I am reaching out to get some suggestions/opinions regarding my 80 year old mom. Her doctor prescribed her to take 225mg of Lyrica 2 times a day for fibromyalgia-1 in the afternoon around 4ish and the 2nd one at bedtime. I am noticing she is super drowsy and takes numerous naps throughout the day which results in her not being able to sleep at night. She has gained at least 30 pounds in the last 10 months and her diet has not changed in anyway. Along with this Lyrica she also takes a muscle relaxer at night. Doesn't this seem to be too much medication for a geriatric patient? Thoughts?
80 year old mom taking 225 mg Lyrica 2 times a day?
Question posted by Rowdensouth on 26 June 2022
Last updated on 27 June 2022
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Answers
masso
27 June 2022
Drowsiness is a common side effect that should have subsided a long time ago. Another side effect from this anticonvulsant is somnolence which I believe your mother is experiencing.
This medication off label use amongst other conditions is used to treat Insomnia. I suffer from insomnia and have taken this med in the past and of course, it has made me very drowsy and sleepy, I was on 150mgs. a day and I am 53 y/o, I know it does not come near the 450mgs. your mom is taking a day.
You have to take into account your mom´s age, plus 450mgs of Lyrica bid of course it will make her drowsy/sleepy and tired. Medications make people tired, I speak from experience, I suffer from Bipolar Disorder as well as Insomnia and have been on many meds.
Your mom is taking the max. dose for the treatment of FM, if the dose is alleviating her pain and her Dr. has prescribed this dose I believe she should stay on this dose, but be careful with the weight gain ( this med affects your metabolism in such a way that it increases one´s appetite, it slows it down and affects the way it stores fat, try and maintain a healthy diet), have your mom walk (if she is able) at least 15 min. a day for cardiovascular exercise.
My mother also suffers from FM and she gets drowsy too, of course everyone reacts to medications differently.
masso
27 June 2022
Management of Fibromyalgia in Adults
The recommended dose of LYRICA for fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg/day. Begin dosing at 75 mg two times a day (150 mg/day). The dose may be increased to 150 mg two times a day (300 mg/day) within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerability. Patients who do not experience sufficient benefit with 300 mg/day may be further increased to 225 mg two times a day (450 mg/day). Although LYRICA was also studied at 600 mg/day, there is no evidence that this dose confers additional benefit and this dose was less well tolerated. In view of the dose-dependent adverse reactions, treatment with doses above 450 mg/day is not recommended
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