This concerns me, how much Xanax are you taking ? just this drug alone can cause these adverse reactions. Automobile accidents are on the rise with xanax and it is notoriously given out for what it was not created for. I wish that pharmacists and physicians would watch interactions and how drugs are putting too much burden on the liver and the kidneys. Damage to to the kidneys can not be undone and though the liver is able to regenerate to an extent damage by drugs is dangerous. I worry what we doing to ourselves . TMJ with fibro limits medication options for me I get fustrated too.
CoCoinBonita said:
I am on Xanax, Lyrica, Savella, Neurontin (gabapentin - 600mg per day), Lexapro, Vivomo, Namenda, and Tylenol with codeine as needed. After about 6 weeks, I am finally seeing a little results. Problem now is that I am so tired, confused, and have little short term memory. I am so frustrated as I cannot function without naps and if I drive, I am afraid I will get lost, which has happened more than once.
Thank you for your reply. I see my Pain Management Doctor in a few hours. I have prepared a list of meds and issues I am still having. I keep reading that it is a matter of finding the right combination of meds. I am also concerned about the combination and the fact that I am taking, I believe 9 meds and some are suppose to treat the same thnings; i.e.: Lyrica, Savela and Gaba.
I will post the results of my appointment later on this day. I just hope I don't forget to address these issues. He is fairly good about listening. I think I just have to be more assertive and ask to explore other options and testing for other potential concerns: Epstein Barr, Hepetisis, Parvo etc. I hope I sound convincing and that I am able to be firm.
Believe it or not, just having the opportunity to write this out is helping with resolve and conviction.
This board has given me more "backbone", which is strange, because I am known as very unspoken person but sometimes I just clam up with doctors. Hummmm ... reminds me of a commercial playing out here in CA.... this man asks so many questions about an electronic device, including if it comes in other colors, change of scene... he is in a gown and sitting at a doctor's office bed and the doctor ask him "do you have any questions?", to which he replies: "no" and the doctor asks: "are you sure?" and he says, "yes".... why are so intimidated? Must hold strong and be distracted. Too bad I am going alone....:(, but I have written down my concerns and I am good about bring out my journal and checking off the items. And doctor never seems rushed....
Prayers appreciated!
CoCo
angelia said:
angelia said:
This concerns me, how much Xanax are you taking ? just this drug alone can cause these adverse reactions. Automobile accidents are on the rise with xanax and it is notoriously given out for what it was not created for. I wish that pharmacists and physicians would watch interactions and how drugs are putting too much burden on the liver and the kidneys. Damage to to the kidneys can not be undone and though the liver is able to regenerate to an extent damage by drugs is dangerous. I worry what we doing to ourselves . TMJ with fibro limits medication options for me I get fustrated too.
CoCoinBonita said:
I am on Xanax, Lyrica, Savella, Neurontin (gabapentin - 600mg per day), Lexapro, Vivomo, Namenda, and Tylenol with codeine as needed. After about 6 weeks, I am finally seeing a little results. Problem now is that I am so tired, confused, and have little short term memory. I am so frustrated as I cannot function without naps and if I drive, I am afraid I will get lost, which has happened more than once.
CoCo, another blood test to ask for is Lyme Disease. The symptoms can mimic a lot of our problems, and left untreated can be totally debilitating. (My cousin: her Doctors were so busy treating the Fibro, they overlooked the Lyme for 2 years -- now she is basically bedridden with symptoms, and only 48)
Wishing you great luck and a very stiff backbone today !!!!
I take between 1200 and 1800 a day, but I'm very lax about it. I really only remember to take it when I start to get very bad nerve pain/burning in my feet, and it helps me greatly when I take it. I've been on it for about 3 years now, and out of all the other meds I've tried (Lyrica, etc) this seems to help me the best. But everyone responds differently. My prescription is for 1200mg daily, but now I see that it is prescribed for up to 3600mg daily. I think it's something that needs to be continuously adjusted to your needs. 200mg twice a day would do nothing for me, I need to take at least 600mg for each dose. And I've never had any side effects from it, that I've noticed. Ask your Doctor to give you something to counter-act the heartburn. See what your Doctor says !
I take savella, I breake it in half and take it w a Tylenol 3-4 x day, I started back on wellbutrin , and half lortab when I’m really hurting . The wellbutrin w savella has seem to make a difference, I don’t seem in as much pain when I wake up in am. I was allergic to lyrica, and the gabapenton caused horrible migraines , I guess u have 2 find what helps u best . Never tryed fluoxetine
I take savella, I breake it in half and take it w a Tylenol 3-4 x day, I started back on wellbutrin , and half lortab when I’m really hurting . The wellbutrin w savella has seem to make a difference, I don’t seem in as much pain when I wake up in am. I was allergic to lyrica, and the gabapenton caused horrible migraines , I guess u have 2 find what helps u best . Never tryed fluoxetine
Once my rhematologist wrote the script for Lyrica, it was indeed an issue with the insurance company. However, since I had been on Gabapentin (Neurontin) previously I was able to prove that it had not been effective. I was also lucky enough to get a Lyrica coupon card and last Rx was only about $25!! You can Google it or go to www.medicationcoupons.com and save up to 80% on Lyrica! I've not seen anyone post a positive report for Prozac (fluoxetine) for fibro. Maybe for the mood issues that go along with fibro.
