Medically induced zombie looking for help!

[Fibro_warrior]

Is anyone else on Pregabalin and if so, how do you cope with 'zombiefying' side effects? I spend most of my working day on a computer and sometimes I feel like I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm also on Celecoxib and Topiramate.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hello, I have just replied to you on another forum. You will find my reply there. But it could be the side effect of the meds your on. I would be making an appointment to talk with my GP if I was you

Topiramate can cause drowsiness is one example. Plus not everyone can tolerate pregabalin. You really need to discuss it with your GP.

You made need a change of meds and only a GP can do that.

Momo

[rosewine]

I have taken Pregablin for about 12 years now. The first two weeks I was on another planet and then the side effects gradually got much better. I am only on a low dose 50mg on a morning and 75mg at night as I am on quite a few other meds. Often it isn't just the one drug that causes a problem but the combination of drugs you are on. If your two other drugs have side effects such as drowsiness and then you add Pregablin into the mix it can make things worse. I would go back to y8ur Gp and see if any adjustments can be made. Good luck.x

[Austing2253]

Hello

I am very sorry to hear you are getting these side effects from your medication.

I have been taking Pregabalin since 2006, started off on a low dose however I had spinal surgery in 2007 and also had a lot of pain caused by complications, and so my GP referred me to the Pain Clinic in 2008. The consultant at the Pain Clinic upped Pregabalin to maximum dose of 300mg night and morning.

At that time I was also being prescribed Tramadol, and just about coped with pain on those two drugs. Thankfully I didn’t have any side effects, my main problem was staying asleep. I used to have the occasional euphoric episode but that was all.

I don’t know anything about the other drugs you are taking, however I do suggest you speak to the GP about your side effects. Sometimes some side effects don’t last long so please do see your GP and tell them of the unfavourable side effects.

Over the years I managed to wean myself back down to a much lower dose of Pregabalin, and haven’t taken Tramadol regularly for at least 10 years.

I have managed to listen to my body and now know when to stop and rest, which has helped with pain management.

Take guidance from your GP, you may have to work together to find the right combination of drugs to suit you.

May I wish you every success with this and hope you can get a resolution that suits you ASAP.

Take care

Gerald

[blackphoenix]

Hi there,

I am on Celecoxib and Topiramate but I’m on Gabapentin (rather than Pregabalin) as well as a several other drugs and I don’t experience any zombie-fying side effects so it could be that you can’t tolerate the Pregabalin. I think you should have a chat with your GP to try to get to the bottom of it.

Hope you manage to get yourself some answers.

Take care,

Suzi

[Fatball]

I tried Gabapentin, totally wiped me out so went onto Pregabalin. Stayed on ot for a few years, in the end I just couldn't keep taking it, even a very small dose. Once I was weaned off it I felt alive again. The pain from my fibro, is bad just now but I'd rather be able to think! It's how you feel that counts. Talk to your gp. If you have a good one like I have (yes I know how lucky I am) he will let you try coming down in strength, if it's not working. Take care.