When the grandfather clock clanged six times this evening, I finally aroused myself from bed. Except for an austere interruption midday to drive to the pharmacy to replenish my supply of drugs for neuropathy, I had been in and out of bed repeatedly since about ten o’clock last evening. It is only now however after having taken two pills that I feel at all normal.  The twitching and convulsions of my lower limbs appear to have been arrested measurably. Since I haven’t a chill or sore throat or upset stomach, I am attributing the malaise (never was there a more appropriate word) to the former dearth of Lyrica. I ran out of pills about two days ago when I discovered to my alarm that my supply was at an end. The requisition was delayed pending approval by my family physician.

Pregabalin, sold under the brand name Lyrica among others, is an anticonvulsant, analgesic and anxiolytic medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, opioid withdrawal and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Pregabalin also has antiallodynic properties. Its use in epilepsy is as an add-on therapy for partial seizures.

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, trouble with memory, poor coordination, dry mouth, problem with vision, and weight gain. Serious side effects may include angioedema, drug misuse, and an increased suicide risk. When pregabalin is taken at high doses over a long period of time, addiction may occur, but if taken at usual doses the risk is low.

It is naturally soothing to identify what was otherwise a disturbing and melancholy affliction. The deprivation of medicinal aid coincidentally clarified the historic niceties surrounding the daily tipple of Cognac.

Paradoxically it is not the cause but the effect of this brief malaise that engenders my curiosity. Specifically I am astounded to discover such breadth to the prescription drug. Until this afternoon when my mind and body were restored to equilibrium by the 2 pills, I would not have imagined such unparalleled recovery from what was as equally but reciprocally abrasive.

At my advanced age I have at least the privilege to indulge myself in prescription medication.  It is as unique and treasured as voting rights in Texas! Admittedly the fallback of alcohol is no longer an alternative. And during the currency of my discomfort I hadn’t the remotest interest in CBD/THC. It was even hesitatingly late this afternoon that I succumbed to my ritual chilled espresso.

Now I am feeling better. Much better in fact.  Surprisingly so. It therefore appears that I have overcome an unpredicted obstacle. The threat of addiction is mere detail. Meanwhile the erstwhile elevation that so characterized my life until two days ago has seemingly mysteriously returned. I hardly need observe that the reinstatement is an ineffable improvement; and most certainly not one that I am about to contradict for any reason whatsoever!