I have been taking Gabapentin for a few years now and don't experience similar side effects, at least not as bad anyway. I apologize if this is too much information! I haven't seen many posts that include references to our sex lives and how this illness affects that part of our lives.
All the best,
Jeff
Thanks so much for your honesty, Jeff. It's true, this forum seems to have generally stayed away from topics regarding our sex lives. I know that many people with AMN deal with reduced sensation, impotence, hypogonadism, and the like. It is probably something we should all talk about more, but I understand how difficult it can be to open up about things of such a personal nature.
Cheers,
Aaron
Thank you for that Jeff !
Anorgasmia, failure to reach orgasm. My friend stopped with the Lyrica for that reason.
I'm more concerned with my failure to achieve a decent bowel movement. Another awful image, but since we are all sharing I thought I'd throw that in there.
I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your BMs Monkeybus!!!
My problem that way is the lack of warning before I have to have a bowel movement which leads to accidents because of the inability to hold it. Often when I do have signals that it is time I will go sit on the toilet and then the urge is gone. Some of the "fun" we all get to have with this illness.
I took it with mild relief but I too had anorgasmia. It is a form of antidepressant.
What works best for me has been Gabapentin. I have taken it for 20 years. It works. The dosage can be adjusted by the user on a daily basis.
I take anywhere from 300mg to 900 mg daily depending on the temperature or exercise levels.
It is also cheap in the US.
AMN and marijuana
Want to know more about treatments for AMN
Carrier of Addisons diease
Fludrocortisone