Pregabalin (Lyrica)

[charlie1234567890]

I’ve been on pregabalin for RLS for about 18 months. It was working besides the foggy side effect and silent migraines (the silent migraines subsided). Recently I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and ended up in the hospital for 6 days. My doctor took me off the pregabalin since it coincided with the start of my stomach/pancreatitis issues. When I was first prescribed pregabalin, I read up about it and was not pleased with all the side effects listed but thought I would give it a try anyway. Looking back I wish I would have never started taking it. Not sure what I’m going to do next about the RLS but need to heal my pancreas first. In the meantime I’m on opioid painkillers for the pancreatitis pain so the RLS has been under control.

[SueJohnson]

I am so sorry to hear that. If you were taken off the pregabalin cold turkey you may also be suffering from withdrawal symptoms. What you are going to do next for your RLS is continue with the opioids you are taking. Which one have they given you?

[charlie1234567890 in reply to SueJohnson]

I’m sure I went through Lyrica withdrawal but wasn’t thinking about that at the time since I was in so much pain from the pancreatitis. They gave me oxycodone for the pancreatitis pain and zofran for nausea. Almost don’t need them anymore so will be arguing with my doctor soon about what to take next for RLS, such a merry-go-round.

[SueJohnson in reply to charlie1234567890]

Oxycodone is good but must be taken every 4 to 6 hours or you will get mini withdrawals. If they take you off it be sure they reduce it very gradually. If they let you continue it for your RLS the usual effective dose is 10 to 30 mg according to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS. It would be even better if they would prescribe buprenorphine which only needs to be taken once a day.

[Joolsg]

I'm so sorry to hear this. We really have no choice but to take meds for severe RLS.Low dose opioids are very effective for RLS so hopefully your doctors will continue the prescription ( albeit at a lower dose). Bear in mind that reducing high dose opioids causes RLS as a withdrawal symptom.

I hope you get better soon.