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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Crazy Horse on July 30, 2006, at 9:03:38
I have..at 600 mgs, now 550 a.m., 50 at bedtime. It has eliminated depression/anxiety ( could be in combination w/ 9mgs. of EMSAM i'm on too) increased energy, pro-social (very noticible) excited about life..very rare for me, just a nice overall feeling of well being..but this has only been 3 days on higher dose..so i'm hesitant to brag this soon in the game (been let down too many times in the past w/ meds).
Plz let me know of other good experiences with Lyrica.
Thanks, Monte
Posted by hugo on August 1, 2006, at 10:20:40
In reply to Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by Crazy Horse on July 30, 2006, at 9:03:38
I'm currently at 150mg twice a day and I have noticed some relief of anxiety and insomnia, more mood stability, but no improvement in depression symptoms.
Hugo
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 1, 2006, at 11:08:57
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by hugo on August 1, 2006, at 10:20:40
> I'm currently at 150mg twice a day and I have noticed some relief of anxiety and insomnia, more mood stability, but no improvement in depression symptoms.
>
> HugoCheck under Google; High dose pregabalin(Lyrica) for depression and anxiety..and you'll find a lot of good links indicating that high dose 600mgs is much more effective for depression and anxiety..lower dose was similar to placebo. Low dose 150 bid made me kind of tired, but definitely improved my sleep. Higher dose (some go as high as 1200mgs.) 600mgs...i take 300 a.m. 200 at 1 or 2:00, and then 100 mgs. at bedtime, helps eliminate depression and anxiety, kicks *ss for sleep, and makes me pro-social which i love since i have a little social anxiety prob. It just makes me feel smooth, over-all feeling of wellness. I love it, just hope it lasts!! This is the 5th day on 600 mgs. and it's been great for 5 days. Chk. out google, and i wish you all the best!
Monte
Posted by hugo on August 1, 2006, at 17:09:13
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica? » hugo, posted by Crazy Horse on August 1, 2006, at 11:08:57
Monte
I hope Lyrica continues to kick butt for you! I've been at 150mg bid for 3 weeks now and the positive effects on sleep, mood stability and anxiety continue. I have dabbled at higher doses, up to 1200/day, and have confirmed that pregabalin is definitely abusable. I felt WAY good. Too good. Beyond stimulated. Beyond pro-social. ALTERED.
I found that more than 150mg at a pop does not work for me at work (a case manager at a mental health clinic). I feel WAY too good to deal with *stuff*
Pregabalin's been approved for GAD in the European Union and I can see why!
Depression-wise I'm thinking to try 150mg 3x/day and see where that takes me....
Be well. :)
Hugo
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 4, 2006, at 11:39:13
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica? » Crazy Horse, posted by hugo on August 1, 2006, at 17:09:13
> Monte
>
> I hope Lyrica continues to kick butt for you! I've been at 150mg bid for 3 weeks now and the positive effects on sleep, mood stability and anxiety continue. I have dabbled at higher doses, up to 1200/day, and have confirmed that pregabalin is definitely abusable. I felt WAY good. Too good. Beyond stimulated. Beyond pro-social. ALTERED.
>
> I found that more than 150mg at a pop does not work for me at work (a case manager at a mental health clinic). I feel WAY too good to deal with *stuff*
>
> Pregabalin's been approved for GAD in the European Union and I can see why!
>
> Depression-wise I'm thinking to try 150mg 3x/day and see where that takes me....
>
> Be well. :)
>
> HugoHugo,
I am very happy for you! I hope Lyrica continues to work for both of us. I take 300 in the morning 200 in the early afternoon and 100 at bedtime. Im think of using the 100 at bedtime with my afternoon dose instead of at bedtime..do you think if i do this, it will still help me sleep well? So this would be my regimine 300 a.m. (usually 6 or 7) and 300 at 12 or 1 p.m. Please let me know what you think. ThanksMonte
Posted by hugo on August 4, 2006, at 15:18:22
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by Crazy Horse on August 4, 2006, at 11:39:13
Monte
In my experience I need to dose 12 hours apart. Any longer and I experience a Lyrica let-down which I might describe as an "edgy blah" (whatever the heck that means). Experiment with your timing and I'm sure you'll find what works for you. What's your idea in shifting the PM dose?
