United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,
I've just been to see my pain specialist and he told me of two new drug options. 1 is Pregabalin or "Lyrica" and the 2nd is Flecainide. Has anyone tried these?
Also I'm wanting to know a good website to go to, to investigate the side effects etc on these drugs.
Thanks
Gayle

Hi Gayle, how are you doing?
Anyway, about the drugs.....it's not so much where to look for info about drugs, as where NOT to look. The manufacturers own websites are in every case VERY thin on relevant info, side effects are listed (but not always easy to find the list) but not in any detail, they are made to look minimal. So I google the drug name and put the woprd risks in too, you get more informative info then and it's a case of looking into it. Beware lawyer sites too, they go too far the other way and make the risks look very scary! www.crazymeds.org is a great site but does not yet list Lyrica. The info from Mayo on Lyrica is pretty thorough take a look http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-i ... n/DR500647
The other drug Flecainide looks like it's primarily for heart conditions,can't find that it's used for pain???
I've only had a quick look, though!
Hopes this helps, Gayle. Hope you're keeping warm in Aussie, too, it's FREEZING in NZ!

I've found this...

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:vma ... =clnk&cd=3

scroll down to find this part:
Mexiletine is a older drug used to treat heart rhythm disturbances. It is chemically related to lignocaine and can be taken by mouth. It has a license for nerve pain up to 50 mg three times a day. Clinically doses as high as 600 mg per day may be needed, but is often associated with a high rate of side effects such as indigestion, nausea, dizziness and palpitations.

**Others in the same group include flecainide and tocainide but are rarely used due to side effects. **

and this: http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:6Yw ... =clnk&cd=8

The authors reviewed 30 studies on the effectiveness of lidocaine and similar drugs mexiletine, tocainide and flecainide in treating pain. Local anesthetics work by decreasing sensation in a small area of the body.


I googled it too, but typed in Flecainide to treat nerve pain, you get more that way.
The flecainide sounds like it may have scary side effects... do you research. I am on Lyrica at night along with Neurontin, and the Lyrica works quite well at lower doses than Neurontin.

Marieke

Hello Gayle,

I started on Lyrica about three months ago. I started with a fairly low dose. I noticed a difference rather quickly. We have since upped the dose in order to attempt to get even less pain. Our goal is to cut my pain by about 75%. I am not really sure that is possible.

Two side effects that I notice are the short term memory loss and swelling. The swelling was in my feet and hands. I took one water pill a day to help that. The symptoms have since gone away. Even with an increased dose of Lyrica.

The short term memory loss on the other hand is lingering some. Being aware of the problem has helped. I have my husband and son keeping an eye on me to see if it gets worse. So far it has been workable. As we know memory issues are a problem with this injury anyway. It did increase when I started the medicine.

A couple things that I am noticing but are not sure if they are related to the Lyrica:

I am very aware of how my right shoulder, arm and hand feel. I am left side injured. As my left side started to feel better my right side started hurting like crazy. To the point I am concerned that over usage is rearing its ugly head! I have always paid attention to my right ride however I did not realize it had gotten this bad.

I am also noticing more headaches. Now I have headaches regardless. So this very well could be one of those times they are stronger than normal. I am not ready, just yet, to blame them on the Lyrica.

If there are any other question that I can answer do not hesitate to ask. I will do my best to answer them for you.

Joy

any urinary retention or frequency? My son has had terrible problems with these symptoms. Could be caused by the methadone or his head injury. But, in looking at the Mayo info, I see that it can cause urinary problems.

Thank you all for you help and also the website addresses.
Great help thanks,
Gayle