Pregabalin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)
Brand names: Lyrica, Lyrica CR
Reviews for Pregabalin
- KTC...
- January 25, 2017
"I have suffered from crippling anxiety (GAD) and depression from childhood. I also have a personality disorder. My psychiatrist prescribed pregabalin for me, 75mg twice a day. They sat in my cupboard for ages before I finally built up the nerve to take them. After many years of being tried on just about every drug out there, FINALLY a drug that actually helped me! I now drive again, sometimes leave the house alone, and even on occasion brave the supermarket alone. After 3 years on the same dose and with its effect starting to wane, I am now on 150mg twice a day. Yes, I am very tired, vague, and spaced out, but this will wear off with time as my body adjusts. As for the weight gain, I have lost 5 stone and have regained some control."
- wow...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 21, 2023
"Wow, I can honestly say this medication helps. Not at first though. It took a while, but eventually, I could take 150mg 2 or 3 times a day and anxiety would melt away within an hour... I am leaving the house more (I had problems with that because of the severe anxiety I was experiencing), I shake less, and feel less scared and afraid and I worry less too about anything. Overall, on Lyrica (pregabalin), I just feel much calmer. Like if my anxiety is at an 8.3/10, it brings it down closer to a 5/10 or less sometimes. I also take clonazepam as a PRN (take as needed), and the combination of both helps even more. Worth a try."
Frequently asked questions
- Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What's the difference?
- How long does it take for Lyrica (pregabalin) to work?
- How long does Lyrica (pregabalin) stay in your system?
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- Zub...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 16, 2018
"I’ve recently been diagnosed with GAD and recurring depressive disorder after spending almost 16 months in the house, most of that time in the bedroom alone worry sick about those close to me. I’m two weeks in and feel amazing. I have my life back once again! I’m on 50mg twice daily and originally this dose was to ramp up to 600mg per day over a three-week period. However, I have decided to stay at 50mg for the time being. I felt a bit ‘sea sick’ for the first four days but now I have no symptoms at all. Thanks Lyrica!"
- Edg...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 13, 2022
"This medication is truly a miracle and has been a game changer for me. Not only does this abate my anxiety, but it also curbs my cravings for alcohol and other narcotics. Next month, I will have one year sober. There's no question in my mind that pregabalin played a huge role in getting my life back. I'm not sure why this isn't a first-line treatment. I nicknamed it the holy Grail because it truly does ameliorate the symptoms of substance use disorder and allows me to be productive. It truly gave me psychological stability to my purpose of living life on its own terms, life as it is. I could keep going, but I believe I got my point across. All the best to you all."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Tra...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 20, 2016
"I started taking Lyrica about 4 years ago for fibromyalgia and found it lowered my daily pain by about 60%. While I do not suffer from GAD, I have always had feelings of anxiousness and a physical feeling of restless uneasiness, and also restless leg syndrome. It was an unexpected side benefit that the Lyrica helped control these feelings. After about a year and a half of taking 150 mg twice a day, I began to worry about addiction and decided to cut back in an effort to possibly quit altogether. I soon found that my anxiousness and restlessness seemed worse than before, so I went back to my full 300 mg per day dose and have remained at that dosage. While on Lyrica, I intentionally lost 35 lbs and have not gained any weight back for 3 years."
- Mar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 1, 2018
"I have suffered from GAD for as long as I can remember. I have taken numerous SSRIs over the years which never really worked and came with a host of side effects. After finishing my 3rd round of Sertraline, I visited my GP and admitted defeat. The anxiety had won. At that moment, he asked if I had tried Pregabalin. I have now been on pregabalin for 2 months and have worked up to 2x300mg a day. It is amazing! A bit of dizziness at first which has gone now, and no further side effects at all. I feel a lot calmer, more energized, relaxed, much more confident, and will stand up for myself. I can concentrate better as my mind isn't racing around. I am more sociable and don't dread bumping into people. I take the Pregabalin in conjunction with Propranolol 80mg slow release. For myself, Pregabalin works much better for my GAD than SSRIs ever did with no side effects."
More FAQ
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- Treatments for Menopause
- Twe...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 3, 2014
"I had anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and tried many medicines before pregabalin. It has been the most effective of all. I would describe my condition as a constant compulsion to change the present moment, no matter what I'm doing. I had only a very vague idea what 'relax' meant. I get what I think is relaxation on pregabalin and just be. The compulsion to change every moment is greatly reduced. For side effects I do get dizziness and if I miss a dose, I can't sleep."
