Hello. I'm new to this group. I have been taking pregabalin for a small fibre neuropathy as a result of a chemotherapy drug I was given many years ago. I take 150mg twice a day. I was originally on 100mg be but increased it last summer when the pain got worse. Although the medication has helped with the neuropathic pain there are times when it also makes me so incredibly tired. And my head fill like it's filled with cotton wool! Not great when I have such a busy job. Trying to understand why is beyond me as I have had a periods when the extreme tiredness was much more bearable. Anyway I so want to stop the medication. I've read so many horrific stories on the web. I want to reduce by around 25mg a week. Is this reasonable? Can it be done safely any quicker than this? I'd be so greateful for any non horrific advice! Thank you so much.
Want to stop pregabalin?
Question posted by jontyk on 27 Feb 2017
Last updated on 10 May 2018
Answers
I have been completely off now 2 days and it was a grueling process, but I also didn't like the extreme head fog and tiredness it caused.
I personally reduced 50mg every other 3 weeks and though it wasn't a pleasant process, it did improve a little as the dose got smaller.
Due to the unpleasant symptoms I researched and asked my pharmacist to verify my findings. I took 250mg Magnesium (started with 1 and graduated to 3x/day) and B-100 (1x/day). These both help counter the negative withdrawal symptoms (it should also be noted magnesium can cause diarrhea so 3x/day may be too much, but that's why you increase the magnesium based on your body's response) - after I started the supplements the withdrawal process was not as uncomfortable. It's a good idea to at least ask your pharmacist before starting the supplements in case they react with any of your other medications.
It's also important to check with your doctor if you haven't already because they can tell you signs to watch for that could indicate if you need to slow your titration process.
Feel free to ask anything else as I've just completed the same "journey". Best wishes as you come off the pregabalin.
Really helpful. Thank you so much. Can I ask how you week taking pregabalin in the first instance to understand where you reduced the 50mg every three weeks? Did I understand the timing correctly?
I started on 300mg/day and worked up to 1000mg/day at the time I realized I needed to come off the medication. I see I had "every other" when I meant every 3 weeks is when I would reduce my dose. I tried initially to do it more quickly and had issues. I researched many other people's experiences and found the smaller the titration and longer the period you allow before the next titration, then the negative side effects can be reduced potentially completely, but there's also the consideration of wanting to be off the medication asap so I found 3 weeks and 50mg reduction to be my best fit (with the supplements). It's always ok to take it slower or reduce by less or even both if it's very uncomfortable for you.
Hi Everyone,
I never felt like it was helping me. I was up to 300mg / day x 1-1/2 years.
I never had any withdrawal symptoms.
I just kept reducing it one pill at a time.
I think the trick is to not rush it.
I stayed on the decreased dose until I was well into the new dose.
I'm hesitant to give a schedule because everyone is so different with these meds. The brain fog keeps me from remembering it amyway. Lol!
I think it was 3-4 weeks at a time. I wasnot trying to get off of it other than it just didn't work and it made it impossible for me to lose weight.
Don't forget that it's not only withdrawal symptoms but also the disease process you are dealing with.
Are you going to take something else?
Will your doc be upset with you if you are not compliant ?
If so, he may be reluctant to help you out with another replacement med if you are not compliant with the Lyrica.
Just a thought...
I'll be praying for you to get through this difficult time. Keep your chin up and stay positive.
:-)
How incredibly kind. No one has ever prayed for me before I don't think. I'm rather irritated I had Hodgkin lymphoma st all hence the treatment and the long term side effects and now this wretched lyrica tiredness! I'm dropping 25mg at a time. I'll do that week by week I think. I have been provided with an alternative called tapentadol. It looks pretty good and has fewer side effects. Only shame is drinking and tapentadol are forbidden and I like a glass of wine when I get home! Back to lyrica... it's a shame as I was doing okay on it for some months. Was tired to begin with but that wore off. Now it's back again and I didn't change a thing. Rambling here... thanks again for your kindness and advice!
Hi Jontyk,
Lol... I've never been thanked for praying for someone before!
It's just as good a feeling as having someone pray for me!
Anytime... Just ask. I will friend you. If you want to have the option of a private message, we just need to each friend each other.
I have a feeling we have a lot in common. I developed CFS after going through the breast cancer surgery with 4 different chemistry, major surgeries, revisions and 6 weeks of radiation. I was better than even went climbing in Poconos while getting chemo. Now I have to gather my energy an hour before getting Up the energy to walk 10 steps to the bathroom!
Yes... what a bad joke on us! Lol
Even more of a joke when the oncologist tells you it's depression and anxiety. That wasted another 4 years! Lol
I would suggest you either download a symptom diary free app, or off your computer or in a regular notebook.
I have a really good reaso. For making this recommendations.
CFS causes your brain to slow down. Your trying to figure things out so you are not paying total attention. It seems like not a problem right?
Well, it will be in 6 months when the doctor is asking you a question about a med that didn't work and what was your dose and side effects.
I can help you set one up if you like or if you prefer not to download the info. There are a lot of good ones for free.
I'm telling from many times of cutting down because they were not helping and I wanted off quickly.
You cannot do that. The success rate is higher by going very slow. The incidence of you staying off of them is when you go slow.
My big prob with Lyrica... 1) it didn't work and 2) I could not lose the weight that I got from Seroquel and Remeron for sleep. They didn't work either. I stayed up waiting to sleep all night and EATING! Next I'd get orthostatic and faint directly on my face on hard kitchen tiles on the way to the refrigerator at 3am!
I've dieted a lot through the years. Lyrica kept it on me. I could have been in a starvation mode and still not lose weight!
Slow and easy, girl friend.
:-)
Hi I am new to this site... I have never been on one before... but the comments are so nice I decided to give it a try.
I am on 100 mg of Lyrica twice a day and my eyes feel strange and I feel tired all the time... I think my face even looks strange and drawn.. and I don't feel any better.
I was put on them for depression and anxiety... I have been on a lot of tablets and nothing seems to really help.
I suppose I am looking for advice.. should I give the 100mg a longer try... I am only on it for a week or so... coming up from 50 mg a day.
Thank you so much to anyone who reads this comment.
Related topics
peripheral neuropathy, pregabalin, small fiber neuropathy, neuropathic pain, chemotherapy, drug
Further information
- Pregabalin uses and safety info
- Pregabalin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Pregabalin (detailed)
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