Pregabalin and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Ann...
• March 9, 2021

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Taking Lyrica for almost 2 weeks now at 50mg 3x per day and have had no change in how much pain I’m in. Doctor prescribed this without even looking at me. The side effects are so intense, and there are too many drug interactions that come along with it. I have had the worst brain fog, I forget the most simple words, and you lose the ability to speak properly. Always drowsy and dizzy, feeling of being drunk or high. More pain is also a side effect I seem to have. Definitely would not recommend this drug to anyone."

• Jsb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2025

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Lyrica is wonderful for managing my fibromyalgia symptoms. Before taking this medication, I suffered from chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. It helps me with all three! I had previously tried Cymbalta, which tore up my stomach, and gabapentin, which made me drowsy. Lyrica is hands down the best. Don't hesitate to try this medication if you are considering it. It has given me my life back as I can get out of bed now and accomplish more than ever."

• smi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• emb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 23, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking it for my anxiety when nothing else worked and it's change my life in so many ways! My anxiety is gone for the first time in my life, and I'm not sedated or high. I just feel normal. My anxiety got so bad it was causing severe stomach problems. I almost had my gallbladder removed. Not only did it cure my anxiety, my stomach issues are gone, as well as my IBS that was a separate issue, my restless legs are gone!!! GONE. RLS was torture. It stopped me from going to movies or on planes, but that's not even the best part! My chronic leg pain, which I saw many specialists about when I was young and had since given up on, IS GONE! I thought I had to live in pain forever. My life is drastically improved. No words can explain."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Pregabalin by my GP for anxiety disorder. I am 27 and have had anxiety since a teenager. I have never tried meds before. I have just gone up to 600 mg. I have definitely experienced side effects (blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness). The side effects do wear off, but it does take some perseverance in the beginning to get to grips with it. I felt 'out of it' for a few days. I definitely feel less anxious. It's hard to tell how well it is working, but I definitely have the ability to look at 'stressful' and 'anxious' situations with far more clarity. I am a designer and I always worried if taking meds would suppress my creativity, but in fact - I think it helps me to have more confidence in my ideas."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My psychiatrist put me on 200 mg capsules 3 times a day (600 mg daily) and it's effective for treating anxiety. I've been on lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam, and all 3 became ineffective after 6 months to 1 year, and were extremely difficult to get off of. I don't notice any tolerance issues with pregabalin either. I've been on the same dose for about 2 years. Better than any of the benzodiazepines and other medications I've tried for anxiety. Only side effects I've noticed are calmness, sedation, and increased appetite, but exercise and healthy eating take care of any weight gain."

• Lib...
• May 28, 2016

For Pain "I've been on 75 mg twice a day for three months, which took the edge off my sciatica but did little for lower back pain. A week ago, my dosage increased to 150mg twice a day, and my back pain is good, and sciatica is gone. Additionally, my general anxiety is eased. There's no worsening of my depression symptoms (I manage depression/anxiety with Effexor). Aside from mild sedation, I've had a great result from Lyrica so far. Hope it continues working this well! :)"

• Fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2014

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Taking Lyrica relieves my fibromyalgia symptoms literally in days, and the pain relief from that is amazing. Unfortunately, I can't sleep. I get red, sore eyes, water retention, constipation, irritated bladder, passing water much more frequently. Pelvic pain, sore gums, cramps, excess wind, bloated stomach, runny nose. These side effects occur as quickly as the pain from fibromyalgia goes."

• coz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

For Restless Legs Syndrome "Over the past 15 years, I have been dealing with a constant feeling of daytime sleepiness. Tried meds to help me sleep, which made it worse. Did 5 different sleep studies because everyone said that I had sleep apnea. But that was not the case. Did a brain scan which was normal. Thank God. Finally, I was working with a sleep doctor who said that I had idiopathic hypersomnolence, which means that doctors have no idea what's going on, but recognize that something is. Treated with stimulants, all of which worked but not very long. Finally, last year began seeing a specialist in hypersomnia. Almost immediately, he tested and said that I had restless leg syndrome. It's not enough to cause pain, but it almost wakes me up constantly all night. Began various treatments, but none worked. But started taking Lyrica two months ago, so far remarkable results. Don't give up..."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Nic...
• June 18, 2013

For Pain "I've been taking Pregabalin for approximately 4 weeks. I started on 1 x 30mg capsule twice daily, but I found that taking 2 x 30mg at a time eased my pain better. My doctor then changed the prescription to 50mg twice daily. As a painkiller, it is fantastic. I've never known a painkiller like it. However, one bad side effect is my swollen feet. I fear that I will have to change to something else if it continues to make my feet swell because it is extremely uncomfortable. Another side effect is the feeling of being drunk. It does help me to sleep. I haven't slept this well in years, though I wake up feeling groggy. I could live with all these side effects if I could overcome the swollen feet."

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

Pregabalin 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."

• Im ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2013

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have been on Lyrica for about three weeks, and I feel that my experience may help. I have chronic nerve damage in my arm and sympathetic nerve damage. If you are about to begin the Lyrica ride, expect the following: you will be living in a cloud. I noticed a few reviews explained it as that, and I feel they hit the nail on the head. You literally feel drunk."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2013

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I had shingles for two and a half weeks, then experienced severe nerve pain after the sores began to heal. My doctor originally prescribed Vicodin, then switched me to Lyrica in anticipation of my return to work. Lyrica was very effective at reducing the severity of the pain, but it caused me to be very drowsy. I slept for 14 hours a night, and had difficulty concentrating during the day. I would also have trouble remembering things I had done while taking Lyrica. I had to discontinue using it."

