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Lyrica, Sleep and Chronic Pain
By Kerrie | September 24, 2007
In studies of Lyrica’s effectiveness for fibromyalgia and shingles
pain, participants have reported sleeping better while taking Lyrica.
On his RevolutionHealth blog, sleep specialist Steve Poceta wrote:
Lyrica has been shown to improve sleep in certain patients who have
pain, such as fibromyalgia and shingles pain. However, it is also
important to assess the effect of a drug on the sleep of normal
sleepers, because the sleep of patient groups is by definition already
abnormal.
Dr.
Poceta also describes the stages of sleep and how different drugs
target different areas. Although I had trouble summarizing his points,
the explanation isn’t hard to read or understand. I recommend reading
it.
For anecdotal evidence, a reader told me that since starting Lyrica in January, her migraines
have gone from 3 or 4 times a week to about once a month. Her insurance
won’t cover it, even after having her doctor appeal the first decision.
She spends $100 a month on the drug, although she just found a pharmacy
that carries it for $72. Proof that shopping around is valuable!
Topics: Treatment |
September 24th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I will say, since I tend to have a hard time staying awake, Lyrica just made it impossible to stay awake.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I tried Lyrica for a couple of months. I didn’t notice any difference in sleep quality (I’m a pretty good sleeper already), nor any drowsiness during the day.
Alas, it also had no effect on my CDH.
September 24th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
I had an increase in my cdh on this med. and no help with sleep.
September 30th, 2007 at 10:44 am
I have been on free samples from my Dr. & it helps my pain. My Dr. left & my new Dr. won’t give them out. I paid over $100. Can’t get them anymore! WHAAAA!!
October 6th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I’ve been on Lyrica for a few weeks. Let me tell you - if I have to, I will pay for this out of my own pocket as long as I possibly can. It has helped my fibro pain, & my sleep. This is the best I have felt for a L-o-o-o-ng time. I actually cleaned the bathroom AND did errands today! Very rare!
October 10th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Interesting how mixed your experiences are. I’m so happy for those of you that it has helped — and am pulling for everyone still trying to find relief.
Kerrie