Friend that keeps biting her tongue

[Pearl4949]

Hi,
I have a friend that has MS and she is going crazy right now. She is flared. Her arms are not working. She is complaining of biting her tongue on both sides.

She had forgotten to get her meds/ antiseizure meds, just started back on them. Yes I know you cannot stop and start those and I told her as much. She was also complaining about muscle spasms in arms, but now everything has quieted down.

Is that all part of the MS??? She does not have access to a computer/internet at this time.

if you could help with this, if you don't mind I will print out your reply and take it to her tomorrow. I generally post on spinal disorders. But I have not posted much lately. Use to post a lot years earlier.

It is so informative reading your posts......
I have lived with muscle spasms for over 50 years......I wanted to see what Cricket had to say about Lyrica & couldn't find it. I am on it myself and am gaining weight like crazy. Love it for the way it helps with nerve pain and really dislike it because of the side effects!......

I have found that nothing is 100% for nerve pain for myself.

Thank you!

[cricket52]

Hi again Pearl:

The Public Interest Research Group published some information on Lyrica.

Personally I had a horrible time on the low dose. My PCP told me to expect some swelling and sleepiness, he didn't mention weight gain (I went up three sizes in 10 weeks - close to 30 lbs), confusion etc.

Here is part of the excerpt from Best Pills Worst Pills for February 2007 published by the PIRC. They do not recommend it for neuropathic pain, although I think it did help with the pain.

Adverse Effects:

Call your doctor if you develop:

Confusion, abnormal thinking
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Drowsiness, fatigue
Fever
Lack of coordination
Memory loss
Muscle tenderness, twitching, spasms, or weakness
Pain in back, chest or muscle
Swelling of face, feet, and legs
Vision blurs, double, or changes
Weakness

Signs of Overdose: same as other adverse effects

Call your doctor if these symptoms continue or are bothersome:

Constipation
Dry mouth
Skin ulcers
Weight gain that is undesirable
Signs of withdrawal or stopping the drug suddenly: diarrhea, headache, insomnia, nausea, seizures

Periodic Tests:

Ask your doctor which of these tests should be done periodically while you are taking this drug:

Eye tests
Kidney function tests
Monitoring of weight

You cannot stop cold turkey. I have been off it for three weeks and finally feel like I am back on the planet.

About your friend: Sorry I can't relate to her experiences, sounds awful for her. Some the MS'ers might be able to give you some links or advice.

[0357]

It's nice enough you care for your friend to find out more. If you're wanting more information, I've (0357) posted links near to top of the MS Forum called Useful Websites.

Take care.