Has anyone experienced a change in taste or... - Action on Pain

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Has anyone experienced a change in taste or smell while on Pregabalin?

nurseblue profile image
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I have been on Pregabalin since June of this year and since about it September/October, I have noticed my smell and taste change significantly. It’s not covid as I’ve already tested twice, so I can only relate it to medication, chemical imbalance or something more physical (brain related).

Everything around smells really bitter and sour and I’m struggling to eat some of my favourite things because my taste and smell are SO altered. My body odour has changed and smells really pungent, to the point where I’m sometimes showering 3/4 times per day, but it doesn’t help. My partner can’t smell any differences at all, so I know it’s just me that can smell them.

The bitter and sour smells I get are also transferring to my tastebuds, and I’m beginning to taste the bitter/sour smells without even eating, so it’s like the smell is transferring to my saliva, which is really bumming me out.

I’ve started getting a lot of headaches too, but a new symptom so have noticed in the last wee while is that mid conversation, I completely forget what I’m talking about and go off in a tangent. I have also noticed my head feels like cotton wool most of the time, and that it feels like I’m slurring my words a lot.

Do any of the symptoms ring true to anyone? I’ve tried finding information in every area of the internet and had no luck. I have called my doctors, but no one seems interested at the moment.

Any help would be appreciated.

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sido48 profile image
sido48

Hi Nurseblue, Pregabalin Can cause headaches, Sleepiness, dry mouth causing bitter taste, I get a metallic taste, changes to smell, Although your problems seem extreme But it's your last one I would make an appointment to see a Doctor, That happened to my wife turned out it was a micro stroke, Hope your feeling better now,

A-GIRLINSANE profile image
A-GIRLINSANE in reply to sido48

Hi

I'm not sure if you are still having the issues with P.G? I know it's not for me to give advice. But, I can express my feeling's and tell you my experience. You take what you want from it. P.G is an evil drug. I was prescribed it in the early days of my pain. Most of the symptoms you talk about I can almost guarantee are side effects of it. It made me so ill. Nearly everything you say resinates with me. The ranting & loosing track of what I was talking about. Taste all strange, I used to get nausea with smells and the thought of some food. Also, it can highlight compulsions, whatever it may be, gambling, shopping. It is pure evil. I had to wean myself off, by myself and I believe it was harder or as hard as coming off opioids. It took a while but I am so pleased it's out of my life, and over now. I nearly overdosed and died when I was taking it. I was told to up my dose, didn't properly understand the Dr's instructions and upped it all at once instead of gradual.

I don't want anyone to knock me for potentially be seen as talking out of term. For the people it has helped that's great. but, one dress does not fit all.

And on top of all that it did FA for my pain.

Also to remember, with these nerve drugs, you have to stick with it for at least 3 months. I guess for some people the side effects do go.

Sadly that was not my experience.

I then switched to Nortriptalyn, which I did get on better with.

I hopethe nighmare is over for you and you are feeling better.

Take care

Iris