Pregabalin and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "After 20 years of worsening migraines and fibromyalgia symptoms, pregabalin has been a miracle. I have gone from suffering 2-3 debilitating migraines per week to zero migraines. Yes, zero! 50 mg per day was not enough, so my neurologist raised the dose to 100 mg/day, and that is just right. It took just over a week for the drug to kick in. Pregabalin also helps regulate my adrenal glands and calms my Crohn's/IBS symptoms. I feel like a new person after suffering for so many years. Initial side effects were feeling stoned and wonky vision that made it hard to read. My body adjusted after a few days. I sleep deeply all night and no longer snore. Bladder gets real full as kidneys work hard to eliminate the drug. Fibromyalgia pain is 95% gone."

• sar...
• July 12, 2015

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "For the past year, I have suffered pain in the calf of my leg, which travels up through my thigh, hips, and back. On walking, it becomes extreme, and I have to sit down, awaiting an MRI scan on my spine. Physiotherapist says stenosis of the spine and that I have a slight curve in my spine. After reading reviews, I decided to try these tablets. I have only taken them for two nights (1 x 75mg cap), supposed to take 2 daily, but I feel I can't wake up in the mornings and have to force myself to get out of bed. For a couple of hours afterward, I still feel groggy and lightheaded throughout the day. I don't know whether to persevere with them. I have to say slight improvement with being able to walk with a little less pain. I live in Scotland, so my prescription is free for this drug."

• And...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I first started taking Lyrica for back pain. This led me to believe my back pain was psychosomatic. Lyrica helped in more ways. It calmed me down mentally. I feel more relaxed and level-headed. I sleep through the night well. I find it non-addictive. However, the side effects prevent me from taking it often, so I generally use it sporadically. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I feel really good the next day. In terms of physical pain management, I also took it with Celebrex. Again, I am relatively pain-free these days, so I only have the combination during flare-ups. Side effects: I find if I don’t have it early in the evening, I struggle to wake in the morning. I also find if I take it during the day (which I no longer do), I feel groggy and a little lethargic. Overall, this drug is one of the best tools I have for pain and mental health. Other things that help me are meditation, exercise, and Wim Hof's breathing exercises."

• Clo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2019

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Disabling occipital neuralgia, daily awful neck pain, and headache for years. Tried a dozen treatments, ablation didn’t work. Lyrica definitely stopped all of the pain. Amazing! Required an appeal on the rejection for insurance coverage. But now trying to figure out how to manage the sedation and forgetfulness. On the lowest CR dose, but it peaks at 8 am, so fogged in during morn. Peak level is 12 hours after taking it. Going to try taking it much earlier (with food). Wish me luck."

• bea...
• September 14, 2011

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have had fibromyalgia for 4 years now, and recently my doctor put me on Lyrica and Cymbalta. The Lyrica is a true lifesaver, it really helps with the pain. But it has a lot of side effects. Cons - feeling like a zombie, shakes, sick to my stomach, itching, blurry eyes, drowsiness. Pros - my pain is almost all gone, happy mood, and I can move freely with barely any pain. And I feel like I'm on cloud nine and can't wait to go to sleep. Overall, Lyrica has really helped me a lot. I have tried the generic gabapentin and Savella. They do not work! I'm so happy that I found this website for all the people who have aches and pains as well as I. Thank you."

• Any...
• May 14, 2015

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "The worst thing you can possibly do is take this twice a day. Following a relapse of neuromyelitis optica, my dose was upped from 75 to 150 mg to be taken as 75 twice a day. I've been extremely sleepy and so drowsy that I was almost deferring from school. No one should ever prescribe or dispense this as b.d."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2008

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "My doctor calls my Lyrica use a sprint. Week 1 was 50 mg, week 2 - 100 mg, the next 4 weeks were 150 mg in the evening. Now we are working our way up to doing the same thing for the second dose in the morning. I must admit I am glad she is doing it this way. The first weekend after I started taking it was the first weekend I actually wanted to do something, like move when I did not have to. I've adjusted slowly to the drowsiness and confusion to where it is not nearly as bad as when I first started taking it. There has been weight gain, but I am slowly getting to the point of wanting to get back into that gym. Thank you, Lyrica."

• Med...
• April 6, 2012

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "Very mixed results. Had a severe attack of shingles on the face and scalp (3 weeks in, most of the hair on one side of my head was literally gone). I refused morphine (in hindsight, I should have taken it), but I did take Percocet, which helped the internal pain but not the nerve pain in the skin. For that, they gave me Neurontin, but I could not tolerate it due to extreme drowsiness, loss of appetite, loss of concentration, and dry mouth (before I could chew food, it was too dry to swallow it). Tried Lyrica 75 mg 3 times daily. The first dose seemed to really work, but the effect declined significantly so that the fifth dose had no effect. During the fourth week, he increased to 100 mg 3 times daily. The second dose helped, then effects declined."

