Just Started Lyrica, Weird Side Effects

Last week my pain maangement doctor told me she was stumped since my epidural pain shot did nothing and no issues on imaging test. SHe brought up Fibromyalgia and the connection to my sensitive skin issues and a possible connection to my ongoing "mystery nerve and muscle pain". She prescribed my Lyrica and after only a couple of days I am a bit perplexed. My cognitive issues are pretty rapidly clearing up to a decent degree. On the other hand the pins and needles sensation that was localized ot my back and thighs is now all over my body and it very uncomfortable. The pain level has decreased only to a small degree. My doctor told me to try it for a couple weeks and go from there. Its only been a few days but i already want to stop it. Is there any instances where it amplifies nerve pain/ pins and needles and then gets better over time. I am only taking 50mg twice a day to start.

Im new to this and would greatly appreciate any guidance, information, and support. HAs anyone else had similar symptomatology or progression?

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REPORT

Yes, it has been known to cause such issues in some people that take it, according to FDA reports, other side effects may include nausea, weight changes, blurry vision, and nasal congestion.

Generally, it takes 3 to 4 weeks for such a medication to reach its full level of efficacy in the body, and for the side effects to start to taper off, and eventually disappear.

Late last year I started taking a medication in this same class, and I almost stopped taking it, because it had me so miserable, for awhile. Things improved around the start of week 5, and it started working much better for my pain, as well.

Are you on any other medications?

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What kind of symptoms were you experiencing? I expected some trouble sleeping and maybe some nausea but the fact that i am feeling cramp like nerve pain and pins/needles after 2 days is pretty troubling to me (and it not a common side effect that i have seen in research). Walking around, even typing is uncomfortable. I dont know if I can continue to use it for 5 weeks and hope this goes away but I am opening to hearing other peoples perspective and am currently waiting to hear back from my doctor in the next couple of days.

I am also taking clonidine and seroquel for anxiety/ insomnia and am tapering off of diazapam after years of use that I was not aware was habit forming. The back and leg pain that that i haven been experiencing is serperate and the lack of results from imaging and physical therapy led my doctor to believe that fibro is a possible issue.

Thank you for your response and advice, this is pretty tough. The uncertainty about the source of my back and leg pain and the current extreme discomfort since starting this medication are pretty worrisome to me

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I was prescribed that years ago. I took it one night and the next day. I was so confused to the point I didn’t know What I was doing. I’m now on Cymbaltaand it’s wonderful

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Chris, please be careful with this medication! I was prescribed it years ago for nerve pain, 50 mg twice daily, and shortly began having issues as you prescribed. Then one evening I was walking outside when my legs collapsed- like they forgot how to function. Finally made it to my bed with my mom's help. Later that night I awoke in the hospital; my mom tells me that I had a bad seizure, stopped breathing- she had to give me CPR, and ambulance took me to ER where they got me stable. I stopped the lyrica right away, and found another Dr. that LISTENS and takes things such as BAD SIDE EFFECTS seriously! Hope things get better for you!!! God Bless..

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Re: Gigi (# 4)

Im sorry to hear that. thats awful.
I stopped taking the 50mg 2x day after 2 days. My doctor told me to stop because of the constant nerve pain (hot pins and needles). It has been 3 days since I stopped taking it and I still feel that same nerve pain (to be clear I didnt have any of this before I started taking lyrica, i only had muscle pain). Did you ave any nerve pain as aresult of the meds? Im just worried this nerve pain is going to stick around for a long time !!

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Re: Chris W (# 5)

Uhg nerve pain is terrible I’m sorry you’re dealing with that. I take lyrica and it has been a game changer for me when it comes to nerve pain. I do have some side effects but thankfully, I can work around them Pretty easily.
Not sure how long you were taking diazepam but stopping that can cause the pain you’re describing. Nerve pain is a very common withdrawal symptom... just something to consider ...

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Re: Jay Jay (# 6)

Lyrica or pregabalin as its called in uk is used recreationally. It give a mood lift but its very subtle, like it opens new parts of the brain. It hits the gabba receptors so its like valium and really messes up cognitivie functioning and coordination. I play piano and church organ and on lyrica i cant even recognise the keyboard i usually take 300 to 600 as u build tolerance quickly, ALso when you with draw you can get burning pins and side effects

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