Nerve Palsy Around The Time Taking Lyrica

IF ANYONE HAS SUFFERED A NERVE PALSY OF ANY KIND AROUND THE TIME YOU WERE TAKING LYRICA; IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTACT ME {edited for privacy}. I think everyone should get as close to accurate representation of my experience. Nothing over exaggerated, although the options for symptoms above was difficult to be accurate with (such as I am not sure "Shoulder-hand syndrome" fully qualifies as a symptom, but there are close associations).

I COULD NOT MOVE MY FINGERS OR CONTROL MY WRIST for about 8 months, and STILL SUFFER ongoing weakness. About 2 months before I started regaining mobility a doctor displayed some research citing the use of LYRICA HAS RESULTED IN A VARIETY OF NERVE PALSIES, including Peroneal, Bell, Cranial, RADIAL, etc... By DISCONTINUATION and physical therapy 3x/weekly, I am now able to type this message. This INFORMATION IS NOT PRESENTED in the pamphlet distributed when Lyrica is dispensed. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT TWICE before taking this medication had I known.This condition goes beyond physical and personal issues such as WORK, SCHOOL, the FINANCES&TIME W/DOCTORS. MY DETERIORATING MENTAL STATE RESULTED IN DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS, DEPRESSION, COMPULSIVE THINKING ABOUT THE LOSS OF MY LIMB and DEPERSONALIZATION.

All I could do is look at my arm and stress, even causing issues with friends and family.It is not something easy to clear the mind of, such as a broken toe which you know will heal. This was the actual loss of the tool I use most, my hands and fingers.Any time I wanted to do anything, I was reminded that I might lose my arm (because I had to use my arm/hands to complete the action).I even saw a specialist who said I could have a procedure where they remove nerves from the thigh, and place them where the radial nerve should be functioning. Such a concept made me sick to my stomach, the treatment may not work, mess up how my leg functions, cost allot of money and the constant stress and emotions of losing an appendage. This set me back a year and continues to be an issue. I missed a year of life stuck up in my head. A developing age for many to go out and fulfill their potential with progress. I on the other hand regressed, as I made no progress while aging at the same time, thus causing me mentally/successfully to be a year younger than I actually am! Thus tarnishing my confidence. In addition I could not perform well in school, constantly had mental meltdowns and over-all depression. Not the type of depression SSRI's are prescribed for, it was the type of depression that (not comparing my self to people who serve in the military) a trooper over seas loses an arm in an explosion. That is way more intense physically and mentally traumatic, but emotionally we both would experience the same grieving process and questions of WHY!!! WHY ME!!!?

Almost a year through this condition my doctor brought to light this was most likely caused by Lyrica after finding the studies supporting this idea. I discontinued and several months later my fingers could move (although was also influenced by physical therapy). That is another thing, to pay co-pays 3 times a week for such a large amount of time is ridiculous, and out of pocket costs not covered by insurance such as co-pays. I was lucky to have insurance, hah; that is a joke, as if anyone in this position is lucky.

Sadly enough the reason I took this medication was due to another major regression for 3 years when I was a passenger on the freeway who was in an extreme accident caused by a drunk illegal Mexican who was deported and covered no compensation for medical bills, physical disabilities and distress caused by his actions.

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I am having the same problem right now. Hearing that you did actually heal after discontinuing lyrica is very helpful for me mentally. I was wondering if you know anything about a legal suit?

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@Steven,

Sorry to hear about your problems with Lyrica. It seems like many others throughout the forum are also dealing with the same kinds of issues on this drug. But after doing a little digging online, I am finding that there are plenty of attorneys out there who will do an evaluation of your case involving Lyrica.

I believe the type of attorney you'd want to search for would be a "pharmaceutical injury attorney" (or someone similar), since they tend to have a better understanding of pharmaceutical liability laws.

Hope this info helps!

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Not at this point in time. I was just told that this particular lawyer and pretty much every other lawyer would not take it on unless there were enough people to start a legal suit. All we can do is spread information until more people are found. I am surprised I found you! What is your dose/how long you been taking it? You have full blown wrist drop? You have a different nerve palsy or is it actually your radial nerve, because that would be crazy! The odds are so small, I even discussed this with my doctor earlier today because we were trying gabapentin to help pain/anxiety/insomnia, and I thought a couple days like the top of my forearm once again felt paralyzed and consistently weaker so I am stopping that now (gabapentin functions similar to lyrica, lyrica is just the newer analogue so pfizer could make more money off something already in existence).

I know how I felt, and this on top of the reasons I started lyrica in the first place, it was too much. My poor luck and uncertain future would have lead to the end of my life had I not grown past the thought/actions of suicide when I was younger. The site will not display my email, so I will say this. {edited for privacy}. Feel free to spread that around, and we may be able to find others.

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I must add, I truly believe I never would have healed the amount I did (and believe I would have healed more if I could afford another unit) without my EMPI Atrophy electro simulator. If you have not already got a Nerve Conduction Test, you NEED to AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This is a necessity for documenting your problem, measuring progress, receiving a prescription for the machine (which keeps your muscles from dying by providing the electrical impulses your nerves are no longer providing) the test is also imperative if you are seeking legal actions. It is the only evidence to medically show you honestly experienced this, especially if/when you heal, and I prey it is a question of when! But honestly legal action or not, YOU NEED THAT MACHINE!!!! It is not comfortable, but the pleasure of watching those muscles contract once again is soo inspirational, you will not care about any discomfort! I am going to save you the time. I had discharged from 2 physical therapist before I was fortunate enough for someone to recommend and provide this machine.

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Oh my God I am so happy I found this. I am currently going through the exact same thing. I am on 150 mg twice daily and woke up with no use of either of my hands and it has been six weeks now. I am literally desperate for answers. I don't know what to do. I've been taking Lyrica for over a year for Fibro and want to get off of it so bad but I can't stand the withdrawals because I have four young children to take care of all day long. If you could please help me I desperately want to speak with you!

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Re: Steven (# 1)

I developed radial nerve palsy and lost complete use of my arm and right hand from the elbow down for 3 months. I had NO feeling in my arm and hand. I woke up with it after being asleep for 1 hour. I was on 450 mg lyrica and my arm was buzzing in nerve pain. I have use back in my arm and have been tapering off lyrica since May of 2017 and had so many bad side effects from this drug. I am feeling much better getting off of it. This happened to me in 2015.

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