I suffer from GAD and am currently on Cymbalta, but it doesn't seem to be working. My Dr. Put me on Busbar, and it does help but not enough. I am in recovery and do not want to relapse so I get scared of changing meds. I heard this one has addictive features. I have a lot of anxiety and need help, but am worried about what to take.
Pregabalin - Is lyrica safe for recovering alcoholics to take?
Question posted by Happyfeet1 on 27 Aug 2013
Last updated on 1 September 2013
3 Answers
Inactive
31 Aug 2013
Dear Happyfeet1 - Make sure all doctors that are treating you know you are a recovering alcoholic. Cough meds, and other OTC meds are made without alcohol. My ex, who was a reluctant recovering alcoholic, was given different meds when he needed them. He got a fish hook stuck in his hand and had to go to ER. 1st thing they wanted to do was give him Morphine, which would have defeated the purpose of his sobriety. After speaking up and telling them he was an alcoholic, trying to quit, he was given Ultram, and he did fine on it. There are alternatives to most anything, you just have to let those treating you know what you are going thru. Best of Luck, and good for you!! Alcohol is NOT easy to give up, is legal, and can ruin lives. Kudos for being in recovery!!
Delila
31 Aug 2013
Hi Chelle! I just wanted to comment about your ex' being prescribed Ultram, it surprised me. It has a warning against it, advising it not to be used by people who have problems with addiction, history of'. I was prescribed it, and became dependent on it. Great for him though that it worked! Interesting post, thank you : )
Happyfeet1
31 Aug 2013
Thank you guys for your feedback. I have been in recovery for awhile and my doctor knows my concerns, but keeps saying he doesn't think Lyrica's addictive qualities are a significant issue. I am just uncomfortable that it is even mentioned as an issue. I am seeing him at the end of the week and wanted to feel comfortable with what we do( med wise).
I have been on Prozac, Paxil, Effexor and wellbutrin in the past and eventuallly after a few years, they seem to stop being effective. I am on Cymbalta now and have been for a few years. We tried to increase the Cymbalta from 30mg to 60 mg, but it didn't help. He took me back down to 30mg( which is my current dose) and added Busbar. The Busbar helps a little, but i am still struggling.
I get so anxious and have the typical "what if" and worst case scenario thinking with the same subjects over and over. I want to be back to my old happy, confident self.
I thought about asking him about Lexapro, but have heard it causes weight gain. I just don't know what to do. Maybe the lyrica would be a better replacement for the cymbalta, i just don't want to have addiction problems.
Not sure what to do.
Inactive
1 Sep 2013
For fish hook problem he was only given a few days worth of Ultram and did not have the "high" that Morphine would have given him. Was told that avoiding any kind of "high" was important so one addiction would not be traded for another.. 6 Ultram not a problem
Delila
1 Sep 2013
Chelle, i'm glad his doctors were so savvy, i wish more were. He sounds really committed to his recovery, that is great!
Happyfeet, i have the same thoughts, always look for the worst case scenario, am convinced something bad will happen all the time... just wanted to add, you can take Lyrica alongside antidepressants, that is what i do, so you can continue taking the medication you are already prescribed.
Delila
30 Aug 2013
Hi, in the UK (where i live), it is very commonly used for this reason. I was prescribed it several months ago for GAD, and i am alcohol dependent, soon to detox (again). It is a very good medication in my opinion. Give it a go. I'm not aware of it being addictive, not saying it isn't, but i don't know anyone personally that has had this problem.
lucyb78
27 Aug 2013
Lyrica was not covered by my insurance so I took gabapentin which is similar. It was not very addictive for me personally. But a small potential is there for addiction or abuse. I quit taking it because of weight gain and had some mild withdrawal symptoms for a few days. You do have ween yourself off. My advice would be to discuss your options with your doctor and let him know your concerns. There are many options for anxiety and you just have to try a few until you find what works. Of course as the saying goes there is no magic pill but you can find something that will help. Best of luck to you
Happyfeet1
1 Sep 2013
Thank you. I am trying also to work through this using CBT techniques as well as some my psychologist has taught me, but there are times the anxiety just gets bad. I just hope a medicine change will help to stop the cycle of ruminating thought patterns and the horrible anxiety. It wears me out!
I keep looking at different med options, but i don't know what would be the most effective. I just don't want to have any addiction problems, as I have been in recovery for years and it is really important to me.
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cymbalta, lyrica, generalized anxiety disorder, pregabalin, relapse, recovery
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