Fibromyalgia is a baffling and frequently incapacitating issue, yet treatment of the disease can offer some relief.
There are a number of different treatment plans that you can try in order to find relief from the pain that often comes from fibromyalgia, and new treatment plans are coming out all of the time. There are even a few “unconventional” treatments that were originally meant to be used with
Lyrica, a prescription used to treat patients with seizures, pain and nerve damage from shingles, and nerve pain from spinal cord injuries and diabetes is actually giving some relief to those living with the stress and pain of fibromyalgia.
In this article, we’re going to look at why Lyrica can make a difference in those who are struggling with fibromyalgia, but also some of the side effects that you may have to deal with if you decide to start taking the drug as part of your pain management regimen and treatment plan.
A Closer Look at Lyrica
Lyrica (generic name: pregabalin) is a FDA sanctioned drug treatment for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a long term illness that has a number of painful symptoms, including widespread muscle pain, tenderness all over the body, falling asleep when you shouldn’t, and constantly feeling as if you are exhausted.
These symptoms can make it difficult for you to function in your daily life. That’s why a number of different pain medications have been brought forward and tested for fibromyalgia – Lyrica is probably one of the most recent ones that have been put in the mix for many people with this disease.
Of course, this all begs the question. How does the whole thing work? First off, it’s important to note that Lyrica is not a stimulant. Rather, it is a medication that targets nerve signals. The medication has long been utilized to soothe nerve torment in patients with shingles and diabetic neuropathy. It is likewise used to treat minor seizures, usually in those who have seizures as a side effect of a disorder (not necessarily in those who have chronic seizure disorders).
Fibromyalgia pain and stress is accepted to be brought on by nerve related progressions, which cause nerve cells to start shooting off signals that may not necessarily tell you what is going on in your body. This renders an individual excessively sensitive to touch and other sensations which, for people without the disorder, would not find to be painful at all.
Researchers aren’t precisely certain how Lyrica helps to reduce fibromyalgia side effects, however research facility exploration proposes Lyrica helps diminish the quantity of nerve signals, and also works to sooth and silence excessively touchy nerve cells. This seems to ease pain in patients with fibromyalgia, which is why it is becoming a popular part of treatment plans.
What Are Some of the Side Effects to Be Aware Of?
As with any prescription or over the counter medication, there are a number of different side effects that you need to keep an eye out for if you are taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia. The side effects that you may experience seem to be amplified and caused by how much of the medication that you are taking on a regular basis. That implies the higher the dosage of Lyrica that you are taking, the more probable you may be to have symptoms.
Obviously, side effects are going to differ based on the person that is taking the medication and how much of it you are taking. The most widely recognized reactions include mild dizziness, disorientation, blurred vision, swelling of the feet and hands, dry mouth and dehydration, and weight gain.
Lyrica might likewise make it hard to focus and to make logical and intelligent decisions, which can make driving risky. Inquire as to whether it is safe for you to drive when taking this medication. You ought not to drive or control large machinery at your place of employment until you know how the medication influences you.
One question that often comes up is whether or not intestinal problems can also come about when taking Lyrica. This happens in some cases, especially if you already have problems with your gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes, you may feel a burning sensation in your stomach, or you may start to struggle with acid reflux a little bit more than you normally do. This is one of the side effects that you really should bring to your doctor if it comes up, because it can indicate that there is a deeper problem going on that should also be treated appropriately.
In some very rare cases, there are more severe side effects that may occur when you are taking Lyrica for your fibromyalgia symptoms. As just mentioned, these are very uncommon, but if they happen at all, you want to be sure that they are taken care of as soon as possible Going to the emergency room may be an option if any of these come up.
These worrisome side effects include if you have any issues with breathing, if you have chest pain, if you struggle with hives or other indicators of allergic reactions, or if you see swelling in or around your face (mouth, gums, lips, neck, tongue, etc).
So, Lyrica may be a good option for many people who are dealing with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but there are side effects that you want to be sure to take care of. That being said, always be sure to talk to your doctor about any side effects that you may see, no matter what sort of medication you are on.
Your doctor is there to help you deal with your symptoms and to give you advice about the best way to deal with them. You shouldn’t have to suffer from painful side effects from your medication when you’re trying to use them to help reduce your pain. No matter what drug you’re on, keep communication open with your doctor and be sure to keep everything under control in a safe and healthy manner.
Comments