Why does Lyrica cause anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts in some people? I was first put on Neurontin, which sent me into this black hole of depression, then they put me on Lyrica and I still was severely depressed. Now I'm taking antidepressants together with the Lyrica and it seems to help. Does Lyrica deplete one of serotonin or is it something else playing a role here? Thank you.
Responses (5)
masso416912 Sep 2012
Hello,
Yes, Lyrica can cause anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, if you where to experience any of these possible side effects seek medical attention immediately.
Click on the link for more detailed information:
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/lyrica-side-effects.html
Take care,
maso.-
kaismama
pledge12 Sep 2012
Hello Oldriska. Its your own chemical disposition, the manner that it interacts with the drug. Not unusual. A example is Zoloft. Not know as a drug when taken will put weight on a person. But say a token few do put weight on. Its then recorded as a side effect, and listed as such. Most all the psychiatric drugs carry the side effects you mentioned. Regards pledge
MacIntosh1212 Sep 2012
Hi Oldriska, when I started neurontin I had the depression side effect, but the pain relief was so great I thought I'd give it the old college try. After one month the depression and anxiety were gone.
Now I take it for the pain relief with no depression, it works great for me.
It just depends upon a person's individual chemistry like kaismama has said.
Neither deplete serotonin, not that I've found, and I googled this several times, attempting to find an answer for you.
Good luck in finding a pain medication that works for you.
MacIntosh12
12 Sep 2012
Forgot to add, if anyone can find an answer for you, maso4169 is the man. He is incredibly smart about all medications.
MacIntosh12
12 Sep 2012
I've put my foot in my mouth once again, all the people that answered you are each incredibly smart about meds.
Sorry friends!
vanessa ham 119 Feb 2013
I am currently withdrawaling from lyrica. I have been walking around aimlessly for hours by myself in the middle of the night. I have thought about killing myself several times and I am just so depressed. i have this feeling in my stomach like anxiety but it never goes away. i feel insane and dont know what to do. I had no idea that these were side effects of the drug. Im glad i know that now. I have always been a very depressed person and ive never felt this way before. I cant sleep, im constantly sweating and freezing. When will this stop? please i need to know . i need help
Oldriska
20 Feb 2013
Hi ZacharyJ,
Like you I tried to wean myself off Lyrica and got bad physical and mental reaction. I returned to taking Lyrica only after 6 days. After some time I made another attempt at discontuing the medication and this time round I was successful. I admit to replacing the Lyrica with very little marijuana for a month, which helped me a lot to overcome the anxiety and physical pain. However, I never had depression or any such condition before my trigeminal pain started, and I used the marijuana with caution and strictly as advised. From my experience talking to doctors is crucial - where my neuro didn't know how to help me overcome Lyrica's side effects my psychiatrist saved my life by countrebalancing Lyrica's side effect by another medication. Find a good doctor who you can trust and don't be afraid to get him involved in your problem. Ask for help when you need it - most people are not able to deal with pain and depression on their own, and they shouldn't be... there IS help out there. Good luck and take good care of you, Oli
connie sherrill
16 Apr 2013
Just went through this for 6 days before I got my refill. It was the worst withdrawal of my life. The answer is to take the lyrica as prescribed. And never run out!! The benefits are amazing. Just be careful about dosing. You should feel better as soon as you get the Med back in your system. Take care
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