Confused about anxiety, depression and Lyrica.

[Clazzy78]

I have been suffering for a long time now with severe PMS with which I'm being referred to a gynaecologist and severe anxiety with depression. I have always thought the main diagnosis was depression, and should be treated as such. But I saw my GP the other day and we had a good chat. My anxiety was through the roof, I was struggling to leave my house, chores we're almost impossible to do as I was utterly exhausted. I was having constant intrusive horrible thoughts.

I've tried 5 antidepressants in the last 2 years and none of them have helped or suited me.

So we have decided to try a tablet called Lyrica(pregabalin). It is used for epilepsy, neuropathic pain and GAD. It has made such a difference to how I feel in such a short period of time, like 48 hours! It's amazing.

My main question is could my diagnosis of depression have actually have been wrong? (I know we're not docs and can't diagnose so I'm just looking for opinions), as I feel like a different person.

The patient advice leaflet gives a brief description of generalised anxiety disorder, and I had all of the symptoms apart from 1.

I hope I continue to feel well and I am waiting to see how I respond with my menstrual cycle, that will be interesting. I keep a journal too. I find it helps.

To everyone, there are medications that can help you. I thought I was a lost cause as regards to antidepressants, asSSRIs are used for anxiety and severe PMS, I'd tried 2 SSRIs, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, duloxetine and venlafaxine!🙄 with no joy. But the Lyrica really seems to be helping. But please persevere, don't give up on meds or talking therapies.

Best wishes 💗

[Satsuma]

So good to hear that you have found a med to help you Clazzy78 This has made me smile

[Clazzy78 in reply to Satsuma]

Thankyou. So am I. I feel like I have some control back of day to day living, it's made a HUGE difference.

[Satsuma in reply to Clazzy78]

Absolutely .. And what is more is that it really can get better

[NFDK in reply to Clazzy78]

<3

[Kittykat2]

I have a friend who was started on same med , she says its changed her life.

She has anx/ depression.

She also has a lot of pain from athrititis etc

Although she takes it alongside another anti/D and anx meds, as they didnt want to up the dose they added this instead.

She said its been remarkable for her.

Hope you keep feeling well x

[Clazzy78 in reply to Kittykat2]

Thankyou 💗

[miarose]

How many mg of LYRICA are you taking..I was given 25mg am afraid to take them as they are supposed to make you very lightheaded...would you let me know please. I am desperate.xx

[Clazzy78 in reply to miarose]

Hello. I take 75 mg twice daily, once about 7-7.30am and then about 6pm.

The morning one doesn't make me lightheaded or drowsy at all. I can increase if I want to after two weeks to 150mg twice a day. It's actually cleared my thinking and I have more energy now. My anxiety was zapping every ounce of energy I had.

The evening dose is fine too but I'm ready for bed by 9.30-10pm latest. I sleep so well, I feel refreshed when I wake up and I haven't felt that for nearly 4 years.

Previously I've tried zopiclone and it's not as good.

I'd say don't be scared. 25mg is a low dose, is it twice a day also?

I've found it amazing to be honest.

Try them, I also had what I can only describe as mini electric shocks going off in my arms and legs all the time, and it's stopped that too. That was horrible, as I couldn't relax and sit still.

Please don't be scared 💗

[miarose]

Thank you so much for replying so quick. my GP knows I am afraid of meds, so he said to try the lowest dose, just 1 at bedtime, to see how I get on..I'd say if they agreed with me, he would increase them..I have low tolerance to tablets, just one Panadol, puts my headache away..its hard to get Doctors to understand this, as they keep giving me the recommended dose..when half that dose works for me..tnx again..xxx

[Clazzy78 in reply to miarose]

No worries 🙂 Hope it works for you.

Best wishes 💗

[poppet36]

Hlad to find your post as its like reading about myself which makes me feel less isolated so thank you. Im coming off of prozac as i feel ots not done much for me. Im goning to try 5htp which os herbal and ive heard great things about and as a bonus can stip your preiods so fingers crossed xxxx my pms or pmdd or what ever names it goes by is destroying. Glad you have found what works for you. X

[Clazzy78 in reply to poppet36]

Hi popper36,

Sorry you suffer too. I am in another group on HealthUnlocked called Premenstrual Madness, that helps too.

Have you seen a specialist about your PMDD? 💗

[poppet36 in reply to Clazzy78]

Yes they just tell me to take the pill which i cant cos it makes me so ill and ive tried a few

[Clazzy78 in reply to poppet36]

Argh! That's not helpful is it?

I used to take Yasmin until I got older and it didn't agree with me.

I carried on trying a few different ones including mini pills. Nothing helped.

I went back to my Gp and asked to see a gynaecologist that has an interest/specialism in PMS. I wasn't putting up anymore.

Have you considered seeing a gynaecologist? I would ask.

I take evening primrose oil, vit d, and a multivitamin for women.

If you need any more help info, PM me.

Best wishes 💗