• Obs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The doctor first put me on 25-50 mg x 2 a day for the anxiety associated with my OCD symptoms. I didn't feel any change in my symptoms, so he increased the dose to 125 mg x 2 a day. I felt a change in my symptoms, and I went from compulsively pacing for four to six hours a day to going to less than an hour a day. This drug is a miracle. Although I do feel some drowsiness and sleepiness. Pregabalin changed my life."

• Obs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The doctor first put me on 25-50 mg x 2 a day for the anxiety associated with my OCD symptoms. I didn't feel any change in my symptoms, so he increased the dose to 125 mg x 2 a day. I felt a change in my symptoms, and I went from compulsively pacing for four to six hours a day to going to less than an hour a day. This drug is a miracle. Although I do feel some drowsiness and sleepiness. Pregabalin changed my life."

• Zim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Lyrica is a game changer for me. I have been in pain for over 10 years and had back surgery to remove a disk with a fusion. This was okay for accommodating the injury, however, I was left with nerve damage from degeneration that affects my lower back, legs, and hips. Now, I no longer find myself looking for another Percocet. Some drowsiness is a tolerable side effect, especially since I haven't had a full night of restful sleep in years."

• lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Recently commenced on Lyrica 25 mg am/50 mg pm. - It is for nerve pain. Although I am experiencing side effects, drowsiness, slight dizziness, vomiting, to name a few, my pain has reduced significantly so far."

• DDa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2019

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Will never use again. Felt like I was drugged. Couldn't keep eyes open. Blurry vision. Knocked me out and slept from 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Glad I didn't have to go to work! Woke up still groggy and with a major headache! How are people supposed to function on this?"

• vot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2024

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I was prescribed Lyrica for peripheral neuropathy. It took my pain from a chronic 6/7 every day to a 2. I haven't experienced any negative side effects and was only drowsy for the first few days of taking the medicine. I am prescribed 100 mg twice a day. The burning, pins and needles, and electric shocks or pricks have nearly stopped. I can still tell where my nerve damage begins and ends, but the pain for the areas affected has decreased very significantly."

• bti...
• October 13, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My father, age 76, is struggling with anxiety disorder for the last 4 months. He used many drugs, but no improvement. We all in the family started getting very demoralized to see his condition (restlessness, depression, feeling gas, pain in abdomen, constipation). Finally, the day before yesterday, the doctor gave him pregabalin 75 at night. This medicine did wonders. He started feeling better after the first dose only. Today, he just had two doses, and he feels 80% good. He feels very drowsy with this drug, maybe because he is also taking diazepam 1 mg (thrice a day). I will discuss this point with his doctor on the next visit, but overall, we all in the family, including my father, have a big relief so far."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2011

Pregabalin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine works fast and hard for anxiety. It will stop anxiety dead in its tracks. I highly recommend Lyrica for anxiety. The only side effect has been some sleepiness, but I'll take it considering the anxiety relief being provided by Lyrica."

• Hea...
• October 24, 2018

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Dizziness, sleepiness while driving, I got used to it. It did wonders at first for my pain. I found it was effective, but I had to keep upping the dose. I struggled with keeping a job, I had balance issues and low potassium levels. I ended up in the hospital twice for two months. I was euphoric and also had angry outbursts, it was a strange combination. There were blisters on my chin, I was unbalanced and had swelling in my ankles. I had to stop it once I struggled with breathing. I also had jerkiness at night when sleeping, and it affected my eyesight dramatically-floaters and blurry vision followed by vertigo."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2013

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Been taking since September. I take 50ml x3 at night although prescription says 3 a day. Sleep like a baby, no pain still, and wake up refreshed. At first, it might make you feel a little drunk in the morning, just silly, nothing bad. Still working and a lifesaver! I needed to update on the free prescription, it's Pfizer's website and go to the patient prescription program. Fill out the info along with required things, mail it, in 2 weeks you get a letter if accepted, then prescription comes by FedEx! You have to call close to running out each month so that Pfizer can FedEx your refill! Got mine paid for a year! Otherwise, it's $400 for 90 pills. I get 50ml free from Pfizer, a 90-day supply! Thank you, Pfizer!"

• lau...
• August 24, 2016

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I will start off by saying it did cause weight gain. My clothes fit the same, but the number on the scale went up about 7-10 pounds depending on the day. I cannot say this is solely because of the drug, I think I can safely say that this is because my pain has improved so drastically that I have an appetite again. I can keep the weight off if I really want to, but I am not overweight, and I am content with my appetite finally being back after years of struggles that I don't think it's a problem. Regardless, I have been on Lyrica for almost a year now. It has drastically improved my nerve pain, joint stiffness, and swelling (along with a gallon of water a day), appetite, energy, and sleep. I am not pain-free, but no fibromyalgia patient truly ever is pain-free, my pain has gone from an average of 8-9 down to a 4-5 on my good days. My flare-ups are far less frequent, and I only experience them once every two or so months, which is a huge improvement over every other week. The length of the flare-ups is also shortened from 3-5 days down to 2 days maximum. At the beginning of taking the medicine, I was slightly drowsy, but nothing dangerous. I only take it once a day, and I am trying to keep it that way to avoid moving up to 2 doses a day. Lyrica is my miracle drug and has definitely given me my life back. My biggest complaint is the cost and insurance, but it could be worse. It costs me $2 a day to feel normal again."