I'm giving Lyrica a retry at a higher dose (200mg twice a day) and just started Cymbalta (30mg twice a day). So far, I really do notice a difference in elbow pain. I'll keep everyone posted.

Hi Chris, thanks for the post. Can you describe how Lyrica and Cymbalta are different from NSAIDs such as Advil? Do you find them to be very effective?

Pain management is a very important aspect of treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome. It would be great if we could find something that works better than NSAIDs, which only seem to mask the pain and of course are harmful to the stomach with long-term use.

Lyrica is a newer anti-seizure drug that binds to nerve calcium channels and reduces certain neurotransmitters that signal pain. Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressant. Both are used in diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, but increasingly prescribed for other typres of neuropathic pain. Lyrica is not metabolized by the body and has less worrisome side effects than Cymbalta.

I generally avoid medications like the plague, but I'm giving these a try because I'm tired of the nagging nerve pain. I've read some horror stories--especially about Cymbalta--so people need to make their own decisions about what to ingest. From what I've read, nerve pain does sometimes respond to anti-seizure and certain anti-depressant medications.

I will have to ask my Dr., my pain is really beginning to affect my life. Just yesterday when putting the keys in my car my keys barely hit my pinkie. The pain I felt was indescribablt...im always shielding my pinkie. It is VERY sensitive. It is now hurting alot even with out being touched. And dont even get me started about when it gets cold. Gloves in the winter are an absolute must for me.

always4irish wrote:

QUOTE:
I will have to ask my Dr., my pain is really beginning to affect my life. Just yesterday when putting the keys in my car my keys barely hit my pinkie. The pain I felt was indescribablt...im always shielding my pinkie. It is VERY sensitive. It is now hurting alot even with out being touched. And dont even get me started about when it gets cold. Gloves in the winter are an absolute must for me.

Hey there Always4irish,

It's funny when you talk about cold weather. This winter (I live in South Florida) our temps dropped one night into the 40's - I could barely move my hand and especially fingers! That was my major "wake up call" that something was seriously wrong. I just thought I would highlight that comment of yours, because "cold" does become a major factor with Cubital or Guyons. Great observation.

Has anybody had luck with the drug Lyrica? My dr started me out on 75 mg twice daily and I felt no difference. He just upped it to 150 twice daily. I am debating whether or not to take it because I haven't felt a difference taking the 75 mg