I've been checking in to see what's going on too! I had my annual neuro appt last week and have to say he sure is interested in the amount of pain I deal with. Last year my Neuro gave me samples of Lyrica that I never took due to various posts from others and the cost that I will incur if I can't get samples. So this is the route he would like me to take: 1. replace my 2400mg of daily gabapenton with 75mg twice daily 2. increase 60mg Cymbalta to 90mg for 2 weeks, then to 120mg daily 3. increase Baclofen from 10mg every 6 hours to to every 4 to 5 hrs 4. Take 5mg Valium if needed on a rare basis I know this is a lot of changes, however, I'm going to do them one step at a time.
I decided to take the plunge and try the Lyrica immediately. Literally! My Neuro assured me again that I could switch from the gabapentin to the Lyrica without any effects so I did it that evening and the change went fine. I had a slight headache for about 1/2 hour for the first 3 doses and that was the only side effect. I just went thru the big weather change from 90 degrees to a 50 degree with rain and tolerated it better than I could have imagined. I'm not out of pain, but I'm not ready to cut my leg off either. I have taken the Baclofen often than at 6 hours twice and it helps to know that I can take them as soon as my back muscles start to spasm. That is a big relief. Now, specifically for those of you who take Cymbalta....Is ther a time of day to take it that works better for you? I asked my Neuro if it mattered and his answer was not unless it keeps you awake. I don't have trouble falling asleep, just staying asleep. I wonder if the Cymbalta is the culprit. My Neuro also wrote me an RX for a walker so I can walk distances without the muscle spasms. I paid attention to the questions and answers recently so I think I have that covered. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments on my news? Patti - Michigan
