Ask the Expert: Indocin and Lyrica Side Effects

Dear Dr. Haplea,

I have been prescribed Indocin and Lyrica to help me with rebound. I have a migraine about 25 days out of the month, which Zomig zmt will take care of, but I need to stop the overuse. What I have read about Indocin is that it can cause sudden heart attack or stroke without warning, which could result in death. And what I'm reading on Lyrica is that it causes major weight gain suddenly (I don't need any help with that as I fight it constantly). Are these common side effects of the drugs? Do many patients who are prescribed them stop taking them for these reasons?

One concern about Indocin, as with other anti-inflammatories, is that it may increase the risk of vascular events such as heart attack or stroke. This is an uncommon side effect. In my practice, I avoid prescribing Indocin in a patient that has pre-existing vascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, TIA, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco exposure, or a family history of vascular disease. Lyrica can cause weight gain, as do many of the medications that are used prevent migraines. I advise my patients to monitor any weight changes and if they have more than 5 lbs. of weight gain, the medication may need to be discontinued. With sensible eating and exercise, most of my patients do not experience weight gain on Lyrica.

• Have a question for Dr. Haplea, our Migraine expert? Send it to feedback@MyMigraineConnection.com or post it on the Migraine Message Boards

Important: We hope you find this general medical and health information useful, but this Q&A is meant to support, not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. For all personal medical and health matters, including decisions about diagnoses, medications and other treatment options, you should always consult your doctor. See full Disclaimer.