- Sum...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 20, 2018
"I've suffered from sporadic anxiety attacks for more than 40 years, and have been on Venlafaxine (for depression) for half of that time. The anxiety could start without warning and last for many hours (without any specific triggers) and I would sometimes try and booze my way out of it. No meds would bring relief during these periods. Five months ago I decided to go private and pay to see a psychiatrist for a 60-minute consultation. One of his suggestions was to try pregabalin, starting at 50mg at night and rising to 150mg. I can honestly say I haven't had an anxiety attack since, and I'm generally calmer and more accepting of my depression. It's a great relief after 40 years of not knowing how I would fare from day to day."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 1, 2012
"I have suffered from panic disorder and GAD for well over 10 years, starting in my early 20s. I finally sought treatment 3 years ago, but nothing helped. CBT, 40mg Citalopram, nothing. I then discovered pregabalin on this website. It was a struggle to get it prescribed on the NHS in the UK, but I'm so glad I persevered. This medicine is nothing short of a miracle. Within 24 hours, I was a new person. I've only been taking it a week, but now I feel light and happy, and the anxiety has just faded away. I don't need alcohol anymore. In fact, the thought of drinking now makes me feel ill. If you have GAD - please try this. I'm only on 75mg twice a day as well."
- Hap...
- July 22, 2017
"I am naturally an anxious person/born worrier, but I saw a doctor because panic attacks were waking me in the night and my chest pain was hard to cope with. I explained to the doctor that I didn't feel depressed, but I worried constantly through the night about things, and would also wake suddenly with chest pain. The doctor sent me for an ECG, but I knew the pain was linked to anxiety. Anyway, after the ECG came back clear, he prescribed pregabalin (a much lower dose than most people on here) and I only take one at night. I now sleep better, I have not woken with a panic attack since taking them, and my anxiety is no longer controlling me. I've been on them for 6 months."
- tf9...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 14, 2019
"Was nervous about taking Pregabalin for my anxiety initially, as I've never been prescribed with any mind-altering medication before. I can honestly say I'm extremely impressed with this drug, anxiety has almost completely gone. I still get the physical symptoms of GAD (dizzy spells, lethargy) but I find these can be controlled through lifestyle regulation: getting a good night's sleep, regular exercise, eating well, and avoiding stimulants (especially caffeine!) Pregabalin is also surprisingly subtle, I'm on 75mg twice daily and I honestly feel completely normal other than the fact I have no anxiety."
- Cub...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 16, 2017
"I started taking pregabalin for post-surgical nerve pain. But I noticed right away that it almost eliminated my anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. I take 150mg three times a day and have almost no anxiety issues anymore. There is a downside, though, it makes me feel like I lost 30 IQ points while on it. Memory takes a big hit as well. It slows down cognitive abilities a little bit. Withdrawal from Lyrica after stopping cold turkey a few times, due to insurance issues, is horrible. I like Lyrica, and I think it's a good trade-off for not being miserable every day with anxiety."
- Moj...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 2, 2019
"I have episodes of severe depression and have been in such despair that I have attempted suicide several times. I have tried many different medications without much effect. After one dose of pregabalin, I felt the symptoms easing. After three doses, I returned to a happy, confident person. There were no side effects. My only problem is that after a few months, the effects wear off."
- Gaz...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 10, 2019
"Finally started pregabalin 2 days ago. I suffered terrible anxiety, it’s unreal how fast it works. Its excellent calmness is now the norm. I take 15 mg of Lexapro as well. I live in England, and more and more people are now given pregabalin as a first defense toward stopping anxiety."
- Ali...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 13, 2016
"I suffered from severe panic disorder, which resulted in me being hospitalized multiple times from chest pain. I went on to have a complete mental breakdown, suffered crippling anxiety, and had to give up my home and move back to my parents. At its peak, I couldn't leave my bed - I was shaking with fear, panic, worry. I spent hours reading reviews looking for hope. I was under the care of a psychiatrist who prescribed antidepressants (Mirtazapine - helped me sleep, Escitalopram - helped anxiety a little at 20mg). I was offered Xanax, which helped enormously, but I was worried about addiction. We then tried pregabalin - amazing! You will feel out of it for a few days, which is uncomfortable. Stick with it and ramp up. 450mg-600mg is needed."
- Ste...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 19, 2017
"Locky was putting the frighteners on people who take this drug. Obviously this person has never had BAD or really bad anxiety, or he wouldn't spout all these untruths. People with BAD, like myself, would take anything to rid themselves of this nasty illness, so please keep your negativity to yourself, as it's hard enough dealing with what BAD throws up each day."
