Lyrica Withdrawal

[nytexan14]

Hi everyone

I've been on Lyrica 200mg for my RLS along with Oxycodone for about 9 months and I recently stopped the Lyrica and since have had horrible feelings of emptiness, sadness and anxiety.

Has anyone else gone through this after quitting Lyrica??

Thanks for your responses 🐱

[Joolsg]

I had heard that the withdrawal symptoms from pregabalin (Lyrica) could be difficult so I spent several months reducing it slowly.I'm sorry to hear you're having these symptoms. Perhaps speak to your doctor and ask for a small, short term dose of diazepam to deal with the anxiety & withdrawal effects.

I hope it passes soon.

[Bumble34]

In a word, Yes, please take care

[Hidden]

I have reduced my dose of Lyrica significantly on two occasions, eg from 300mg to 100mg and that was titration down at 25mg per week. As well as physical withdrawal, I felt my emotions were all over the place , which is uncharacteristic for me. Did you reduce quickly as that would certainly account for what you're feeling.

Give it a couple of weeks to settle. You could always reintroduce a small dose of Lyrica and then withdraw super slowly. Or alternatively, and as Jools suggests, add in a benzodiazepine to help with anxiety. Hopefully you have a good doctor to guide you.

[nytexan14 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I went from 400mg down to 200 then over the course of two weeks I was taking just half a capsule so I did make efforts to reduce gradually.But when I stopped altogether I was in such a bad place emotionally.

I guess I didn't associate this medicine with this type response.

Thanks for your kind words, nice to know we care for one another

[Hidden]

Yes! Very, very emotional and "lost".I was taking 300 mgs and it stopped working. The withdrawal wasn't fantastic when I stupidly just stopped and then my GP "tapered " me off it which didn't take too long.

I taken Oxycodone now.

[nytexan14 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm also taking Oxycodone 5mg 6 per day. How have things gone for you with that medicine?

[Hidden in reply to nytexan14]

Hello! I've had side effects of nausea and achy legs with Oxycodone. I take. 10mg at night and find it helps a lot. I had advice from Jools who suggested Kwells for the nausea.Last Wednesday I had my Covid booster jab and the reaction I had from it was horrid. Achy legs and arms complete with nausea so bed I stayed in bed for 24 hours. However, my legs have improved a lot so maybe that side effect has lessened.

I've tried all the other meds eg ropinerol, GABA's.

I hope you find what works for you.

[Munroist]

Lyrica is often prescribed for anxiety and in my experience it's effective so it's not surprising you may have felt an increase in anxiety as you reduced. Sometimes just worrying whether you'll be able to cope without medication causes anxiety on its own. As others have said it's best to reduce slowly, allow a week or so between each step down to get used to the new level, and take as long as you need. If you are still feeling anxious or depressed then there are probably other reasons and there are many ways to cope and come to terms with anxiety other than medication. CBT and meditation have their place and I've found them useful, exercise, good diet etc all contribute to a greater feeling of well being and being able to handle life's challenges. Medication can help break a vicious cycle or stablise you the things are tough but often comes with less welcome side effects so, if possible, managing without is better in my view. Good luck.

[nytexan14 in reply to Munroist]

Your kind words are very much appreciated and I thank you.Yes I have had life long depression and anxiety that now in my 50's is getting much worse. I've been alone for many years so that is a big factor so I'm searching for ways to combat this illness in other ways, most making good decisions and making sure daily that I reaffirm everything in my life that I'm grateful for.

Your right that medicine is just an assistant but can't be relied on as my only form of defense. It's difficult for me these days but I have to find ways to create a sense of hope.

Very happy to have others who are fighting along with myself against this RLS illness. Waiting for a cure one day!!

My best to you