Lyrica, generic drug name pregabalin, has been shown to provide significant pain relief in a 6-month study of fibromyalgia patients. The new report was presented at the 70th annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. The study abstract is available online (Presentation number L44). In a previous 8 week double-blind study, (Lyrica for Fibromyalgia) published in the April 2005 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the medication Lyrica:
- significantly reduced the pain of fibromyalgia
- improved sleep and fatigue
- improved other patient-reported conditions including bodily pain and vitality
The expanded pain relief in fibromyalgia patients is promising. Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat. To date, no FDA-approved treatment exists for fibromyalgia. Doctors treat fibromyalgia with a variety of drugs developed and approved for other purposes.
- How is Fibromyalgia Treated?
- Fibromyalgia Drug Treatment Options
- Lyrica / Pregabalin Drug Information
In the new study, 1,051 study participants entered a 6-week study to test the effectiveness for pain control and medication tolerance of 300, 450, or 600 mg daily doses of pregabalin. The participants had fibromyalgia for over 7 years and stated the severity of their pain (mean was 78 on a 100-point visual analog scale). After 6 weeks, 663 participants or 63 percent reported more than 50 percent reduction in pain. Of that group, 566 participants entered into a double-blind pregabalin study for 6 months. By the end of the 6 months, 61 percent of placebo patients had lost response compared to 32 percent of patients on pregabalin.
More Related Resources:
- Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
- How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
- Fast Facts About Fibromyalgia
- Test Your Knowledge: Fibromyalgia
- 10 Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia
- How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
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I tried Lyrica for a period of one month. I was unable to get past 75 mgs once a day due to feeling incredibly stoned. I still had the pain but I didn’t care. I did not feel safe to drive to work or take my son to daycare. Not a drug I would recommend for any functional adult. I am currently taking Savella (2 weeks now) and am feeling better for the first time in years. I can actually think.
I have taken it and not experienced any side effects whatsoever, even up to 500mg a day. It has significantly helped my sleep pattern and as such lead to a reduction in pain – even if that is only maybe 20% better – its the only thing that has ever come close to helping. I would recommend it.
I have been taking Lyrica for about two weeks 150mg.this is the third med i’ve tried. And it has help with the pain and some of the tremer.I think i’m going to be happy with this.
I have Nev been given any of the treatments that are adadvised in your information. I am now going to write them down, and ask my doctor if I can try some of them. I have been left for yrs on pain patches, an paracetamol. I have had one lot of injections when I seen a consultant, but he spent all of 30 seconds with me so I stopped going. I was diagnosed with fibro myalgia about six yrs ago, an any information I have gained, I’ve had to find it out for myself. I now am going to take charge of my illness, as I’ve sat back and allowed this to happen for way too long. Ann. Would be grateful to hear from anyone else that has also had this trouble in getting treatment for fibro.