Tapering off Lyrica gave me panic, nausea, extreme anxiety

I have had the same issues trying to get off lyrica. Mostly severe depression and anxiety s I found that zyprexa helps with the sweats and hold and cold feelings and nausea. But not with the depression. Try it out from your doctor if that’s the most bothersome symptom

Hi,
Has anyone tapered off Pregabalin (Lyrica) and a severe reaction?
I have cervical osteoarthritis. Pregabalin does not agree with me so i started tapering off.
It stopped working for my neuropathy .
One night i twitched uncontrollably and could not even move for over an hour. My heart was on fire and racing. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.
I was on 150mg for one year. Now down to 100mg.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Take care everyone

Hello @wizzywinkles3 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that I moved your post into an existing discussion on the topic of tapering off of Lyrica, even though it is in the Depression and Anxiety Group to allow you to learn about what others have gone through and learn from their experience, despite you were taking yours for Neuropathy.

Here's some more information you might find helpful.
— Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment Options: https://www.recovery.org/lyrica/

@steeldove is another member who also shared some information a while back in the Neuropathy Group comment that can be found here. If you wish to jump over there to comment and connect with her specific to Neuropathy, please do so:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/?pg=99#comment-157290

Have you discussed the taper with your doctor?

Hi Amanda,
Thankyou so much for your help and for the link. I can't tell how much I appreciate it.

My usual doctor has left.
It is so hard to find a doctor who understands Lyrica tapering and the adverse effects.
My pharmacist knew more about it than the new doctor I saw!
I have stopped tapering off Lyrica for now after that scary experience.

Hello @wizzywinkles3

I am sorry to hear of the problems you are having with tapering off of Lyrica. It can be difficult. I see that you were on 150 mg for a year and you are now down to 100 mg.

You were certainly wise to talk with your pharmacist. I'm not surprised that he gave you more information than your current physician. Pharmacists have a great knowledge of medications and how they work as well as how people react when withdrawing. That was a very good first step.

Since Lyrica is no longer working for you for the pain and neuropathy has your doctor suggested any other medication?

Hi Teresa,
Thanks very much for your reply.
My doctor has suggested medicinal cannabis oil. I don't want to take it yet , while I'm tapering off Lyrica.
She said to stay on my current dose
of if for now and prescribed valium until i can see a neurologist.
Yes, thank god for pharmacists.
The paramedic also knew about Lyrica withdrawal.
My memory is worse than a golfish right now😂 A common side effect of Lyrica. I also have a rash , and am off balance.
Fun times!

@wizzywinkles3

It certainly is unfortunate that you have had so many symptoms! I am sorry to hear it has been so difficult for you. If you don't mind sharing a bit more after you tapered to 100 mg, did you try to go any lower?

Sorry, i forgot to add that I have cervical osteoarthritis . Lyrica worked well for the pain but did not treat the nerve sensation of electric shocks in my head.
I have had an MRI and also disc fusion surgery earlier this year. The
MRI showed my surgery was a success but i have new bone spurs touching the nerves.
I am seeing a neurologist for this soon.
Lyrica stopped helping the pain, and my doctor raised the dose which did not help. It also made me very dizzy,
and that improved once i lowered the dose.
So, no doubt my neck issues are a major part of my health issues.
When I first took Lyrica i felt high as a kite, can't lie it was a wonderful feeling.
I started on 75mg daily and when pain increased it was raised to 150mg. That's when i started walking into walls and was so vague i wrote everything down. And the blurred vision worsened too.
I apologise for this very long reply Theresa😁

Hi again Teresa,
I tapered from 150 to 100mg in one week, i think it may have been to quick as that's when the crap really hit the fan and i had the scary health episode.

My doctor said to remain on 100mg for now, and see if symptoms stablise. This body rash is so attractive, haha.

You are taking this with a great attitude, @wizzywinkles3, that is a good thing!

Will you keep in touch and let me know of your progress both with pain as well as the Lyrica taper?