Can anyone help

[Jonn9]

Hi everybody i am john this is my first post. I have been for neaurology appointment this sunday morning 8.30am. After waiting 14weeks I got phone call Friday night for appointment sunday. Doctor examined me I have just started pregabalin 25ml twice a day he told me to take 50ml twice a day and will increase it weekly. Also referred me for lower spine m.r.i scan. Does anyone know how long I will wait for m.r.i. snd is it good idea to increase pregabalin as people have told me they turn you zombie like

[FRreedman]

The MRI shouldn't take too long, in my local hospital it's about two weeks. If when you increase your pregabalin, you notice any side effects, please tell your GP or consultant and they will be able to adjust or amend your dose or drug that you are on.

[Jonn9 in reply to FRreedman]

Thanks. I think might be longer than 2weeks. The hospitals in Glasgow are overstretched at the moment.

[strongmouse in reply to Jonn9]

Hello,

locally they do a 'triage system' and consider the MRI the doctor (GP) has asked for me as non-urgent. I had a letter to tell me there was a 14 - 17 week wait. (so now hoping it will happen in March). Maybe as you have already waited so long they will respond more quickly.

I had to stop pregablalin as it made me so very drowsy. If you do get unbearable side effects go back to doctor. I am now on low dose nortryptalin (At night) which works better for me. Some people seem to take it (pregabalin) without any problems so I think it is try it and see how it works for you.

[Jonn9]

Thanks he said to increase it weekly. Hopefully I dont need the limit. He is also prescribed anti-inflammatory called melioxicam . Which I have never heard of

[Wiganladlovesapie in reply to Jonn9]

Hi Jonn. Andy here. I take Pregabalin also. I was prescribed Omeprazole to go with the Pregabalin as you can get problems with your stomach without. I’m told the Pregabalin can make the valve that opens and shuts act up. Please look this up. Take good care.

[Emma2017 in reply to Wiganladlovesapie]

It can cause inflammation of the stomach lining. However it is a very rare side effect and they don’t routinely prescribe Omeprazole or equivalent to go with it.

[Wiganladlovesapie in reply to Emma2017]

Hi Emma. Thank you for sharing. I was also like yourself sharing my experience on this medication. I’ve been on Pregabalin for many years. My g.p stated at that time and even to the present day that Omeprazole ,or equivalent to, should be prescribed along side of Pregabalin. But that’s my g.p looking out for my best interest.

[Emma2017 in reply to Wiganladlovesapie]

That’s nice of your GP. I have been on pregabalin for years as well. Never had stomach problems. I appreciate your experience but just wanted to point out it’s a rare side effect and most GP’s won’t routinely prescribe stomach protectors with it as that would double the cost to the NHS which as we know is massively underfunded.

[Wiganladlovesapie in reply to Emma2017]

It was nice yes. I’m relieved that you haven’t had any problems emma. Good news. Absolutely right that it’s a rare side affect. Best to check though right? You’re right again about the NHS being massively underfunded. I worked within for a long time .When replying to the original post from Jonn, I was explaining my situation with Pregabalin. My experience. Good to share here. Have a good day emma.

[Hidden]

As you have an a consultant, I would stick to their advice unless you get adverse effects. Everyone is different when it comes to medication side effects. It is great that you are getting an MRI. Seems like your consultant is on the ball.

[Emma2017]

Hi Jonn 25mg twice a day is a very low dose. I personally would only increase 25mg at a time and see how that feels. If it is enough to combat the pain I certainly would not continue to increase the amount. I was on the maximum dosage per day and managed to go back down to 450mg a day and want to go down further. Waiting times for MRI’s vary from region to region. Cannot speak for your region. The minute I had a slot I made an appointment with the consultant for after. (It takes a few days for the report to be written up).