Pregabalin

I took my form from the vulvar dermatologist to my GP today requesting Gabapentin and she immediately said why didn't she tell you to ask for Pregabalin (Lyrica) as it's just as effective at a lower dose and better for Fibromyalgia? I was pretty surprised because the dermatologist said Pregabalin would be the better option but as it was pretty expensive alot of doctors won't prescribe it which is why she recommended Gabapentin so I explained this to my GP and she said "well, we do prescribe Pregabalin here when it's the better option and it is for you so that's what I'm going to give you"!! I can't believe I skipped the cheap option and went straight to the expensive one, amazing!

She also said she's sure my dodgy SI joints and resulting muscle problems are irritating nerves in the pelvis and causing the Vulvodynia so if meds don't work I may have to have nerve blocks but the physio might cure the problem so keep going with that and see where it takes me. I'm really impressed with this GP, she seems to really listen and take it all in. I collect my Pregabalin on Monday as the pharmacy had run out so we'll see how I get on.

Good luck. it worked for me. i was going to taper off, but as i did, i the pain came back. i started low and went up to 300 mgs. it may have caused weight gain for me...but it could just have been my drinking and eating.

Sarah

Did your GP say you could 'take the pregbalin with Ami, or has she taken you off that?

J

You can take both together but if the Pregabalin is alot more successful than the Ami the Ami dose will be lowered a bit, I won't be coming off Ami because I take it to get proper sleep and without it I feel constantly exhausted due to Fibromyalgia so I'll have to find a balance between the two.

I'm going to ask my gp to prescribe this as well. I desparately need a painkiller whilst the other medication kicks in, my pain is at a 10 most days surely there must be something I can take to give me some relief.

Jacky,

Opiates are known to help w/ this pain. I get a monthly prescription for hydrocodone (Vicodin). I take up to three pills per day. I am able to work on these pain pills. When the pain is very bad it just takes the edge off. The other meds will eventually help decrease the pain. It won't always be this bad.

Yes I take condine 15mg (wiv paracetamol) x2 tabs per dose. If pain is bad..wont use it every day tho unless needed. It does work but spaces me out..its just something to get me through until I find out if the nerve block works.

Sarah how are you getting on withe the Lyrica? Have you noticed an improvement?

Jx

To be honest I haven't started taking it yet, I was warned it may make me drowsy especially alongside the Ami so I'm waiting for a time when I don't have to drive anywhere for a week or so just in case it does that. I have been told it's like Ami though and takes a while to build up in your system and also often needs an increase in dose to do any good so it's not a quick fix like opiates so I don't think I'll notice an immediate difference. I'll report back once I get going with it.

i have had very little pain over the past week. My nurse practitioner increased my Gabepentin to 3600 mgs (highest dose) and i still take the Lyrica (Pregabelin) 150 mgs. Neither of them made me tired, but i am not on Ami. It's been a good week. I give most of the credit to Pregabelin. hang in there ladies!

So glad to hear that Jules!!