Pregnabalin and Sertraline

[Joannaf78]

Today I had my first appointment with pain management clinic and I'm not exactly impressed!

I was told that endometriosis is just nerve pain and I have chronic pelvic pain and nothing else! He prescribed Pregnabalin for the nerve damage.

However, when I went to fill the prescription, the pharmaist asked if I was on other medications and I reeled off my current long list. When I mentioned I was on 50mg of Sertraline, she told me i shouldn't take the two together as it can cause fits and convulsions!!!!! She made me wait while she phoned Pain Management and the Consultant said tell her to take 25mg of Pregabalin at night. He wasn't too concerned that I could have fits or convulsions!

So what do I do for the best? Do I chance taking it or see someone else?

[Tor666]

Hello Joanna,

I'm sorry the pm consultant didn't explain themselves very well - either that or they really are stupid and they should not be allowed to be treating patients!

Pain messages jump from nerve to nerve to let your brain know there is a problem in your body. Now when it comes to people like us who live in constant pain and whose nerves are constantly firing off pain signals, the pathways get worn down - a bit like pathways in the woods. So the signals no longer have to jump, they are joined together and often constant- which results in neuropathic pain as well as your normal endo pain.

As for the interaction between Sertaline and Pregabaline the only issues i have found are:

Using sertraline together with pregabalin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Usually if you start on a low dose and work your way up the side effects are minimal.

I hope this helps, I really wish consultants and pharmacists would explain themselves better, rather than just issuing instructions and expecting us to just blindly follow them.

I hope this has helped you, I have learned a lot about pain and how pain medication works over the years.

Victoria X

[Joannaf78 in reply to Tor666]

Tor666

Thank you! Have you ever taken Pregabalin?

I just felt like crying yesterday as he wouldn't put me for Pelvic Floor therapy unless I took it.

I spoke to my local pharmacist and she told me only if I have a history of fitting then I shouldn't take. Seeing as I haven't, she reassured me I would be fine. My GP will call me Monday but I'm so hesitant to take it.

I was thinking of putting off Pain Management for a bit as I don't think I've exhausted everything as yet. Despite being operated and having my Endo burned in December which has created more problems, I'm waiting to see the BSGE centre to see if they will excise the endo and I'm having a cystoscope as well

The Pain Management con sultant did not explain anything, more interested in having a go at me and trying to make me feel like it's in my head and my fault.

Thank you Victoria, you made more sense than him x

[Tor666 in reply to Joannaf78]

Hello Again,

Sorry about the delay, I have a bit of a rough weekend. I have tried it yes but it didn't do anything for me other than make me put on weight. I believe it works in about one third of people. I have come across some awful consultants over the last 12 years.

A friend of mine got fed up with it at one point and made a complaint on my behalf copying in my local MP. That complaint went all the way to the ceo of the hospital and now i only ever get seen by the head man and he is the kindest man i have ever met.

Xx

[Joannaf78 in reply to Tor666]

I just felt the whole appointment was about pushing me to take Pregabalin. He is also basing my treatment on an old MRI and my old gynae who was useless! No body has checked the progression of endo since my lap in December. I was so freaked out by the whole thing. I don't blame your friend complaining for you. I would do the same. I'm wondering if to do the same for myself. Some of these consultants have no clue about endo and base their theories on outdated information. I wondering if to wait until after i had all my treatment then go pain management.

Thank you for helping me and I hope you are feeling better? X