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Pregabalin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews

Brand names: Lyrica, Lyrica CR

Rating: 8.2

Pregabalin has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 390 reviews for the off-label treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 10% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Pregabalin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • nic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 10, 2019

"Xanax is perfect for panic attacks. Klonopin is perfect for eliminating anxiety for your daily activities. Pregabalin is perfect for knocking your entire anxiety out of the park. Physical, mental, everything. Anxiety DESTRUCTION."

9 / 10
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631 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 29, 2019

"I have struggled for years with depression and anxiety. I also suffer from nerve pain. I was prescribed gabapentin for this. After having a major meltdown and going to the out-of-hours doctor and sitting in his office crying and asking him to 'please help me!', he changed my medication to pregabalin. This not only would sort my nerve pain but also help my anxiety, and oh my god has it! I can't ever remember feeling this good! Anxiety, what anxiety! It's so fast-working too, I was amazed. I wish I had been prescribed this years ago. As for side effects, I have put on weight but I'm so much happier, I don't care! And a dry mouth, I can live with that. I am in the UK."

10 / 10
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501 Report
  • fra...
  • July 31, 2013

Pregabalin "Pregabalin for me was miraculous. On the first dose (75mg three times a day), my anxiety was reversed. I really thought this was too good to be true. I have tried Prozac and lorazepam at different times of my life. But as is commonly known, after the fourth or fifth trial of SSRIs, they 'peter out' and actually become counterproductive, even in some cases causing serotonin syndrome. But about two years ago, I was in a very stressful marriage break-up and was taking benzodiazepines to keep the lid on the anxiety, with little effect. The GP respected my wish to try Lyrica. I was and still am, after two years, astounded by this transformation. I feel like I always felt I should feel. A cessation of anxiety and a sense of well-being pervades."

10 / 10
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496 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Tem...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 14, 2021

"I have been on this on and off for 4 years now. Originally 300mg daily for 4 months. Gradually dropping down to 100mg a day. I now take as and when I feel a wobble coming on. It has been a life changer for me. It helps calm me down within an hour if anxiety gets bad. My GP suggested using as and when I needed it, and I have had no problem with that scenario. I think my body is used to it. I was originally put on antidepressants which sent me loopy. Then a psychiatrist suggested pregabalin. It really helps with sleep and helps me switch off. Getting off this tablet was no problem as it can be dropped in doses of 25mg. I had no problems with it at all. If you have a chance to take it, please give it a go. It works really quickly and can be a game changer."

10 / 10
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414 Report
  • rea...
  • November 6, 2015

"Lyrica is the best thing that happened to me in 15 years. I have tried nearly every medication on the planet for my severe anxiety and untreatable depression: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, Benzos, Ketamine infusions, ECT, CBT and many illegal substances with zero help. I'm on 150mg twice a day and it has literally made me a new human. I feel like when I was a teenager, before the depression and anxiety started to ruin my life. I expected it to ease my anxiety somewhat, but what I didn't expect is that it completely killed it along with the treatment-resistant depression. I have no side effects! Thank you, science!"

10 / 10
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383 Report

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  • Joh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 15, 2019

"Been on pregabalin for 2 weeks. Only 50mg twice a day. I suffer from social anxiety. Always in fight or flight mode when around people. As a result, this causes me to feel very low. However, my experience so far has been very positive. I am feeling so much more relaxed, and my anxiety is down to about a 2 when in social situations. My sleep is also better. I do get red eyes in the morning while on this med. Small price of such great relief. Life just seems so much easier, and I am so much more relaxed. It is early days, and I just hope this continues to work for me. Also never wrote up on any site like this. I have tried a lot of the SSRIs. But no good. Best of luck to all trying this med. I share your pain if you are reading these review sites."

9 / 10
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379 Report
  • Cha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2014

"Lyrica has been incredible for my anxiety! Within just a couple days, I was running errands without needing to have someone with me due to anxiety. I was doing chores, which I often delayed without a second thought, and I was enjoying my life and time with my children. I was prescribed pregabalin for fibromyalgia pain, and I can't say I've noticed a difference with pain, but it has done everything for my anxiety! I am way less irritable and moody and feel like I can actually enjoy living a happy and complete life for once without worry, fear, or nervousness. I went from being a procrastinating homebody to a normal-feeling, confident person! My side effects have been blurred vision, sometimes feeling a little sleepy, and dizziness. It's 100% worth trying!"

10 / 10
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372 Report

More FAQ

  • Dar...
  • May 22, 2020

"I have suffered with anxiety and depression since I was a child. I'm now 47 and have tried endless different types of other medicines, and now Pregabalin has saved my life. I take 600mg a day. It calms me, gives me confidence, and energy. It's a wonder drug as far as I'm concerned."

