Tapering off Lyrica gave me panic, nausea, extreme anxiety

Posted by cdcc @cdcc, Nov 28, 2017

I have been taking Lyrica 150 mg two times a day for four years for trigeminal nerve neuralgia from shingles. Since I am now beginning to loose my teeth from this medication I decided to go off it. Folding my doctors withdrawal program I became very sick. Panic, extreme anxiety, nausea, could not eat and lost 17 pounds in 7 weeks, not good I’m tiny as it is. Ended in the ER for I’ve fluids, nausea medications. Back to the family doctor. He put me back on 50mg a day because he felt I needed a long withdrawal from the medications then also said you may have to go back on your full dosing which after all this suffering I am doing I don’t want to do that. I have even made an appoint with a psychiatrist to help with the anxiety although my family doctor gave me Ativan 0:5mg to take twice daily. I don’t even wan5 to go outside the house, haven’t driven in 7 weeks afraid my anxiety or panic will take over. Has anyone experienced these conditions with coming off this medication. Thank you

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tenacioustracey | @tenacioustracey | May 4 3:25pm

Thank you,

Were you on pregabalin? How long did your withdrawal take?

Tracey

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 4 3:58pm

In reply to @tenacioustracey "Thank you, Were you on pregabalin? How long did your withdrawal take? Tracey" + (show)

I haven't been on pregabalin but have taken gabapentin for 2 weeks prior to being diagnosed and prescribed by my primary care doctor. I stopped it cold turkey but I don't think I was on it long enough to get dependent. I stopped just because it wasn't helping my numbness at all and after my PCP had a quick discussion with her doctor team and asked me a few questions, they told me it only works for pain and doesn't help with numbness symptoms.

I wonder if @cdcc, @sandytoes14, @texasduchess or other members might have some experience or suggestions for you for tapering off pregabalin (or lyrica)? Here are a few links that may be helpful until we hear from other members who have experience tapering off.

-- Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms + Duration
https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/08/06/lyrica-withdrawal-symptoms-duration/
-- Lyrica Withdrawal
https://www.recovery.org/lyrica/
-- Lyrica Withdrawal: Symptoms and Withdrawal Timelines
https://www.serenityatsummit.com/withdrawal/lyrica/