- lgz...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 3, 2015
"Great medicine that gives a benzodiazepine effect for anxiety, but without the bad side effects such as memory loss or addiction. You can't stop taking pregabalin cold turkey, however, because there are some withdrawal effects such as increased anxiety, insomnia, and depression in my experience."
- Hb0...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 10, 2017
"I started Lyrica for chronic pain, but realized it was SO great for anxiety - worries disappeared, ruminating thoughts just didn't matter anymore, it was like my troubles were over because none of them mattered anymore (things I should have cared about though, too). I had been taking 2 mg Valium every day for 4 years and was able to taper VERY quickly because of Lyrica. Pregabalin helps as a precursor to anxiety; it stops it before it can start, hence the 'PRE'-gabalin. It works on the GABA receptors which are responsible for anxiety. I take 150 mg every 8 hours like another reviewer talked about, as I discovered that this was the golden ticket for keeping anxiety away. In Europe, the suggested dose for anxiety is between 400 mg to MAX 600 mg."
- Xlp...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 11, 2018
"I was crippled by anxiety and could not function at all until my doctor prescribed me pregabalin. It has changed my life by 90% for the better. All other drugs like sertraline, duloxetine, and citalopram had no effect, and if anything, made me worse. I would recommend anyone with an anxiety disorder to ask their doctor to prescribe them pregabalin as it begins to work in 30 minutes. I recommend you take it with an empty stomach as the drug absorbs better since some doesn't get mixed with food and loses some of its effect."
- Br3...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 19, 2014
"1) Severe anxiety, 2) social anxiety disorder, 3) major depressive disorder. I take 75 mg along with 20mg Escitalopram, 60mg Mirtazapine, 2mg Alprazolam. Tried before: sertraline 7/10 (maybe the best for me), paroxetine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, 'Parnate' (didn't help with anxiety), lithium, lamotrigine, 'Depakote' (all ineffective), clomipramine (increased anxiety). Clonazepam and diazepam. I asked my doc about pregabalin because I'm concerned about benzodiazepine. The more I take, the more I need. I've taken it for 5 weeks and I feel a little better. The goal is to decrease the dose of Alprazolam. I will make it slowly. Before, it was impossible, now I see it's not. After a couple of months, I'll be back for news. Be strong, friends."
- Jsa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 2, 2019
"I've been on it for two days, prescribed for fibromyalgia, and about an hour after taking the first dose, I told my friend, 'Wow, I can feel it.' It has made my pain so much more tolerable, and my GAD has subsided. I actually went shopping this afternoon and interacted with people!"
- Dav...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 13, 2017
"75mg x2 daily - no noticeable effect. 150mg x2 daily - slight effect of calm, not really therapeutic. 300mg x2 daily - feeling calm, a little sleepy, but I quite like that... it is still early days, but I don't feel the need to take any Valium anymore. I stopped it weeks ago. I like being in this calm, fluffy state, rather than sweating and thinking 100 miles an hour and stressing out. I am taking this medication for an anxiety disorder, panic attacks, lower limb pain, and walking problems... supposedly they are all linked."
- Anonymous
- June 23, 2008
Pregabalin "I was prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain in my leg and foot and found the 'side effect' to be a lightening of my depression without the fogginess of other, more conventional medications prescribed for depression. I'm glad to see that it can be used for anxiety. It certainly makes a positive impact on my mood."
- vin...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 23, 2025
"I have depression, GAD, and social phobia, and I always hated going to the supermarket because I couldn't focus on anything. I never remembered what to buy. It was always a terrible experience, as I always became anxious around too many people. When I took my first dose of pregabalin, I felt calmer, relaxed, and could finally focus on what I was doing. Even in studying, I became more focused. At the present moment, I take venlafaxine 300 mg per day + pregabalin 150 mg, 2 times per day. Venlafaxine controls my depression, and pregabalin stops my anxiety. I quit taking Xanax and Klonopin with pregabalin's help. I liked this drug very much."
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"I have panic and anxiety attacks and generalized anxiety disorder. I've been taking Pregabalin for 2 years now. I started low on 25mg three times a day. After taking it, for about 3 hours, I felt energetic, had weird tingly sensations on my skin, and probably some other stuff. Nothing too wild, but not always pleasant. After 3 days the side effects from taking a new medication went away completely. After some months I took 50mg three times a day as 3x 25mg didn't cut it. Pregabalin helps me to go back to a calm state of mind, a less tensed up body, takes away the spikes of anxiety and panic attacks, and after therapy, now even completely prevents anxiety from forming. For example: I had anxiety flying, but 30min to 1h after taking Pregabalin, the anxiety went away and I even enjoyed the flight! No side effects worthy to be mentioned. I hope Pregabalin helps you as much as it did me."