Lyrica and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2016

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "The nerve pain became so unbearable that it forced me to take Lyrica despite the bad reviews and long list of negative side effects. I was told by many that it worked a lot better than Neurontin with less drastic negative effects. Well, it has eased my pain some, but the side effects have taken my life from me. I'm dizzy at times, my head is always foggy and not clear thinking, I have depression, anger outbursts I've never had before, daily nausea, and am so tired that I can sleep all day and night long and can barely function. Unfortunately, the alternative medications have even worse negative side effects, so what are we supposed to do in order to have some normalcy?"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I have been very fortunate that Lyrica works so well for me. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago with fibromyalgia. After I had my second child at 29, some of my chronic pain changed. A year later, I was diagnosed, and I am so glad they put me on Lyrica. I started at 150 mg daily, but it made me very tired and unfocused, so they dropped it back to 100 mg per day. I've been at 100 mg per day for over a year now. I used to have bad flare-ups that would incapacitate me about twice weekly, plus the daily pain. On Lyrica, my daily pain averages maybe a 2 on a pain scale of 1-10 versus my old average of a 6. Instead of 2 or more flare-ups per week, I maybe get 2 a month. I have 2 children under the age of 10 that I need to be able to care for and spend time with, and not feel it's a burden. Lyrica gives me this. I'm also able to jog again, something I haven't been able to do since high school. It makes me feel good, and I'm steadily losing weight. I'm not saying this is for everyone, but it's been a miracle for me."

• Bac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2014

For Neuropathic Pain "I started taking this medication about a week ago. AMAZING! My doctor prescribed it for the pain shooting down my arm and hand from cervical and thoracic issues. I was writhing in pain at night, so much so I could barely walk. After just one dose, a total difference. I take just 75mg before bed. I do notice a feeling of drowsiness upon waking, but it is usually gone a couple of hours later, unless I take Tylenol or Motrin. One of the side effects I have had is swollen eyes and crusted eyes. I am very tired and need a nap. I find the pill seems to work for about 20 hours for nerve pain, and then it starts coming back."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "My fibromyalgia has gotten worse the last 2 years, and I've also developed paresthesia in my feet and hands that causes burning and tingling. I was so tired of the pain and none of my doctors helping me that I was suicidal before Christmas 2018. That was before my new rheumatologist put me on Lyrica. I was to start with 75mg at night and then titrate up to an additional 75mg during the day (or take at night if it made me too tired). However, the 75mg alone has proven to be such a help that I may just stay there until I need to go up because the medication is pricey. I got a co-pay card from the Lyrica website, so I only had to pay $25. I don't care, though, it helps so much! I am no longer in so much pain!"

• Nan...
• March 28, 2016

For Neuralgia "It cured my pain (trigeminal neuralgia), but I had nasty side effects at first: mild headaches, nausea, tiredness, feeling too full and bloated (even when not eating), weight gain, dizziness, etc. I stuck with it, and after two weeks, I was still feeling bloated and had headaches, and I continued to gain weight. I researched ways to counteract the negative effects and started taking a B6 supplement (for weight gain) and an herbal diuretic (for the bloat). I no longer feel bloated, and the headaches are gone. I'm on my 4th (or 5th?) week of Lyrica, and I am feeling much better. I don't think I'm still gaining weight, but it's too soon to tell. I wasn't eating any more or less than usual, so if the B6 helps, that would be nice."

• Pjs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I was prescribed Lyrica at a dose of 75 mg a day for neuropathic pain and chronic daily migraine, which seemed to help with the pain. But I had an anxious feeling like nerves were charged. My doctor upped my dosage to 150 mg in the morning and 75 mg at bedtime to be upped to 150 mg if tolerated. My first day at 150 mg felt like my nerves were super charged. I was tired and fatigued, walking around like a zombie, unable to think properly. I was also emotional. It was awful. I continued the next day with the same result. I am going to discontinue 150 mg and get off this medication as soon as possible. It may work for some people, but not for me."

• Ste...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 14, 2014

For Neuropathic Pain "I was working at a plant nursery and watered the plants every day. I stood in water with Converse All Stars on for about 3 hours. My feet went numb, which was normal for me. When I got in the shower that night to thaw my feet out, they started hurting and black blisters developed. Neurontin did not help much, but the Lyrica took all pain out with no side effects other than feeling a little tired. It saved me from total misery. It is the best medicine I have ever taken."