After three lovely weeks of deep deep slumber my sleep started to deteriorate at 150mg so I've upped my PM dose to 300mg and will take it later at night. Maybe I'll bump the AM dose to 300 next for depression as you suggested. I just need to be careful not to feel TOO good at work!
Lyrica is my current monotherapy (my idea) for the depression/anxiety/mood instability that has been so freely reinterpreted over time by various pdocs. I'll let this experiment play out for a while. Good luck with yours, Monte. :)
Onward.
Chas.
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 5, 2006, at 8:59:00
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica? » Crazy Horse, posted by hugo on August 4, 2006, at 15:18:22
> Monte
>
> In my experience I need to dose 12 hours apart. Any longer and I experience a Lyrica let-down which I might describe as an "edgy blah" (whatever the heck that means). Experiment with your timing and I'm sure you'll find what works for you. What's your idea in shifting the PM dose?
>
> After three lovely weeks of deep deep slumber my sleep started to deteriorate at 150mg so I've upped my PM dose to 300mg and will take it later at night. Maybe I'll bump the AM dose to 300 next for depression as you suggested. I just need to be careful not to feel TOO good at work!
>
> Lyrica is my current monotherapy (my idea) for the depression/anxiety/mood instability that has been so freely reinterpreted over time by various pdocs. I'll let this experiment play out for a while. Good luck with yours, Monte. :)
>
> Onward.
>
> Chas.Chas.
I tried 300 in the morning (6:00 a.m.) yesterday, and then 300 at 1:00 in the afternoon, and none at bedtime. This dose was excellent for me. I felt really nice all day long. We went to a big Church Social/BBQ last night and i was "Mr. Social", my wife is amazed at the positive changes she has seen! Even though i didn't take it at bedtime, i slept really well last night and got in 7 1/2 hrs., which is perfect for me. I love Lyrica so far, Man if this continues to work i would/could be very content. I really think i could use this as a monotherapy for me also, and may do so if it continues to work well long term. What are your thoughts about Lyrica working long term? Man, i sure hope and pray that it does..for you and me both! Keep going strong bud, and keep me posted. :)
Monte
Posted by hugo on August 7, 2006, at 12:11:02
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by Crazy Horse on August 5, 2006, at 8:59:00
Monte
I find it really interesting that your 1pm dosing works for your sleep at night. I have continued to find 300mg in the daytime affects my focus and concentration, so perhaps I'm being optimistic about Lyrica as a monotherapy. I'll continue tweaking dosage and timing and see where that leads....
Keep well.
Hugo
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 7, 2006, at 16:21:55
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by hugo on August 7, 2006, at 12:11:02
> Monte
>
> I find it really interesting that your 1pm dosing works for your sleep at night. I have continued to find 300mg in the daytime affects my focus and concentration, so perhaps I'm being optimistic about Lyrica as a monotherapy. I'll continue tweaking dosage and timing and see where that leads....
>
> Keep well.
>
> Hugo
>yea it does help..i take 300 a.m. now, usually at 6 or 7, and another 300 at 1 or 2, then 200 mgs. of trazodone at bedtime and i sleep well.
Monte
Posted by Deniseuk190466 on August 8, 2006, at 12:04:50
In reply to Re: Anyone have GOOD results with Lyrica?, posted by Crazy Horse on August 7, 2006, at 16:21:55
Hi,
I'm really pleased this drug seems to be helping you both, can I ask if either of you have taken Lamictal, neurontin or tegretol and if so how Lyrica differs from them in it's affects?
Crazy Horse/Monte, I know we've been chatting in another thread just saw this and felt the need to ask this question.
Kind Regards.....Denise
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 8, 2006, at 13:30:35
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Deniseuk190466 on August 8, 2006, at 12:04:50
> Hi,
>
> I'm really pleased this drug seems to be helping you both, can I ask if either of you have taken Lamictal, neurontin or tegretol and if so how Lyrica differs from them in it's affects?
