Memory loss when taking Lyrica?

I had MAJOR memory loss on Lyrica. That was the reason I requested to switch. However, the memory loss didn't get any better when I tried another medication. I assumed the other medication had the same side effect so I switched again. No significant improvement in pain and yet memory loss issues continued. My doctor just said, "I guess you and medication don't work well - some people are sensitive so I got off the newer medication. Now, I talke tramadol when the pain is way too much. Yet, the memory issues never left. I blame it on Lyrica since it's when I first began noticing it. I don't believe it's from the car accident I was in. I got herniated discs in the neck as a result, but that doesn't cause memory issues. Who do we report this awful side effect too??? And is it permanent???

I am on Lyrica 300mg 2x a day. I started on lyrica just 7 months ago and can already tell you I have memory troubles. Ill lose things constantly and my children have to tell me that they're right in front of me. I am only 30. I lose my keys more than I care to admit although im almost certain I put them back in my purse every time. Once I found my cell phone in my hand when I had been looking for it for hours. Even called my husband as asked him to FaceTime my phone so I could find it. He found it quite funny.. I threw it off as a joke but have serious concerns. Its the only medication that has even put a dent in my small fiber neuropathy pain. Well, that and Metanx do the job together. Im at a loss for what to do. Have the pain or continue the meds???

I too am having quite noticeable short term memory probs from taking Lyrica (75mg 1 to 2x a day as needed). I take it for nerve pain in my feet due to diabetes - which can be fairly severe, thus the need for the med. Will better memory return (to prior normal?) when going off of the Rx? Or is it a case of "once gone - always gone" ?

I too am a chronic pain sufferer (PHN). I have been on Lyrica for about 6 years. My memory is so bad right now. Short term and some long term now. I started putting things together and realize that it did start when I was on a trip with my family. (We were in a huge hotel -- all the rooms looked the same to me -- they don't have room numbers on they keys now --- more than once I had to ask for help), I had to phone my family to tell me what room we were in). My family teased me that I was "losing it". ( finally wrote the number on my arm)
Since then I have hidden this pretty well. The other problem I have is with nouns -- I can't remember at least half the names of 'persons, places or things', more than half the time. Family is getting used to me forgetting names.

I am 48 also, and I am on 150 milligrams 3 times a day I pick it up my phone to make a call and forgot who I was calling by the time I got the phone to my head or to see it! may we talk over the phone, if so my name is Jack and my number is 443 409 6240

I have been taking lyrica longterm and am having serious memory problems. Next week I am starting to come down off them so i will let you know how I get on. But yes i have been learning that more and more people have been having memory loss. Its a shame you can't prove this in court. It affects my life in a big way. I have a diary but forget to write init and forget appointments. I thought i was going mad.

I'm currently weaning off Lyrica simply because the side effects are a nightmare ..my dosage is 300mg once a day for a back injury. Although everyone is different I have read several testimonials that all say the same thing. I personally have the hand tremors, difficulty concentrating..very forgetful ..my home is in complete disarray. Its all from the Lyrica. I'am very emotional ..Its the fact that the Lyrica is blocking otherwise healthy nerves from communicating in your brain. I have to force myself to stay on task ... otherwise I will sit and ponder for 3 hours as to what I should do. I'm not at all the person I use to be
I have been on Lyrica for only 6 months. It works for pain but the side effects for me are much worse than the back pain. Please educate yourself on this medication . Its dangerous. Best of luck to you.

I take Lyrica at 150mg/day for trigeminal neuralgia. I experience the same memory issues as you described (I'm 32, healthy, had no memory issues before). I also feel more "emotional", I'm not sure though if this is due to the medication or due to long-term chronic pain. Before Lyrica, I was on Neurontin, which did not help with the neuralgic pain, made me very tired and depressed. Lyrica seems a better fit for me in this respect. I heard that some patients have it the other way round - they have less side effects and less pain on Neurontin.

I took lyrica for almost a year after my accident and found that it did help my neuropathy and fibromyalgia but I did not notice the effects that you mention. After a change in insurance I went to gabapentin and that had more or less the same help for me as the lyrica and it also helped the seizures I was having. Hope this helps.

Problems with cognition was one of the major reasons I went off of lyrica. I would talk to my doc about getting off of it. Is it helping for the that kind of pain?