• Was...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2012

For Neuralgia "I had occipital nerve damage with pressure in my inner ear. Pressure is gradually lowered enabling me to exert myself for about 4 hours but exhausted. I now take 225 mg twice daily and cannot miss one dose. Nothing else worked. I took up to 600 mg but found no difference in relief so I am on the 225 twice daily. This is one medication that does not mix well with alcohol. It induces a coma-like state that lasts for 30 minutes and longer. I was drinking beer and only had 3 beers in 2 hours. Then BOOM goes the dynamite! But am aware of everything going around me but can't move or respond. When it's over, it's over and I am vertical again. So now I know why the ad states avoid alcohol!"

• lit...
• August 19, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on Lyrica for a month now. 150 mg 2x a day. It works wonders for the awful muscle spasms and fibromyalgia pain, but I do have side effects. I have to do everything from chores to running errands before I take it. Once I take it, I become unbalanced, forget words, and become extremely tired. I sleep a lot and very heavily and usually can't remember the previous day. I definitely cannot function after I take it. I don't care for the side effects, but so far it has been the only thing that has worked for me. I tried Cymbalta, Neurontin, Zanaflex, Flexeril, lots of things. To me, it's worth taking the Lyrica as those terrible rib and back spasms keep at bay, and after two years of dealing with those, I don't ever want to again. By the way, it does kill my appetite."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2023

For Neuropathic Pain "It hasn't helped with neuropathic pain due to shingles. Side effects are tiredness with a feeling of my head dropping like I'm about to go to sleep, confusion, and my mind racing. I take 50 mg two times a day."

• Gyp...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 25, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I have spinal stenosis, my spine is cracked on both sides of my spine, as well as a bulging disc pushing on the cracks, fibromyalgia, and some form of arthritis. Lyrica packed on the pounds, blurred vision, constantly tired, my body aches more when I take Lyrica. I use cannabis oil CBD form, it helps with inflammation, it sure helps considerably better with no side effects! The CBD form does NOT get you ‘stoned, high, or buzzed’, it removes the pain. I am extremely grateful for my cannabis oil, the effects last longer than Lyrica too! I can enjoy my grandkids again!"

• 1st...
• June 29, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I took Lyrica for a couple of months. It helped with some of the fibro pain, and I felt tired and a little dizzy, along with having a dry mouth, which I expected as common side effects. What surprised me was I got new pains in new places-my big toe felt like it was on fire, and my lower back hurt badly. I started weaning off of Lyrica, and the new pains went away. I also had insomnia from the weaning process. I think it does work to dull the fibro pain, but not sure if it's worth it if there are new pains."

• Lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 25, 2019

For Neuralgia "I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. I suffer from electric shock-like pains in my face that can last up to 2 hours. I was prescribed Lyrica 75 mg twice a day. Did not work. The doctor then increased it to 150 mg, then 300 mg twice a day. I hate the side effects of feeling tired and forgetful, but the medication has helped me up until recently. The pain has returned with a vengeance, and I'm on the maximum dosage already. Nothing helps now."

• hel...
• March 3, 2011

For Pain "I am taking Lyrica 75 mg every night, per doctor's instructions. I have had no relief for my lower back, right hip, and right leg pain. I have also had my third steroid injection, and if anything, my pain is worse. I am so tired and desperate for relief. I feel like I have no quality of life."

• Fib...
• June 8, 2010

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I didn't even know Lyrica was prescribed as an off-label treatment for anxiety. I was mainly taking it for my fibromyalgia and phantom pain from an amputation. And I didn't realize until now I had full-blown GAD and have probably had it since my teens. I thought it was mostly depression. I journal, and I can see that when I have been on Lyrica I didn't reach the extreme kind of depression I've been in. I recently tried to quit again because it causes me to be lethargic and to not be able to lose weight. It may have been some withdrawal symptoms, but within a week I was in grueling depression-anxiety. The DAY I started back on my 75 mg/day Lyrica I started feeling better!"

• hat...
• October 29, 2015

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I developed shingles in my face, scalp, and eye in 2005. The initial pain was treated with gabapentin, which didn't work very well. The doc wouldn't prescribe anything stronger. In fact, she hardly recognized that shingles pain was significant. My PHN kicked in when the rash disappeared. I've still got it. I monitored the internet for PHN meds, and when Lyrica came out, I notified my new doc immediately. He started me out at 100 mg three times a day, and when that was only modestly effective, he kicked it up to 150 mg X 3. It works very nicely. However, there are side effects. My weight gain has been significant. Brain fog happens. I get double vision on an irregular basis. I feel tired. Now my liver values are increasing."