10 / 10
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367 Report
  • Mud...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 21, 2020

"I had experienced some major stressors over the last 2-3 months. My anxiety level was starting to get out of control, and I was in a manic-like state. I asked the emergency clinic for 75mg pregabalin 2x/day. I picked up the prescription the next morning, took one 75 mg pill, and slept for about 4 hours. When I woke up, my anxiety was GONE. My brain had been a constant buzz for over a month, and pregabalin turned off the switch. Physicians need to know about the use of pregabalin for anxiety."

9 / 10
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367 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 19, 2008

Pregabalin "My doctor prescribed me Lyrica for my social anxiety after having tried numerous other more conventional meds over the last 15 years, i.e., Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Xanax, etc. The list goes on and on, and finally (for me) this really, really works quite well. It stabilizes my feelings of anxiety as well as relieves stress-related pain. I feel like a different person, able to take on life rather than hide and let it pass by. Thanks."

9 / 10
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346 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 14, 2020

"Been taking now for over 2 years and it’s honestly been a wonder drug - as I’ve said in previous reviews. I’ve cut down from 300mg to 100mg and it was actually fine, although now my life circumstances have changed and I’m going through a transition, I may take higher doses when needed and this is fine. I’ve found taking a spiritual path really helpful but equally, an anxiety disorder is something that can be life long and genuinely neurological and genetic. You need to treat the core reasons of why you are anxious but equally medication is sometimes necessary. This medication has always kept me feeling safe and stops me from extreme panic. Anxiety just has no place in my life and this stuff truly keeps it at bay. Weight gain sucks but I’d rather weigh a bit more and have peace of mind."

10 / 10
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325 Report
  • Ren...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2020

"I've had GAD since I can remember and it's ruled my life, but since I've been taking Pregabalin, it's totally knocked it on the head! Now I'm the happiest person on earth! I've been taking every type of benzo that's out there, but NOTHING has touched it like this medication... Some of the side effects are still there, but the drunk-kind-of-walking has stopped. I'd much rather have the side effects than have this crippling anxiety that turned me into a hermit for years. I'm taking 75 in the morning and 75 in the evening. I haven't been on it long enough for any kind of weight gain, but in saying that, I'm quite thin and tall, so I wouldn't mind some weight! Wish I found these meds years ago! YEY!"

9 / 10
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320 Report
  • mbo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 22, 2023

"I have been struggling with anxiety and depression my entire life. Over the years, I have done a lot of self-medicating. I finally reached out for help and was prescribed Klonopin. I also tried a number of SSRIs, Buspar, and Wellbutrin. The SSRIs left me feeling entirely flat. Buspar left me borderline suicidal, and Wellbutrin made me feel crazy. After 9 months, I stopped taking Klonopin. At this point, my mental health was the worst it has ever been. I was convinced I was going insane. I had constant visual disturbances, panic attacks, depersonalization, and derealization. I was also horribly depressed and frustrated. I felt like doctors had only made things worse. Eventually, I found a new doctor, and they put me on Pregabalin. Two days in, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I saw a man who was at ease. He was smiling. It was the first time I had seen that guy in years. I honestly believe that this drug saved my life. It has allowed me to live again. Anxiety, GONE. Depression, GONE!"

10 / 10
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305 Report
  • Ton...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2019

"Pregabalin is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m a combat vet - I suffer from PTSD, GAD, & Depression - I’ve tried so many different medications and currently on a combo of Prozac and Pregabalin (PG). The antidepressant works wonders and the PG makes life liveable. Like I actually want to go do things and be with people now that I’m not terrified every day and in fight or flight literally all the time. My feet would get cold - my hands would start to sweat - and my heart would pound in my throat - NO MORE. 150 MGs does the trick and I’ll gladly stay there as long as possible. I used to abuse benzodiazepines because I didn’t understand what was happening in my body and what stress can do to a mind - now I know. Thank God for PG."

10 / 10
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307 Report
  • Rad...
  • June 16, 2013

"Have been rock bottom down by the river, then restarted Pregabalin. IT IS AMAZING. It only took about 24 hours to notice the difference, and wow. A week later and I am nearly 100%. I knew I was anxious, not depressed! It should be prescribed as a first-line choice. Previously on it for 3 years. I am a 59-year-old housewife."

10 / 10
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293 Report
  • Sir...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 1, 2014

"I have suffered with severe anxiety and depression for years. I tried 6 different antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines, and all did nothing for me or any help. Eventually, I was put on Pregabalin by a Psychiatrist, and it was very helpful, almost from day one. We increased my dose until I take the maximum of 300mg twice a day. At this dose, my anxiety has been pretty much eliminated. I am happy and now an active person. However, a word of warning to anybody taking this medicine for a long time: DO NOT allow yourself to suddenly withdraw from it. I recently had to go a week without it, and it was a living hell for me. Withdrawal symptoms for me were as follows: severe anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, inability to sleep, nausea, and vomiting."