>
> Crazy Horse/Monte, I know we've been chatting in another thread just saw this and felt the need to ask this question.
>
>
> Kind Regards.....DeniseDenise, for me it's like night and day, i have taken all three of the drugs you mentioned above. Lyrica is similar to Neurontin (chemically) it is like a new/more Powerful improved neurontin. Lyrica is 3-10 times more of a GABA anologue than neorontin. The difference is you can FEEL Lyrica working, the others i felt nothing. Lyrica makes me FEEL GOOD. I feel like it it helps even more than my EMSAM. I feel energized, motivated, not depressed, pro-social,Motivated and calm with the lyrica. But this only happened when my dose got up to 500 mgs. a day. Now 600mgs bid is even better. Low dose Lyrica = sedation, high dose lyrica = energy. I can get you some "Links" on high dose Lyrica for depression/anxiety disorders. Take Care.
Monte (please call me Monte, not "Crazy Horse" :)
Posted by hugo on August 8, 2006, at 14:29:54
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Deniseuk190466 on August 8, 2006, at 12:04:50
Denise
I've tried Lamictal, Neurontin and Trileptal. Lamictal, a "mood stabilizer", destabilized my moods. The other two left me feeling dull and drugged.
I agree with Monte--Lyrica makes me feel good. It's the only psych med I take and I feel calmer, more stable emotionally, and I sleep again. It's the only med that helps me sleep and I've tried them all. Well, benzos do work, but the quality of the sleep is inferior to Lyrica which enhances slow-wave delta sleep. I'm dreaming again.
And the bad news (for me, anyway).... My only concern is cognitive. I experience some short-term memory lapses, some lack of focus and a certain haziness. I've been optimistic this will pass but I've been taking Lyrica for a month now and it hasn't. I'm considering adding a stimulant or maybe low-dose Abilify.
But of course, as you know, what might work for me....
Be well, Denise.
Hugo
Posted by Blinky on August 13, 2006, at 16:49:27
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping » Deniseuk190466, posted by Crazy Horse on August 8, 2006, at 13:30:35
I am taking Lyrica...gradually upping my dose because I am so sensitive to meds. My story is a long one and will tell it later. I started taking Lyrica for burning/nervous sensation throughout my body from a side effect from blood pressure med. I was told by a Neurologist that I had MS, Lupus and Sjogrens back in Jan! Went to 3 different Specialist and I didn't have neither of them! But the anxiety that it caused was something else. Started Lyrica gradually upping my dose for the last few months and now taking 25 mg AM, 25 mg 2pm and 75 mg at night. I am sleeping now at least 6 hours a night versus 1 or 2 hours or insomonia which is nice. I am still having the burning nervous feeling off and on most of the time along with some other side effects or symptoms. The Lyrica has helped me though...maybe if I were to get to a higher dose it would help me more? I am feeling drugged and having blurry vision with it now but the Psych. said that he wasn't concerned about the blurry vision....that it is more of a nuisance than a problem. I sure hope he is right. I have been able to handle the side effects from the Lyrica more so than anything else I tried. I am hoping it is just going to take time. I have been upping the dose very slowly over the last 4 months going 2 weeks after each increase...this time he wanted to go for a month but I disaggreed. I go back to him tomorrow.
Blinky
Posted by ibissmiles on August 15, 2006, at 12:16:06
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping » Deniseuk190466, posted by hugo on August 8, 2006, at 14:29:54
I started taking Lyrica 8 days ago--75 mg--and today I am supposed to up my dosage to 150 mg (75 twice a day). I have felt tequila drunk since the second day; woozy and blurry vision/ dizziness. I cannot imagine what 150 is going to do to me. I am taking it for pain related to multiple herniated discs, myofascial pain sydrome upper back and lower back radiculopathy (all from a car accident which I have had multiple back surgeries for already). Prior to this I was relying on heat/cold and ibuprofen. None of it works. I have had some relief from Lyrica but not much relative to the cloud I am floating on while taking it (I prefer to be on the ground). My doctor wants me to continue for a month. Does it get any better--by that I mean do you feel less drugged--at some point?
