Nerve damage, extensive, due to Muscular Dystrophy, causes extreme pain in lower legs and hands. Gabapenten caused seizures and I now take oxazepam. By itself, not enough, Dr suggested lyrica.
Looking for an alternative to Lyrica for neuropathic pain control. Too expensive in Canada. Ideas?
Question posted by Geoff Alexander on 4 Dec 2014
Last updated on 10 April 2020 by SouthernBelle92
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
9 Answers
SouthernBelle92
11 April 2020
Hi Geoff,
The "brand name" Lyrica has lost it's patent rights here in the U.S. just within the last 6 months sometime. That means Lyrica can now be sold under the generic label as Pregabalin! I am not sure how the patent regulations work in Canada, but please ask your Dr. if Lyrica is also now a generic in Canada. I'm also not sure if your Health System allows you to use discount coupons or rebates, but you could go online and do a Google search for Lyrica patient assistance, and they will list the ways that they can help you save money on your Lyrica prescriptions!
Good luck!
FChamness53
31 Aug 2019
You might try Duloxetine (generic for Cymbalts) and pregabalin (generic for Lyrica) instead of gabapentin. Good luck!
cindy-59
1 Sep 2019
I was prescribed Cymbalta/Duloxetine for chronic nerve pain. I took it for over 10 years and I had so many problems while taking it. I found it was a lot like Lyrica except it was much worse as far as side effects and it’s been so much harder to taper off. I actually experienced anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts; and so much more. I had joint pain and inflammation and muscle pain and weakness and then muscle loss. I had blurry vision and hearing loss. I lost interest in everything and everyone. I had problems with my stomach; like nausea and pain. I also lost a lot of my hair and I ended up with many cavities and lost teeth. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high liver enzymes. I never had any problems with my weight before; even after having 5 children but I gained over 80 pounds. I didn’t connect all these problems with Cymbalta; but one day I was researching all my symptoms and Cymbalta came up.
It lead me to a support group where there are over 20,000 people who are going through the same thing. I started tapering off slowly and I’m down from 60 mg to less than 1 mg (5 beads) and every side effect is gone. I have a life again and I’m loving it. I have energy and motivation again. I’m getting around without a cane and I even have my own car and I’m able to drive again. Personally I will never take another medication like these again and I will never advise anyone else to take them. Please research Cymbalta before even thinking about taking it. Cindy
FChamness53
1 Sep 2019
Yes, please research and with any new medication start low and go slow. Lyrica and Cymbalta gave me my life back. I have been on this combination since 2009.
jjcarway
22 Oct 2018
I have been using Lyrica for 5 yrs it now lasts for less than 6 hours sometimes less. Thus I run out before I’m able to refill the Rx. I previously used Neurontin but switched to Lyrica which worked great for 4 years now not so much. If I sleep through a dose the pain starts soon after and takes at least 1-2 days to subside. What can I do? I haven’t slept in 3 days and the pain is substantial in both legs which are numb up to my waist along with my left hand.
Robert Hot Santiago
5 Oct 2018
Aloha , you might want to try CBD oil , I'm on it and it's seems to be working , taste like crap tho. Check with your doctor first and see what he or she says , hope you get better soon...
Nitro061
5 Oct 2018
Same here, my Canada insurance wouldn’t cover Lyrica. With a Doctor letter I did get Gabapentin.
Heavy side effects which take several weeks to wear off. I got significant pain relief but needed it because of desperation. I maxed out at 2800mg then it stopped working but many people have had great success just stick with it and see if your side effects wear off
cindy-59
29 Sep 2018
Hi Geoff. I was taking Lyrica for 7-8 years. I finally finished slowly tapering off last year. I was taking it for chronic nerve pain but it didn’t help at all. It actually caused me to have more pain. I experienced anxiety and depression from taking it and while tapering. I never had these problems before Lyrica. I had so many horrible side effects and I ended up having to taper off. Please do all the research you can before taking Lyrica. I sure wish I would have. I would never have started taking it if I had known the truth. Take care and I wish you the best. Cindy
Joy98362
12 May 2018
I am in the U.S. and am on Lyrica. I applied with Pfizer and now they send me Lyrica absolutely free monthly. Try and qualify, its worth it
Ssjanke
11 Aug 2018
I’m trying to do this for my uncle is it hard to get what all do they need me to send.
He’s on Medicare
jab453
6 Dec 2014
Ask your physician about milnacipran, which is fda approved. I take this med for neuropathic chronic pain ( no diabetes) for the last 3 months. No foggy brain, no drowsiness, more energy, however, takes time to work. This med is in the SNRI class. Previously on cymbalta for 8 yrs before this med. Worked great for depression and about 60 % for pain. I developed a tolerance, although I happy I am off the cymbalta due to more energy. So check your resources and this site. Take care
Inactive
6 Dec 2014
Hi jab, how long did it take for savella to work for your neuropathy pain? If you don't mind sharing where is your nerve pain located?
kaismama
4 Dec 2014
Gabapentin. I switched and its helping me more than the lyrica.
Geoff Alexander
4 Dec 2014
Perhaps you didn't see that gabapentin was responsible for causing me to have seizures? I'm eliminating gabapentin completely, it's dangerous.
RPCrowe
10 Nov 2017
I was taking Lyrica but, my insurance no longer covered it. I switched to Gabapentin and I felt like I was drunk the next day. Gabapentin makes me dizzy. It works great for my wife though! BTW, I do not use alcohol nor recreational drugs.
Related topics
lyrica, seizures, pain, neuralgia, gabapentin, oxazepam, muscular dystrophy, nerve, neuropathic pain
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.