My newest regime is Lyrica 75mg twice a day, Cymbalta 60mg (just decreased from 90mg) once a day and Plaquenil 200mg at bedtime (dec. to once a day due to serious effects of gas)!!!! It is working well and also the Nambutone 750mg twice a day as needed and Ultram as needed. Once in awhile I do have to take Lortab, but try to use sparingly.
My issue now is wt loss, so I am going to try to get in with a dr that does integrative medicine and would possibly be offer alternative meds, as drs won't usu write Rx for wt loss meds since they affect central nervous system as most of our meds do. Real catch 22 situation. Hoping to really find a way to curb cravings for carbs, sugar, etc. Have been trying as had to go back on my diabetes med. :(
I offer up prayers for all our fellow fibro suffers. I feel blessed that I have been able to find some relief and pray that others will find moments of peace every day.
I believe I've posted before re my experience with Lyrica, Gabapentin & Cymbalta...not sure though as I'm often/usually in the infamous Fibro fog.
Both the Lyrica & Cymbalta drove me half crazy...I felt stoned/inebriated/had bad hallucinations and heart palpitations and was not able to get out of bed...even on the lowest dosage. The Gabapentin caused me to gain excessive weight which made my back hurt worse that usual. God Bless the fibro folks who CAN take these meds without the horrid side effects like I had. I am now stuck in limbo as the Dr. doesn't know what else to give me for relief of pain & the insomnia. He has prescribed MM for me which I use only occasionally when the pain is beyond intolerable and I REALLY need some sleep. Other than that...I spend a great deal of time under my electric blanket with additional heating pads on my knees and shoulders. I am NOT impressed with the lack of quality in my life to say the least.
NotMsBHavin said:
Once my rhematologist wrote the script for Lyrica, it was indeed an issue with the insurance company. However, since I had been on Gabapentin (Neurontin) previously I was able to prove that it had not been effective. I was also lucky enough to get a Lyrica coupon card and last Rx was only about $25!! You can Google it or go to www.medicationcoupons.com and save up to 80% on Lyrica! I've not seen anyone post a positive report for Prozac (fluoxetine) for fibro. Maybe for the mood issues that go along with fibro.
My newest regime is Lyrica 75mg twice a day, Cymbalta 60mg (just decreased from 90mg) once a day and Plaquenil 200mg at bedtime (dec. to once a day due to serious effects of gas)!!!! It is working well and also the Nambutone 750mg twice a day as needed and Ultram as needed. Once in awhile I do have to take Lortab, but try to use sparingly.
My issue now is wt loss, so I am going to try to get in with a dr that does integrative medicine and would possibly be offer alternative meds, as drs won't usu write Rx for wt loss meds since they affect central nervous system as most of our meds do. Real catch 22 situation. Hoping to really find a way to curb cravings for carbs, sugar, etc. Have been trying as had to go back on my diabetes med. :(
I offer up prayers for all our fellow fibro suffers. I feel blessed that I have been able to find some relief and pray that others will find moments of peace every day.
Geranium and Sharon: Cymbalta did the same thing to me. It made me a tyrant and down right mean. That's when my rhuma put me on Effexor XR. At first I took 150mg at breakfast. Within an hour I was a zombie. I was pain free and very happy but non-functional. Then we tired 75mg twice a day. That was better with no zombie effects but by bedtime my pain had returned. That's when he put me on 75mg three times a day. Oh, what a difference. That was the ticket. I also take 20-30mg of amatriptoline at bedtime which really helps me sleep. This combination plus gaba or Lyrica , for me, keeps 95% of my pain at bay!! I've gained 30 lbs too but I'm willing to pay that price. Fortunately, no other side effects.
I'm so sorry you're still in pain. I hope you find some (any) relief soon. Never give up!!! You will find it.
Gentle Hugs,
Allen
P.S. I had to be very proactive (but not demanding) with my rhuma and work on the dosages for a year or two to find the right balance for me. Good luck.
YES, I HAVE. ANY KIND OF MED THAT BASICALLY WORKS LIKE AN ANTIDEPRESSANT DOES ME ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD AT ALL. THE ONLY THING I NOTICE IS THAT IT KILLS MY LIBIDO. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LYRICA. LYRICA DID HELP ME SOMEWHAT FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS. BUT I WAS ON THE MAX DOSE AND WHEN IT WASNT USEFUL ANYMORE, I HAD A REALLY HARD TIME COMING OFF OF IT BECAUSE I BECAME ADDICTED TO IT. ALSO IT WAS REALLY EXPENSIVE. BUT IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, IT MIGHT BE WORTH TRYING.