Posted by Blinky on August 16, 2006, at 17:24:04
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by ibissmiles on August 15, 2006, at 12:16:06
I think you need to give Lyrica more of a chance to work. Most side effects should disappear after your body adjusts. Some side effects can be caused by our anxiety about them or anxiety can make things worse. I too have the blurry vision. My dose was just upped from 75 mg at night to 100 mg at night and I take 25 mg in AM and 25 mg at 2 pm a total of 125 mg a day. The Pshyc. says I have a long way to go. He would like to get me to the point of a large dose in the morning and large dose before bed. I had the blurry vision before upping this last dose. I really want the Lyrica to work because it has been a nightmare with me trying to find drugs that I can tolerate because I am so sensitive to meds. Lyrica seems to have the least side affects of anti depressants or anti anxiety drugs from what I am reading or even other anti seizure drugs. I am going to see the eye dr. in a couple of weeks to make sure everything is ok with my eyes. The Psych. said it was more of a nuisance than a problem. I too get that drugged feeling and don't like it but have been trying to get through it and tell myself it will pass. Lyrica does help my sleep at night! I was having insomonia before taking it. Anymore I think you need to give meds a chance before trying another. Otherwise with me I would be jumping from one to another trying to find one that I can tolerate without side effects. Wish I could be more help. Let me know what you decide.
> I started taking Lyrica 8 days ago--75 mg--and today I am supposed to up my dosage to 150 mg (75 twice a day). I have felt tequila drunk since the second day; woozy and blurry vision/ dizziness. I cannot imagine what 150 is going to do to me. I am taking it for pain related to multiple herniated discs, myofascial pain sydrome upper back and lower back radiculopathy (all from a car accident which I have had multiple back surgeries for already). Prior to this I was relying on heat/cold and ibuprofen. None of it works. I have had some relief from Lyrica but not much relative to the cloud I am floating on while taking it (I prefer to be on the ground). My doctor wants me to continue for a month. Does it get any better--by that I mean do you feel less drugged--at some point?
Posted by Blinky on August 16, 2006, at 17:35:16
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by ibissmiles on August 15, 2006, at 12:16:06
Hugo, I forgot to tell you that a Neurologist first prescribed Lyrica at 50 mg at night and after taking it a couple of nights I really felt disoriented in the morning and quit. Than when I went to a Psych. a couple of months later (long story)...he wanted to try me out on a real low dose of Lyrica and gradally increase and he started me out on 25 mg at night and every couple weeks increased it 25 mg. because I am so sensitive to meds. And now I am up to 125 mg. total a day. So your dr. might have started you out on too high a dose? The drawback on starting out on a lower dose might take longer for you to feel the benefits of the Lyrica I would think?
Posted by Blinky on August 17, 2006, at 9:19:40
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Blinky on August 16, 2006, at 17:24:04
In my previous post I wrote that I am at a total of 125 mg. Lyrica a day which is wrong ... I really am at 150 mg a day now...25 mg. AM, 25 mg. at 2PM and 100 mg at night. Can't seem to add right :o).
Posted by hugo on August 18, 2006, at 10:15:57
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Blinky on August 16, 2006, at 17:35:16
Blinky
I was started at 150mg twice a day and, you're right, starting at a lower dose would've lessened the side effects but I wouldn't have enjoyed the immediate benefits. After 5-6 weeks of this dose, the druggy side effect has in the last couple of days decreased to almost zero. So, one way or the other, some patience is helpful. Be well.
Posted by Blinky on August 18, 2006, at 15:37:39
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by hugo on August 18, 2006, at 10:15:57
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the info Hugo! It gives me some more hope. I am increasing so slowly that it will probably take me longer for side effects to decrease...at least I won't get so discouraged now. It is just going to take time. I think I am feeling a tad better today with the spacey druggy feeling...but I am sure as I increase the Lyrica again it will change. My anxiety I know now doesn't help. Just knowing that it can get better helps. I am also having trouble with blurry vision which I hope will end up going away. Thank you again for posting..I really do appreciate it...have a good weekend!
