What is your opinion and what are the side effects of the following alternatives to Lyrica?

[Sarah-Jane]

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Oxycarbazepine (Trileptal}

I have put so much weight on its rediculous! About 3 stone over two years. I also have water retention from Amitriptyline! Help!

Thank you, and soft hugs too!

[hamble99b]

soft hugs right back

I'm still on lyrica.

sandra.

[Maladjusted]

So am I, it helps me sleep, does little for the pain, and the weight is just going up and up. Asked doctor for an alternative. He just utters one work 'NO!'

[Hidden]

Hi

I tried Lyrica once, never again, it gave me terrible stomach cramps and I felt really unwell on it. I now manage with pain killers and melatonin. I hated the side-effects of amitriptyline, for me it was the sweating and dry mouth, rather than weight gain. I take slow release morphine for pain relief and whilst that is not always recommended for fibro it has really helped me control my pain.

I came off amitriptyline and now take melatonin which is a natural hormone to help me sleep. Honestly, my sleep isn't great but no worse than it was when I was taking amitriptyline and it has far fewer side-effects.

I have found that with fibro it is trial and error and what drug suits one will be awful for someone else. It's frustrating but you have to persevere until you find something that helps and doesn't give you awful other symptoms.

[gizzmo73]

I tried gabapentin but it made me throw up and now on lyrica/pregabalin and yes ther weight did go up and really quickly too,I've been on it 2yrs and thin my body just got used to it now but iI started taking it in the Feb and by the April I had gone from size 6/8/ to 12/14/ now been to slimiing world last 6wks and lost 2 and half pounds which considering my mobility rate is really good so it can be done.I have increased mobility over that time too and the pain lessens but have to be careful of boom and bust ,but at least its better now ,big hugs too all x

[Matrix]

I have put on stones and no matter how much I diet can only lose 4lbs ever and my weight keeps going up .x

[Hidden]

Pregabalin and Mirtazepine combo...totally zombified me!

Yes I sleep.....and sleep and sleep and even when I am awake , I am asleep!

I have two very young children to care for...I cant be anything less than alert....I found the drugs did very little to help with the pains....although I suppose as I was asleep or in a dark fog most of the time, I wasnt aware of them....is that better?

Not for me...this is not a life!

My weight was increasing at a rate of pounds per month...my clothes dont fit, all adding to my depression!

So I have chosen to stop taking the drugs..correctly and safely, but no more!

[Jo61]

I have just been taken off Lyrica after 2 years and put on to Gabapentin..........all cost related I believe................had got used to the Lyrica although the weight was still going on - supposed to be on 3 Gabapentin a day but after 4 days am still only taking one at bedtime as they knock me out completely.........building up slowly and HOPING the side effects lessen as the pain remains. Had to stop Amitriptyline after it started to destroy my teeth - lost 3!!!!! Anyone else on Gabapentin and does it settle down eventually? It is powerful..............