10 / 10
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283 Report
  • mrs...
  • March 24, 2013

Pregabalin "Lyrica has changed my life. I have suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder for 15 years. I've tried absolutely everything to no avail until last week when I was put on Lyrica. In fact, it's not just changed my life; it's saved my life."

10 / 10
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258 Report
  • mt0...
  • August 11, 2015

"I'm 63 and have struggled with depression and anxiety, starting at age 30. In late March 2015, a significant life event occurred that sent me spiraling downhill. Extreme anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts. The worst episode ever. Dr. prescribed 150mg Lyrica. I began taking it on June 11. By noon on June 13, I felt incredibly good, invincible, euphoric. Weird in that I just felt SO GOOD, almost too good. Then side effects hit. Bad dizziness, but still felt good mentally. Cut the dose to 100mg. Over the next 2 weeks, side effects resolved themselves. No weight gain. The artificial high dissipated. What I'm left with is this...NORMAL LIFE. Lyrica gave me my life back. Pray it works for others as well as it's worked for me."

10 / 10
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243 Report
  • BJH...
  • November 2, 2016

"I would just like to say that I know everyone worries about weight gain on this drug, so I thought it important to share a positive experience with this drug. I am on 300mg per day and have experienced no side effects and absolutely no weight gain. I am so much calmer and happier, my mood doesn't plummet suddenly, I am not anxious at all anymore, and I am sleeping like a log! 10/10. Don't let fear of sudden weight gain affect your decision to take this drug. Remember that when they test drugs, they don't take into consideration the lifestyles of the test subjects. That 1 in 10 person could just eat too much day to day, which would result in weight gain and have nothing to do with the drug. Don't worry too much about it!"

10 / 10
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237 Report
  • big...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 5, 2013

"I love this medication. I feel calm and rid of anxiety. I currently take 600 mg daily and it lasts throughout the day. I would highly recommend this medication, it's both calming and stimulating. I have the confidence to go out and hang out with people. I finally feel like I can socialize and relax like a 'normal' person. It's approved for generalized anxiety disorder in Europe."

10 / 10
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206 Report
  • smi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 22, 2014

"I was suffering from persistent nausea. I lost a lot of weight as eating was difficult. I had many tests, and my doctor concluded the problem was mental, not physical. He prescribed Pregabalin, 75mg twice a day, and the improvement came almost immediately. I feel much calmer, much reduced anxiety, have my appetite back, and the nausea mostly eliminated. I would strongly recommend this medicine. It does make you want to eat, but this was a boon at first as I had lost a lot of weight, but no other side effects as far as I can tell. Maybe a bit of drowsiness. This medicine gave me my life back so give it a go if you have run out of other ideas."

10 / 10
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199 Report
  • med...
  • May 20, 2013

"I have had severe anxiety for over 16 years since my daughter was born, and I have gotten to the point that I just think I'M GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS. Then last night, I was taking my propranolol when I noticed I had some Lyrica, which the doctors gave me ages ago but I would not take it. I was that desperate yesterday, I took some. For the first time in 16 years, I have no anxiety or panic (this is about an hour after taking the Lyrica). I slept properly for the first time, and I am also doing tasks in the house that I normally put off as I'm so agitated. Going to the doctor in the morning to see if he will give me a script for them. I notice a change more or less immediately. I would recommend this medicine to anyone who has anxiety."

9 / 10
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193 Report
  • Sil...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 26, 2021

"I've been on 20mg escitalopram (Lexapro) for 3 months with only a partial response to my GAD/SAD, so my psychiatrist decided to augment my therapy with pregabalin (Lyrica) split into 2 doses of 75mg (morning and evening). This turned out to be the winning combination that completely alleviated all of my symptoms. The only side effects I experienced on pregabalin were increased sleepiness at the very beginning of treatment, which quickly went away. It's a miracle pill for anxiety in my opinion, and I hope this helps others!"

10 / 10
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188 Report
  • Mei...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2020

"I've had crippling GAD since I was a kid, and since being on Pregabalin, I'm now able to say see ya later to the anxiety that's stopped me from living. As I've been a hermit for over 10 years! I've tried every benzo there is, but after only a very short time, I've been so happy to find this medication! I'm taking 150mg per day, and the side effects are still going on, but I'm not going to stop these meds for relief is totally amazing! They should go, as I've read from other people, but I'm willing to put up with them, for this is like a miracle or something! I wish I found this years ago. Living at last, not just existing! Take care, people!"

9 / 10
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185 Report
  • Sal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 4, 2013

"I have suffered anxiety for 10 years plus and for the last year had suffered from jelly legs whenever I'm in a shopping area or anywhere there's crowds of people. Lyrica has changed my life for the better - no more worries, loads more confidence, and no feelings of anxiety. Would say it has improved my life 100%."

9 / 10
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182 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.