Does Lyrica Have Analgesic Effects Similar To That Of A Narcotic (Top voted first)

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I have some really bad sciatic pain from my left knee down to and including my ankle. Last night as I was tossing and turning in bed my leg moved and I heard/felt a popping noise followed by extreme pain not like the sciatica. It felt like my shin bone had broken but it is not painful to touch so must not be broken. Should I take percocet or Lyrica for this new pain? I have the percocet left over from the knee scope on left knee which did not have sciatic pain prior to the scope. The knee meniscus is now bone on bone. I will have to wait another 2/3 weeks for an appointment with a neurosurgeon to see about taking care of the sciatica with a back surgery to take care of disc which has degenerated and is causing the pain in left leg. Please advise!

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Lyrica works on pain which is caused by neuropathic pain, which is the sensation of pain caused by the misfiring of pain receptors in the absence of tissue damage. In other words, if you have pain due to injury (= tissue damage) it will be of no use. It is prescribed for disorders caused by neurological problems, such as seizures (as in epilepsy) but it is not an analgesic. I believe it is unwittittingly over prescribed by doctors for everything related to spinal disorders such as nerve compression ( as in "pinched nerve" root) which is the usual cause of sciatica. Research the six causes of sciatica - it may help you understand what you are dealing with. In my own experience, mine was in both legs and was caused by spinal cord compression along with numerous nerve roots compression. It is not easy to treat, and very difficult to live with. My own neurosurgeons refused to give the go ahead for surgery until I developed additionally 3 bulging disks , became incontinent, and was unable to lift my feet in walking. I had to request a wheelchair at times, prior to surgery. In other words, they don't concern themselves with pain, although that's what patients are concerned with; they seem willing to perform surgery only if there is threat of loss of vital function, such as use of limbs or bowel/bladder control.
I have heard some patients tell me they had surgery for a "slipped disk" or "bulging disk" but I have not come across that in my own experience. I hope this is helpful to know.

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Thanks for your response! I decided to go with the Percocet for now as I know the risks and it works well for the pain.

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Hello, Fairhope! How are you? I'm sorry that you're in pain.

No, Lyrica is not actually an analgesic, so it won't help with pain immediately, like the Percocet would.

Lyrica is actually classified by the FDA as an anticonvulsant that is also approved to help with some types of nerve pain and mood disorders. It needs to be taken regularly for several weeks, before you'll know if it's helping your pain. Its typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, weight gain and dry mouth.

Percocet, however, is a narcotic analgesic, so it has the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation.

You could take the Percocet, if your doctor approves.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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An the lyrics is habit forming. An is considered a narcotic its in a different class though.

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Kitty,

Thanks for posting its been some time but reading through your offering I learned several new facts.these forums serve us best when information is shared from personal experience and the insight gained from that journey. I hope this new year brings you good health and peace. Regards

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Yea ur that messed up on it u forget ! I two false legs and take 300 mg I feel like a floating and no phantom aim or nerve ! It like electric shook in my legs where the nerves are gone but my brain thinks there still there ? It hurts and it stops so don't believe them yes try it it works am prove it works on nerves and ur mind forgets pains there trust me

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