Getting off Lyrica?

[Diandra]

Has anyone been on Lyrica for years and then tried to get off? I take 25mg 4x a day and have for, I think, about 3 yrs. Obviously my neuropathy may come back but I am concerned about seizures, etc. I used to have partial complex seizures but was taking it mainly as an add on to the opiates for control of neuropathy . My doctor does not want me to go off, he said I am not remembering how bad my neuropathy is. I also take other meds for pain, hydrocodone, soma, oyxir, sometimes lorazepam and from time to time, ESI's.

I am trying to take a drug holiday because I am having some health issues that I am questioning where they are coming from so would like to see if I stop all meds, where I stand.

Thanks friends for any experiences you may have had or advice.
All my best, Diandra

[Pharmacist.steve]

I would drop 25mg/day every one-two weeks.. it will take you 1-2 months to fully wean off ... but.. will allow you to ramp back up if you have any problems

[Mark N]

Diandre, good luck with your taper and I hope you don't have any seizure issues as you wind down of Lyrica.

[Diandra]

Hi Steve,
Wow...thanks, I had no idea it would take that long but it makes sense for the body to adjust to each drop. I really appreciate the advice.

Thanks Mark....I think with the slow taper Steve suggested they will not be a problem.

Hope you are both doing well and the weather in your areas is tolerable. Here is Connecticut it has been a pretty steamy summer. Today it has been going from downpours then the sun comes out and the lawns and driveway literally steam! I think this fall can't get her fast enough.
Take care, Diandral

[suede]

Diandra Hi !!

I was on Lyrica for a short time when it first came out however I didn't stay on it long it worked great for the nerve pain I had to many bad side effects though.. I ended up going on Cymbalta and was on that til about a year ago I think anyway I have been on a lot of medications and I have to say I have never experienced anything like I did from withdrawing from that..Even with a very slow taper..

I took the cymbalta for same reason as for taking the lyrica, the cymbalta worked great for me for a long time but then just didn't and I was already taking more then the FDA recommended ..

I understand about other health issues and wanting to be drug free to see what is all going on, just don't do yourself more harm then good ..

Good luck and let us know how it's working for you..

Linda

[Mark N]

Diandra, How has the tapering been going? I haven't heard from you sent you asked and it has been about a week now. I hope it is going well and you aren't suffering from an seizure problems.

[Diandra]

Hi Mark, Thanks for asking. I have not started yet. I have some important things I need to get accomplished in my life in the next few weeks and then I plan to start but I am following Steve's advice of a slow taper. I will let you know when I start. I appreciate you thinking of me.
Diandra

[Eva 14]

Good luck with your taper, Diandra. I don't have a whole lot of experience with Lyrica, but Steve gave you great information. A slow taper is always best, at least with most meds. I hope the withdrawal symptoms won't be too bad for you. It sounds like it should go okay if you taper slowly.

Good Luck!

Eva

[NerPain44]

I would drop 25mg/day every one-two weeks.. it will take you 1-2 months to fully wean off ... but.. will allow you to ramp back up if you have any problems

I am on Lyrica too, have been on it for over 3 yrs but a much higher dose than Diandra. What kind of side effects will withdrawing from Lyrica cause? I have all kinds of problems as a side effect from being ON Lyrica, and it causes forgetfulness that is disabling along with other problems, but want to know the most serious withdrawal effects, thank you.

My neuropathic pain is so severe that I would rather be stupid and mostly out of pain on Lyrica than suffering without Lyrica.

[Pharmacist.steve]

Withdrawal symptoms for Lyrica are as follows:

Insomnia
Nausea
Headaches
Diarrhea