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Need advice from those with Lyrica withdrawal experience

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 5/18/2015 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Gabapentin followed by Lyrica for a 3 month period. I stopped Lyrica 2 months ago. During the last few days of my wean, I developed severe facial pain and flushing. First, heat was the trigger for flushing, and it seemed to resemble facial erythromelalgia. The condition quickly worsened, and anxiety/emotions also cause severe flushing.

The prescribing doctor does not think this condition was caused by Lyrica/Lyrica withdrawal, even though the onset of it coincided with stopping Lyrica.

Has anyone experienced a similar condition when stopping Lyrica?
I am worried I weaned off it too quickly (it was per my doctor's instructions).
My dosage levels were:
150mg 3x per day (3 weeks)
150mg 2x per day (1 week)
150mg 1x per day (5 days)
Posted 5/19/2015 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Lyrica, and other drugs in that class, can cause a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended people wean slowly, but even with that, you might be hit with some disturbing sensations.

I have never taken Lyrica, but did take a similar drug. My doctor dismissed the sweating, brain zaps, shaking and other symptoms, claiming I was not on a high dose so I should not experience withdrawal. I actually discussed these symptoms with my pharmacist and she is the one who validated my suspicions. I think they sometimes know more about drug interactions etc than doctors....

I am betting it's the Lyrica!

Donna
Posted 5/20/2015 10:11 AM (GMT 0)
How long did your withdrawal symptoms last from the drug you mentioned above?

I'm concerned because it's been two months with no improvement, and I am wondering if this is a permanent condition from taking Lyrica.
Posted 5/20/2015 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Lyrica for about 2 years. I did ask my Prescribing Doctor about articles I read of it causing nerve damage if used long term. He did not think it would. I was taken off Lyrica due to weight gain. I am still struggling with my weight. I came off very slowly but I can't really remember if the span was more than yours. I did have some withdrawal symptoms - chills and itching. they did not last long, a couple weeks maybe. I did find out when off that the med was helping some. Off Lyrica I began to get nerve spasms at night when I was trying to sleep. Nerves jumping in my back and behind. I was then put back on Nortriptyline for Neuralgia by a different Doctor. I had come off of it to go on Lyrica. A nice effect, it stopped the spasms. It is not a cure, they will come back if I stop the Nortriptyline.

I will tell you have had brain zaps but haven't had it happen for some time now. I sometimes would get it in a warm water pool therapy. Some repetitive things we did would get me very tired. A couple times I almost dunked myself in the water, I was so tired. All of a sudden I would get a brain zap and then I would wake up and be able to finish the pool. Some people in Chronic Pain relate them to nerves waking up and beginning to function after they have had surgery.

Take care.

Loring

Osteoarthritis in Multiple Joints, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Chronic Daily Headaches, I.B., Hard of Hearing...
Posted 5/21/2015 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Loring, do you mind sharing how much weight you gained on Lyrica? I have gained 45 - 50 lbs. I'm on 450 mg per day.

I'd like to go off of Lyrica but really don't know.of another drug that will help as much with pain. My doc says that Lyrica is the most effective for most people. If I make a cha change I might be going through a huge orderordeal and not have as effective pain relief as with Lyrica. So, I've bought bigger clothes and.I'm trying to get used to it.
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