I have suffered from fibromyalgia for 27 years... been on multiple antidepressants and an ungodly number of supplements... nothing really helps except tramadol which takes the edge off. Decided to break down and try Lyrica in spite of the fact the main side effect is weight gain and I am already obese... I was not obese when I began having symptoms but in a period of 4 years my weight doubled!! Thyroid meds have not helped. Anyway.. I am taking 50mg of lyrica twice a day... it's only been a few days but I don't really notice any difference so I was wondering for people who have had positive results how long did it take to feel a difference and at what dosage? Thanks and God bless you.
I am wondering how long it takes to feel effects from lyrica and what dosage are people on?
Question posted by grandmahill on 4 Dec 2014
Last updated on 17 August 2018 by Anonymous
This question has also been asked and answered here: How long does it take for Lyrica to work?
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8 Answers
Inactive
17 Aug 2018
I'm totally serious when I say it took only 18 minutes.
69andup
20 Jan 2015
I have taken Lyrical 50 mg. twice daily for over two years and it gives me more energy in the afternoon and evening. I tried taking it three times daily, but developed swollen ankles. I can't remember how soon it began to work. I have gained one or two pounds, but that's all. I also take Xyrem (10 years+), trazodone, Zoloft and Tramadol. I have developed (last two years) a trembling/jerking motion that the neurologist says is due to the fibromyalgia and not related to any medication I'm taking, but who knows. Good luck and I hope that you get relief soon.
California_Cobra4
5 Dec 2014
Well I've only been diagnosed with FM for the last 2-3 years (and contrary to popular belief, I HAVE felt it get worse over time) and my doctor had given me Lyrica 75mg once a day two different times and neither time he prescribed it did I feel any pain relief. As another poster stated, their rheumy had told them it could take up to 4 months and I've heard up to 6 months! But who is even going to wait that long to find out if it's ever going to work? Most people would not keep trying something for longer than a month if they didn't feel any pain relief. The only meds I am on are the Fentanyl patch 75mcgs, Soma 350mg, and Norco 5-325mg. The Fentanyl is the kicker and helps the most. The other two are more for breakthrough pain and work pretty well. My only concern and dislike about the Fentanyl patches is the fact that you eventually will build up a tolerance.
My tolerance is up to only being able to get 24 hours out of one 50mcg patch, when I should be changing is every 48 hours. So I will be talking to my pain management doctor this month about how bad the pain has gotten. When times are REALLY bad I will usually buy some medical marijuana from a friend and that has helped take the edge off the pain and nausea (caused by extreme pain or withdrawals from Fentanyl). So yeah, Lyrica was a no-go for me, but glad it works for others. None of the medications meant for nerve pain have ever helped me. Like I said, I get the best results from the Fentanyl patches, Soma, and Norco with some Advil and Excedrin to boost the effects of the Soma and Norco together. I do have to wonder if I have been misdiagnosed with FM since none of the regular meds seems to work for me, but I also know my body has such a high tolerance for most drugs/medications. There is no doubt I suffer from severe chronic pain from the back of my neck all the way down to my ankles. Neck, shoulders, mid and lower back, tailbone, hips, knees, and ankles always hurt most. Mostly all major joint areas hurt the most, but it changes day to day where I am having the most pain. I just don't even know what to do anymore because it seems like all the doctors want to do is give you some pills (for any ailment) to mask the symptoms rather than cure the problem. I'm literally so sick of taking pills that most of the time I gag when trying to swallow them with water anymore. I'm so used to being sick and tired ALL THE TIME that I have forgotten what true health feels like!
hankmac
5 Dec 2014
I take 150 mg Lyrica twice daily. And I've gained about 15 pounds. Not happy about that but it really helps my myofascial pain syndrome a lot so for now I am staying on it.
lezzy444
4 Dec 2014
I have had fibromyalgia for around as long as you have and have tried most of the drugs that are given to fibro patients. I took Lyrica for 3 months. Never had any reduction of pain. Gained 35 pounds because I never felt full after eating, so I kept eating and always felt hungry. I stopped Lyrica and it took 4 months to lose it. I know there have been many who have found this drug to be wonderful, but I am not one of them.
I also find tramadol to work well.
Inactive
4 Dec 2014
Hello grandmahill,
My pain management doctor had me take150mg 3x a day which didn't help, but he said it should only take a couple of days to work. However, my rheumy said it could take up to 4 months. Unfortunately it can cause weight gain, but if you watch what you eat and exercise you should be fine. I wish you the best!
Inactive
5 Dec 2014
I meant to ask if you've ever tried savella?
grandmahill
5 Dec 2014
No.. Savella is one of the few I haven't tried. But I have tried enough to feel like a guinea pig!! Have you tried savella? I have seen mixed reviews... but that pretty much describes every med out there. Wouldn't it be nice if they could fine one medication that actually works for all of us?
Inactive
5 Dec 2014
That would be great just one pill! :) Savella was made for fibro and some say it has really helped them. I can deal with all my pains except my neuropathy so I only try meds for my neuropathy. Mention the savella to your dr, you never know it may help. I hope you find something soon to help. Good luck
Sophie_Stewart
9 Dec 2014
why dont you try high dosages
balbanese
4 Dec 2014
That's ample time, although if you're on other meds it could affect how this one works for you.n I felt it within hours, 75mgs. Lots you can do (nutritional information) for the weight issue, nutritional info in intake of sugars (all forms), ample hydration, and how to get the body to burn fat, vs. calories can be very helpful.
StephanieAlice
4 Dec 2014
Hi Grandmahill. I took Lyrica 75mg for sciatica pain in my leg; I felt a difference soon after taking my first dose. I don't have Fibromyalgia but I did take Lyrica for a few years without any weight gain. Hope you can find an answer from someone who does have Fibromyalgia and I hope the Lyrica gives you some relief. Good luck :)
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