Posted by ibissmiles on August 18, 2006, at 16:24:48
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Blinky on August 18, 2006, at 15:37:39
Thanks for the thoughtful reply Blinky :o), I am continuing temporarily at a lower dose. We will see how it goes!
Posted by Blinky on August 18, 2006, at 16:47:48
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by ibissmiles on August 18, 2006, at 16:24:48
Your welcome...let me know how you are doing. I am still gradually increasing my dose. Might take longer to feel the benefits as Hugo posted earlier though. I quess you have to give up one for the other. I am just so sensitive to meds. It also may take longer for side effects to go away for me by increasing gradually. It just helped to hear though that the side effects can eventually go away. Take care and again let me know how you are doing when you get a chance.
> Thanks for the thoughtful reply Blinky :o), I am continuing temporarily at a lower dose. We will see how it goes!
Posted by Mark32 on August 31, 2006, at 13:59:40
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Blinky on August 18, 2006, at 16:47:48
Hi there! I'm new to this board so bare with me. I'm intrigued with people's personal experiences of Lyrica on here. I started out on 75mg twice a day for one week (12 hour gap) and then increased to 150mg twice a day (12 hour gap). I experienced a very shortlived high when this was increased to the above dosage, but far more noticeable is the sluggishness and drowsiness associated with this drug which in my mind is definately an area of concern for me personally as I need to be mentally alert as I am just starting to be trained up as a checkout operator at morrisons. I've noticed a few people on here have increased their dose to 600mg with greater benefits. How are people getting on so far on this higher dose? and is the drowsiness and poor concentration still noticeable? I suffer with Sciatica, low back pain (mri scan next week) and bouts of depression. I'm looking at the prospect of increasing the dose to 300mg twice a day with a view to a further reduction in pain and some noticeable anti-depressant effects without the need to add another drug along with the lyrica.
Thanks for taking time to read this post.
Posted by Crazy Horse on August 31, 2006, at 16:06:54
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping, posted by Mark32 on August 31, 2006, at 13:59:40
> Hi there! I'm new to this board so bare with me. I'm intrigued with people's personal experiences of Lyrica on here. I started out on 75mg twice a day for one week (12 hour gap) and then increased to 150mg twice a day (12 hour gap). I experienced a very shortlived high when this was increased to the above dosage, but far more noticeable is the sluggishness and drowsiness associated with this drug which in my mind is definately an area of concern for me personally as I need to be mentally alert as I am just starting to be trained up as a checkout operator at morrisons. I've noticed a few people on here have increased their dose to 600mg with greater benefits. How are people getting on so far on this higher dose? and is the drowsiness and poor concentration still noticeable? I suffer with Sciatica, low back pain (mri scan next week) and bouts of depression. I'm looking at the prospect of increasing the dose to 300mg twice a day with a view to a further reduction in pain and some noticeable anti-depressant effects without the need to add another drug along with the lyrica.
> Thanks for taking time to read this post.
>Mark,
Without going into a big long speel about Lyrica, it is quite simple; Low dose Lyrica = sedation, high dose lyrica i.e.,300 mgs. b.i.d. = energy.
-Monte
Posted by hugo on September 1, 2006, at 12:00:57
In reply to Re: Really pleased this is helping » Mark32, posted by Crazy Horse on August 31, 2006, at 16:06:54
Mark
I agree with Monte's previous post, though, as always, your mileage may vary. I take 150mg at 11am and 150mg at 10pm. I don't experience sedation, though for a month I did have a slight buzz. That's gone now and I continue to experience moderate anti-anxiety and mood-stabilizing effects and a mild anti-depressant effect. Lyrica is currently my only psych med. I may add a stimulant to this since I think Lyrica has contibuted some cognitive dulling.
I hope your trial is a success!
Hugo
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