Fluoxetine is the same thing as Prozac. Some doctors think that antidepressants that affect serotonin can help with fibromyalgia pain, but that particular class, SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (they basically help keep serotonin in the gaps between nerves longer, making it stay in your system longer) are not FDA approved to treat fibromyalgia. Two similar drugs, Cymbalta and Savella are similar, they are SNRIs or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are approved for fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain and depressions. The fluoxetine may help your mood and help you not be depressed all the time, but there is no clinical evidence as of yet that it will help your pain significantly. Savella and Cymbalta are only available as brand name. Since most people can't afford these meds even with insurance, often doctors prescribe other things that cost less, but may not work as well.
lindasmathews@gmail.com said:
I have been on the gabapentin and it did seem to help me...I have not taken fluoxetine - is that for pain?
I found the Savella most helpful as well. Unfortunately, my copay is higher with this drug and it is expensive if you don't have insurance. Other than that, I have less pain and my fibromyalgia is better managed. Not perfect, but best I've tried.
Fibrogirl said:
I have tried many, but the best is Savella. I think you will be please with this.
i take 90mg of cymbalta i does help but not as much as i would like. i have no health
insurance i get my meds from the company so if u want to try lyrica contact the comany and explian your insurace wil not cover it and see if they will help u i am most likley going to go on it just need to get my paperwork together. it does have alot of side effect but as with most drugs they should get better or go away with time i was on a drug for my migraines that had a lot of thevsame side effects as lyrica and within a month almost all were gone the rest disapered with time each person will react different and the side effets may not bother u but the main thing with this disease is to try to get your pain under control i dont think any of us r pain free but with the right meds we can manage somewhat of a normal life. dont give up on trying to figure out the right meds and doses for u. good luck and may God bless u as u fight this battle
I have been on one of these medicine's Gabapetin i take 600ng a day i really can't tell if it helps or not! I am on Cymbalta, 900mg of Ibuprofen 300mg 3 times a day. I also take tramadol a pain reliever. I have had fibro since 2005 and still have good days and bad days. Hope this helps!
I am taking sertraline along with other meds. I originally went on it for depression but it did wonders for the pain I had in my back and shoulders (2007) as well as my memory. These past 6 months I noticed I had more frequent days with pain ( still not as bad as in 2007) and flares. I complained to my therapist ( I go for my bipolar depression) that I thought my depression really stemmed from my fibromaylgia. She was concerned that I was in bed too often. I complained that I had to sleep a lot to avoid the pain at night and even if I did sleep it was no guarantee the pain would not be there. She suggested an increase in my sertraline by an additional 25 mg, making that 75mg.all together.
I am so very happy she suggested that because I noticed an improvement in a) my mood b) my energy c) my motivation d) reduced pain e) my ability to fall asleep easier. I wonder if sometimes when people try drugs they say they do not work and change it instead of trying different dosages- it is just a thought. If I had known this was possible I would have done it sooner. I have not been able to exercise for some months (9 mos) now but since the increased dosage I have been on 3 ( 1 and 1/2 hour long) hikes at the local Audobon's and the most recent was in the damp cold rain. I realize everyone's fibromyalgia is very unigue with possibly different disturbances in the body but I think there really is something to balancing the serotonin among other chemicals in the brain. It probably is not the sertraline alone but in conjunction with my other meds. The sertraline needed to be balanced with a mood stabilizer ( lamictal). I have read and been told that amitriptiline works well with these variety of drugs (ssris)
I am taking sertraline along with other meds. I originally went on it for depression but it helped the pain I had in my back and shoulders (2007). and improved my memory. These past 6 months I noticed I had more frequent days with pain ( still not as bad as in 2007) and flares. I complained to my therapist ( I go for my bipolar depression) that I thought my depression really stemmed from my fibromaylgia. She was concerned that I was in bed too often. I complained that I had to sleep a lot to avoid the pain at night and even if I did sleep it was no guarantee the pain would not be there. She suggested an increase in my sertraline by an additional 25 mg, making that 75mg.all together.
I am so very happy she suggested that because I noticed an improvement in a) my mood b) my energy c) my motivation d) reduced pain e) my ability to fall asleep easier. I wonder if sometimes when people try drugs they say they do not work and change it instead of trying different dosages- it is just a thought. If I had known this was possible I would have done it sooner. I have not been able to exercise for some months (9 mos) now but since the increased dosage I have been on 3 ( 1 and 1/2 hour long) hikes at the local Audobon's and the most recent was in the damp cold rain. I realize everyone's fibromyalgia is very unigue with possibly different disturbances in the body but I think there really is something to balancing the serotonin among other chemicals in the brain. It probably is not the sertraline alone but in conjunction with my other meds. The sertraline needed to be balanced with a mood stabilizer ( lamictal). I have read and been told that amitriptiline works well with these variety of drugs (ssris)