• Buf...
• March 26, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Lyrica for about 2 years. I couldn't face life without it. I take 200 mg twice a day. I have managed to cut my pain meds down. I am still tired, but that will come with conditioning my body again. I have intensive physiotherapy twice a year and have found improvements after each session. I have gained about 30 lbs, but part of that is due to inactivity. The only downside is that if I miss a dose, I feel dreadful."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica started to ease my pain the very first night I started it. I saw about a 20% easing of fibro pain for the duration of the first night and day 2. I woke up on day 3 - no relief. Lyrica just completely stopped working by day 3, and I was back to agony. I continued on my dose of 75 mg each night for over 3 weeks, I then upped the dose to one 75 mg in the morning and two 75 mg at night. I've been on this higher dose now for a few weeks and still absolutely no relief. I must say that I've experienced little side effects - some memory loss and tiredness. No weight gain at all. If Lyrica had kept working, I would have been really happy, but unfortunately, it just stopped working for me! I'd recommend at least trying it for anyone that's considering."

• sme...
• May 23, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "My doctor prescribed it for me and gave me samples. I have been taking the samples while fighting with the insurance company because they want me to try Neurontin first. I think the Lyrica is really working. I am still tired, but I feel it is a normal tired from having two kids and running around with them. The way I felt before, I couldn't move. I really don't want to use the Neurontin, I don't want to lose the benefits that I have gained."

• Yvo...
• July 7, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Lyrica for fibromyalgia for 7 weeks now, and I sleep great. I can play with my grandchildren, and I don't hurt enough to even complain about it. I am off the narcotics, it was 2-3 times a day with oxy, and overall I am more productive at work. I move more and am much happier. Still tired because I move so much."

• Cai...
• November 3, 2009

For Peripheral Neuropathy "This, used in conjunction with Cymbalta, is about as good as it gets for nerve pain. In the past, I was given Neurontin, Gabapentin, and many others, but none were as effective. On the downside, I found that the Lyrica in higher doses (150 MG - 600 MG) left me tired and unable to enjoy my days. I found that I received no greater pain relief taking the larger doses, just more/worse side effects. Even with Lyrica and the Cymbalta, some people with extreme pain may still need to use some other type of pain relief in addition to this drug. I take 300 MG of Lyrica spread over 4 doses per day, and the Cymbalta, and 120 MG of OxyContin and up to 40 MG of Oxycodone for breakthrough pain. In severe cases, a second antidepressant may be needed in addition to the Cymbalta to help fight the depression that comes with chronic pain. The big downside to both of these name-brand medicines is the cost. A month's supply of Lyrica with no insurance is over $330, and the Cymbalta will set you back just over $300 each month. Even with insurance, these both will end up on the top tier (my co-pay is $50.00 each), and neither of them has a generic equivalent."

• The...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2017

For Neuropathic Pain "I developed severe sciatic leg pain about 3 years ago after damaging my spine. I was bedridden for two months. My doctor here in South Australia tried different medications including morphine pain patches and OxyContin, which did slightly help. I had two cortisone injections in my lower spine, which worked, the pain went. Yeah, 4 weeks later, I developed severe chronic peripheral neuropathy, i.e., muscle leg cramps. I started out on 150 mg Lyrica and now 300 mg. The Lyrica makes me tired, so I do not drive unless I stop taking it the day before. My wife massages my legs for 15 mins morning and night. I use a TENS machine plus a Revertive foot machine for relief."

• 99a...
• April 15, 2009

For Neuralgia "I was recently put on this medication-only 25 mg to start for the first week. Since about the third day of taking the low dose of this medication, I suddenly began to be extremely tired. I was not feeling like myself at all. I had to leave work early one day and was off for the rest of the week. I also slept for about one whole day. My doctor is aware and wants me to stick with the low dose for now since I am still feeling pretty lethargic during the third week. I hope that it will get better soon."

• 99a...
• April 15, 2009

For Neuralgia "I was recently put on this medication-only 25 mg to start for the first week. Since about the third day of taking the low dose of this medication, I suddenly began to be extremely tired. I was not feeling like myself at all. I had to leave work early one day and was off for the rest of the week. I also slept for about one whole day. My doctor is aware and wants me to stick with the low dose for now since I am still feeling pretty lethargic during the third week. I hope that it will get better soon."

• fit...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 14, 2022

For Neuralgia "It's not a miracle drug for me. It doesn't help the actual problem area (chronic lower back pain, the right side of my lower back), but it stops the pain from radiating to my legs. I have been taking this for over 5 years with little to no side effects, but my doctor recently titrated me up too quickly in order to steer me away from Tylenol. When my doctor told me he was increasing it, I asked him if it was still OK because I am on other meds that interact with Lyrica, and he said yes. Well, the jump from 200 mg per day to 300 mg has not gone well. I feel so doped up. I feel like I've been hit by a truck, I want to fall asleep right here at my desk. Being so tired is making me feel stupid, moody, and irritable. Be careful with this one, and demand that your doctor titrate you slowly."