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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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 28, 2019

In reply to @babyur4me "if anyone out there tapering off please let me know" + (show)

Hi, @babyur4me - since you are interested in connecting with others tapering off pregabalin (Lyrica), I'd like to invite some of the members who've been part of this conversation back to let you know how their tapers off this medication have gone, especially any recent updates, like @lillee @yangedd @parus @nancybomber @12pawz. @healthytoday and @jakedduck1 also may have some thoughts for you.

@johnbishop mentioned your doctor prescribed it for your legs, which have a burning feeling during the night, but it's not helping, and you want to stop taking it -- but your doctor said you just can't stop taking it. Has your doctor agreed to taper you off of it, or does he or she want you to continue to pursue this medication? If so, is your dose already lower than your original?

babyur4me | @babyur4me | Jun 28, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @babyur4me - since you are interested in connecting with others tapering off pregabalin (Lyrica), I'd..." + (show)

This is the only dosage i have used. they thought it would stop the burning in my legs and they have not diagnose the burning.

thelmalou475 | @thelmalou475 | Jul 17, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@cdcc, I'm so sorry that you are having such a bad day. Might it be a..." + (show)

This is my first time here at this site. Could you please tell me how I post a question? I only see where I can reply to a question.......I would love to be able to participate in this lyrica discussion group. I look forward to a reply. Thank you

babyur4me | @babyur4me | Jul 17, 2019

In reply to @thelmalou475 "This is my first time here at this site. Could you please tell me how I..." + (show)

Hi, are you taking Lyrica?

thelmalou475 | @thelmalou475 | Jul 23, 2019

In reply to @babyur4me "Hi, are you taking Lyrica?" + (show)

I was taking Lyrica. I tapered down over a six month period. This Friday will be 3 weeks of having stopped it. I am still having so many withdrawal symptoms. It is just awful. And I don't know about some people but the shame I feel.....like it's my fault that I did this to myself. I haven't been able to find an online support forum to join. Just to talk to people everyday and say hi. How's it going?? Finding this site has made me feel better in knowing that I am not alone in feeling like this. Any suggests and thank you babyur4me for answering my text. I really appreciate it.

healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jul 23, 2019

In reply to @thelmalou475 "I was taking Lyrica. I tapered down over a six month period. This Friday will be..." + (show)

Massage therapy and drink lot's of water.

healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jul 23, 2019

Re anxiety, I find 10mg cbd helpful. You might need more.

babyur4me | @babyur4me | Jul 23, 2019

In reply to @thelmalou475 "I was taking Lyrica. I tapered down over a six month period. This Friday will be..." + (show)

I asked my Dr. yesterday how to taper Lyrica and she agreed that my stop taking it every other day and then go two days and then i am down. I am having Lung Cancer Surgery so if I am still not down as far as i s/b i think the meds in the hospital will help

thelmalou475 | @thelmalou475 | Jul 23, 2019

In reply to @babyur4me "I asked my Dr. yesterday how to taper Lyrica and she agreed that my stop taking..." + (show)

Good luck with your surgery. And I really appreciate your answering my first text. I'm slowly finding my way around this site. It is very informative and I am finding it helpful.

thelmalou475 | @thelmalou475 | Jul 23, 2019

In reply to @healthytoday "Massage therapy and drink lot's of water." + (show)

I actually had a massage today and I did feel better after. I did try CBD oil but it did not help me but the cannabis with THC in it has helped me. I just make sure I don't drive if I use it. I live in Canada so cannabis is now legal and I seeing a cannabis doctor every six months. I am so new here but I am finding this site very helpful. Thank you for your tips. I am so sorry what we are going through or have been through. And I hope we all feel better soon! Warm greetings from Canada.