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“I’d like to try Lyrica, but I worry about if I ever had to come off. Should I try it?”
For today’s Ask The Coach episode, I’m answering this question sent in by Sarah in the UK.
When treating fibromyalgia, we have to attack it from two sides. The first is addressing the fibromyalgia itself and the amplification of pain signals; the second is treating the pain that your fibromyalgia amplifies.
In most cases, fibromyalgia medications are more helpful than harmful and can be a valuable tool to break the pain cycle.
That said, the question of medications is complex and impossible to cover in detail in a podcast episode. Tami’s primary focus for this answer will be on fibromyalgia medications that address the amplification of pain signals, how they work, and the most important aspects you’ll want to consider.
In this episode, Tami discusses the FDA-approved medications for fibromyalgia, the fact that no single drug is capable of managing all fibromyalgia symptoms, Tami’s two-pronged approach to treating fibromyalgia, the main goal of fibromyalgia medications, Lyrica’s history and previous versions, how Lyrica and Neurontin work to reduce our experience of our pain, common side effects of Lyrica, physical dependency versus addiction, how serotonin and norepinephrine affect pain levels, why the anti-depressants Savella and Cymbalta also help to address fibromyalgia symptoms, the mode of action of other anti-depressants that are sometimes prescribed for fibromyalgia, Cymbalta is known for being challenging to come off of, the importance of very slowly weaning off of medications, the gradual process Tami used when she was ready to come off of her medications, why we hear more stories about negative experiences, the fact that there’s no morality in taking medication, and more.
Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers.
Links & Resources
- Fibromyalgia Podcast | Episode 50: Should I Take Medication For Fibromyalgia?
- Learn more about the Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor® training program at FibromyalgiaCoachingInstitute.com
- Italian Study | Fibromyalgia syndrome: the pharmacological treatment options
- Fibromyalgia Podcast | Episode 89: Adventures Are Still Possible with Melissa Swanson
More from Tami
- For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram.
- Get free copies of Tami’s books here.
- Schedule a consultation with Tami or one of her coaches through the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute.
Listener Shoutout
“Hi there. I wanted to ask your opinion on FDA medications such as Lyrica as I hear so much negativity about it being addictive and hard to get off. I would really like to try Lyrica but I worry about if I ever had to come off of it.
I have listened to your story and I know you tried it but came off it. I’m just wondering if you would ever do a podcast solely or partly focusing on more medical treatments.
Absolutely love this podcast and find you really really inspiring. I have been listening to all your episodes at night as I fall asleep (I know this is naughty) ha ha.
Anyways thank you so so much you are truly being so helpful with your podcasts.”
~ Love, Sarah from the UK