She hasn't been diagnosed with dementia but does have some cognitive issues from a stroke 5 years ago. She is getting worse with confusion, mobility and cognition. I don't know if this is from meds or if she really does have dementia. If I bring it up to her she gets mad and says she's fine. Anyone have any experience with these meds?
We have an appointment tomorrow with her doctor. I agree that the meds don't seem to help her pain very much at all. With such a low success rate, its a wonder that they still prescribe these meds for fibro. Hopefully the doctor has some suggestions. Anyone try Savella or low dose Naltrexone?
Other health problems that can cause sudden decline in mental status and ability to function properly are UTIs, respiratory infections such mild (walking) pneumonia, anemia, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration--just to name a few.
It is frustrating for you, and for the doctor as well, not knowing what is causing your Mom's new behavior problems. You need to let the doctor continue to investigate and rule out the various possible causes.
You mention that your Mom has only one kidney, it is possible that the doctor did not take that into account when she prescribed the Lyrica for your Mom. If a person has renal impairment (or one kidney), the Lyrica dose needs to be decreased to HALF of the usual dose. Instead of 50-100 mg three times a day [TOTAL daily dose= 150mg-300mg per day] , the recommended dose is 25-75 mg two times a day [TOTAL daily dose = 25-150 mg]. Hopefully once the Lyrica clears from your Mom's body, she will return to normal. If not, then you and the doctor need to look at other possible causes for your Mom's worsening confusion, mobility, and cognition. Has the doctor checked the function of your Mom's remaining kidney recently?
I have had fibromyalgia for almost 30 years and was on Lyrica from 2009 to 2015. It was quite helpful, reducing the pain so well that I was able to travel via plane and train, something that I hadn't been able to do for years. Unfortunately for me, in 2014-2015 I gained 50+ lbs and went from a size 2X to size 4X. When my weight started to effect my breathing and I experienced shortness of breathe while walking, the doctor discontinued the Lyrica. I lost 50+ lbs in 3 months. I am now on other medications that work but are not as effective as the Lyrica.
Each of us have different responses to medication. I have heard of people from both ends of the spectrum--some have had fantastic relief of their fibromyalgia pain with Lyrica with little side effects and others have had little or no relief of pain and/or experienced lots of major side effects with Lyrica. Your Mom need to use whatever works for her and it may take a lot of "trial and error" for your doctor and you to determine the right medication or medication combo that works for your Mom. Good Luck.
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