Lyrica Has Helped Me But Its Side-effects Are Overpowering!

After taking this drug for nearly 5 years, I know that I must stop for the sake of my health. Some side-effects, I knew were the Lyrica: the muscle aches, weakness, bloating, extreme weight gain (35+ pounds, despite a very poor appetite and my IBD), and syncopal episodes. But I did not know that it might be the reason I lost more than half my natural teeth despite heroic and expensive efforts to save them; or that it might be the cause of sudden incredibly violent fantasies and impulses unlike any I'd ever had before. Or my skin problems, hair loss, intimate issues, and more. Until I saw postings about it in a support group for persons with Fibromyalgia. I am taking Lyrica for both epilepsy and fibromyalgia. Previous efforts to stop have resulted in both severe withdrawal symptoms and seizures within 12-18 hours. I must see a neurologist first before finally being "taken down" by my very excellent Rheumatologist, who was pressured by colleagues and administrative superiors into putting me on Lyrica years ago. As for my pain, I am looking into other methods of keeping it from overpowering me. One possible method would be aquatic therapy, if I can get my insurance to cover it until I can work again. One disclaimer: some of these issues might have co-morbidity with some of the conditions for which Lyrica is prescribed, rather than being side-effects; only empirical research can tell.

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Hi Doreen,

I noticed others who are taking or have taken Lyrica, mention that Neurontin and Topamax are good alternatives to Lyrica for such conditions. Although all prescription drugs pose the risk of side effects, I would think it may be worth a shot to try either one, in hopes that you might not experience such severe side effects with something different.

Is this something you've already looked into?

Learn more:
Neurontin Details

Topamax Details

I hope this helps!

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Hi Doreen. I know it's a long time since your post but i've only just seen it. Can you update at all, please? I was on lyrica and the doctors told me i was imagining the problems you list, and tried to put me on anti-depressants and anti-psychotics to stop the "symptoms i had in my head". Would love to hear how you went.

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Re: David (# 1)

Oh my how I agree!! Lyrica is the pill from HELL!!! I hate it! When I think about this I start to cry!! I am trapped!! I can’t even taper off this because of the horrifying emotional side effects. As a matter of reference only I must add that I have come off of heroin, morphine and methamphetamine as well as alcohol. I have never ever met a substance so hard to kick. I have been thin all my life but am now 40 pounds heavier thanks to Lyrica... I feel helpless. Please, any suggestions will be welcomed!

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Re: Anne (# 3)

Dear Anne, sorry to hear about your situation. Please know that you're not alone as many other patients throughout this forum have also reported similar symptoms on Lyrica. Not to mention, my mom was on Lyrica for well over a year and had some wild emotional swings (akin to being bipolar in my perspective - though she denied it). However, it's now been a few years since she's gotten off Lyrica and I have to say that I've seen a massive change in her personality for the better. That said, I can only assume that your symptoms will also improve over time. My mom now takes Kratom (maeng da green) and managed to get off of everything else she was prescribed. They say Kratom is touted as a remedy for opioid withdrawal, but I wholeheartedly believe that it has numerous other beneficial attributes as well, including but not limited to anxiety/depression treatment, mood stabilizer, appetite suppression, etc... Just wanted to bring this up in case you haven't already looked into it.

Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery!

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