The feeling my chest was about to explode...sorry that was the last day I took it so after that scare it was back to the Neurontin for me...and I happy with what I take no real weight gain or side effects form it...

I've only been taking it for about two wks. I'm up to 100mg and can't go above that yet-as it makes me feel too medicated. I'm doing fine,it seems so far...but with all the talk about weight gain-I feel obsessive about it. When I get something in my head, i wonder if it's JUST ME or if it's really happening? Ya know?

....and then when ANYTHING happens with my body,I freak out and think , "Oh gosh...is this a side effect???"

My best friend is on Lyrica, she complained she was hungrey allot. First you need to stop obsessing about it and think how better it makes you feel.
Second use some Behavoir modification tricks, go to the store look for healthy snacks, celery and carrots, green beans or peppers. next go to the snack isle look thru the 100 calorie snacks and but what ever you crave buy, like the mint patties...mmmmm
Eat heallthy! I buy rice cereals add dried cranberries and bananas...now when you feel you are starting to get hungery drink some water and take a small walk if you can.
Tell yourself if you can walk for 15 minutes you can have one of your 100 calorie snanks.
Later before lunch have the veggies washed and ready grab a handful when you feel the need to munch.
then it is lunch time do the same thing, eat healthy,drink water and do short walks
Then snack on veggies your reward will be those 100 caloeris treats, they have every kind sure to please you.
Write down the things that freak you out those side effects and when you see you doctor or even when you need a new script filled stop and ask your concerns there....anything really concerning or freaky call your Doctor ASAP...I have.

You're right! And I have been changing my diet big time in the last yr:) I am def eating a lot healthier! I cut out the sodas for the most part and only treat myself to them every once in awhile. I find if I don't cut out things COMPLETELY,then I do pretty good. Just before Spring came, I was feeling really low/hurting a lot/having a lot of stiffness:flare ups and hadn't been walking in about a month..but since the weather is nice,i've been out again. Due to other illness,i've had to change my diet,cut out salt,iron and so on...I have to give myself credit,i've done pretty good. I try not to have too much 'junk' food around. Too much temptation. But I think I'm gonna get myself some of the 100 calorie snacks:) Even tho I'm trying my best to do the right thing,it helps to talk to someone to solidify what i'm doing. So THANK YOU!!!

The scariest for me was I started feeling so depressed and useless and thought my family would be better off without me. I didn't even realize it was the drug that was making me feel this way until I came off it.

I don't think I'm having any 'strange' side effects from the Lyrica at all. I've been taking it for almost 9 months. I actually lost 5 pounds in the last month which is awesome (I gained 15 this winter). The only thing that really bugs me is feeling stoned... when I was on 100 mg it was okay, I didn't feel anything but a bit of dizzyness. Since I increased to 150 to cover the pain I feel absolutely stoned all day... and I have to work like this. Its not good and if anyone at my work catches on I'll be in the HR office pretty quick I think. Wish there was something else I could take that would work.

Well,it's obvious meds work different for all. I am hoping it works for me! I hate getting used to different drugs. It scares me to hear how awful it effects some,and I'm sorry to hear that...I can't get passed 100mg either. I tried on my spr brk but I just felt so loopy and out of control. As it is,I am horribly forgetful these days. I end up going back to the grocery store three times in one day:( I almost lost my mind when I went to pay for Lyrica today. The pharm said "$75" and I was like 'WHAT?!?' I contacted the makers of Lyrica and they informed me that they DID have a 'coupon copay card' so all I had to pay was $25. WHEW.

I gained 7 pounds in 4 days and my feet/ankles looked like they were going to pop! I stopped taking it after day 4. A friend of mine takes it and didn't gain weight or have any side effects. Like any other medication, they can work so differently for different people.

$75? I'd be laughing and reveling in my good luck - mine costs almost $200 for one month and that's just one med I'm on. I guess my worst side effect of taking Lyrica is the hit to my bank account and the stress that causes me. (actually I have health care through my work that reimburses me for it but I do have to pay up front)

I am also on several meds so for me,$75. is not 'good luck'-esp when we CAN'T afford it. Right now all my health costs are going on our credit card....and if I lose my job=:( We are a family of six and so things add up. THANKFULLY,I was able to get that discount card. I know there are ways to get the cost down IF you meet the requirements. You can also opt to have 3 mos delivered for a lower cost with my insurance. I realize all insurance is different. The drug itself is $300. You should try calling them (go to the Lyrica website and the # is at the bottom) to see if they can help. But you said you get reimbursed? So you're really not paying for it? That sounds like even better luck then.

Yes it is, if I didn't have my work health plan I would not be able to take Lyrica at all so it is fortunate. It is the only thing that has helped for the nerve pain. The traditional pain meds are cheap enough I could still buy them but they don't touch nerve pain.