• JTL...
• November 5, 2017

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have suffered from progressive neuropathy over the last 5 years to where it finally became intolerable, particularly in my feet and legs, and starting to spread to my arms and even my face. I now have a doctor who has prescribed Lyrica for me for the last 4 months. At a starting dose of 75 mgs twice daily, there was noticeable relief. Still hurting, however, my dosage was increased to 300 mgs twice daily, which has successfully reduced the pain so that I am able to function at a higher level than I have experienced in years with minor side effects, the most annoying of which is sleepiness. I am grateful and relieved to have been introduced to Lyrica and to have insurance that will cover it as it is obscenely expensive."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2012

Pregabalin for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome "I've found this medication to be helpful in calming down the sharp pains I feel throughout my body. I notice that at the site of my initial injury (foot), I still have constant pain, but the pain has decreased. I also notice that if I'm stressed, the medication seems to not work as well, so I don't know if I need the dosage increased, but there is a major difference in how much pain I feel. I do not like the side effects, but which would I rather have - sharp pains or side effects? For me, they're headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, odd stomach upsets initially after taking the medication, unfocused attention, euphoria, and that 'high' feeling. I don't get all of these side effects each time I take it, but it can be any of them."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2018

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I started on Lyrica 150 mg twice a day. I am 68 years old and could not tolerate the side effects. The medication did relieve the pain of fibromyalgia and helped me sleep at night. However, it gave me instant dementia. My short-term memory was gone. The doctor reduced the dosage to 75 mg two times a day. I could only take it at night because of drowsiness. It also caused blurred vision. Dementia continued, and I was forced to stop the medication. It works for the pain, but the side effects are bad."

• mal...
• September 25, 2009

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Just started Lyrica 75 mg twice a day yesterday. My first dose, I felt extremely drunk and could not function. I took my second dose at bedtime and slept through the night and woke up refreshed! I had no aches or pain. My third dose, this morning, again feeling a little drunk and off balance, but again, I feel good. I can actually sit still at work without having to move around and try to be comfortable. I am going to stick with this medication and hope that the side effects go away in a couple of days."

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2008

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Have had fibromyalgia for 10 years. Started Lyrica in October 2007, taking 75 mg at night and 50 mg in the morning (otherwise too drowsy during the day). Works great with 80% less pain. I sleep great and have less pain upon waking. Have to watch my salt intake, otherwise, I get water retention. Watch my weight closely. I am 5'7" and 123 lbs. I started running and can be active again."

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "Wow! I have started taking pregabalin for 4 days, and to be honest, I was concerned initially as I found the tiredness, muscle lethargy, grogginess, blurry vision, moderate headaches, and burning in feet and calves a bit much. However, on the 4th day, everything seems to be improving. My nerve/sciatica has literally nearly gone, and I also feel upbeat and positive in myself. The side effects seem to be getting less now, and I hope things stay as they are or improve even more as days go on? So definitely worth persevering to get the results you want."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2017

For Restless Legs Syndrome "It took a couple of days, but it did stop my restless legs. The downside is that in the few weeks I was taking it, I put on about a stone in weight. It's good for making you sleepy. I now use tramadol and am trialing trazodone."

• JC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have herpes zoster, and my Dr. prescribes Lyrica for the nerve endings. I took the capsules 1 day (2 days ago), and after I woke up the next morning, I was completely disoriented, nauseous, and vomiting, sleepy, drowsy, forgetful, having uncontrollable shakes in hands and fingers. I thought it would get better soon if I did not take it again. My husband took me to work, where I slept the whole time. I had a dry nose and mouth, couldn't eat or drink, muscle stiffness, drunk feeling, and walked abnormally. I stopped taking it and feel better today. Could have a shake for breakfast."

• Mcp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 14, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Lyrica over 10 years for neuropathy, 300 mg with success. Never intended for migraines, and 300 mg did not make a dent. In March 2025, my neuropathy worsened. Dr. planned to bump up to 600 mg, but I stayed at 500 mg long enough to see a huge change in chronic migraines. Took about 4 weeks to kick in. Less migraines, less intensity, less headaches, easier to treat. 500 mg may be tiring for me. I can't tell as peak pollen season, and I get fatigue from allergies. Pregabalin prophylaxis for migraine was a nice surprise! I know the dose is high, but I get stupid chronic migraines and tried everything. Only Vyepti 300 mg dose has helped. Tried every single anti-CGRP prior to Vyepti. Don't give up hope. Yes, Lyrica can be sedating, you'll adjust. It can put on water retention weight for me at 400 mg. Trade-off worth it. If all has failed, try pregabalin. Titrate up very slowly, like 100 mg/month. Wishing all relief!!!"

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2009

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Have been taking methadone, Zanaflex, and Mobic for quite a while for both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Tried Neurontin, but it knocked me flat, finally switched to Lyrica, but I am so medicine sensitive that I can only take 25 mg in the a.m. and 50 mg at night. It is helping, however, I become groggy and have gained 20 lbs. The weight gain doesn't help the fibromyalgia, but the pain is unbearable, so I will take it."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2011

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "Got shingles on my scalp and face, was treated with Valtrex, Neurontin, and pain medicine. I have repeatedly had bouts of shingles for the last 15 months, resulting in PHN. I now take Lyrica, 1 at 8 am, 1 at 3 pm, and 3 at bedtime. This dose was gradually increased over time. Although very fatigued, I am 50% better and am able to function better. The initial drowsiness subsided after a couple of months. Do still have a bit of brain fog, not sure if it's the Lyrica or lack of sleep."

• Daz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2018

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have only taken Lyrica for 5 days now. Didn't notice anything at all until today. I was sitting at my desk working, and I started feeling sleepy but didn't fall asleep. I would just stare at the computer. While doing so, I noticed I could not remember how to do my job. I literally sat there for 40 minutes looking at one project and could not figure out what to do. Upon standing, I felt off balance, and my head felt clouded. While speaking to my boss, I couldn't seem to find the right words to say. I went home and went right to sleep. Slept like a baby for 2 solid hours. When I awoke, I felt groggy with a little of the cloudy head feeling. The memory loss is what scared me the most. No matter what I did, I could not figure out what to do. I only read one other post about the memory loss. This must not be a common side effect. I did take Gabapentin one time, and it had a similar effect."

• Daz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2018

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have only taken Lyrica for 5 days now. Didn't notice anything at all until today. I was sitting at my desk working, and I started feeling sleepy but didn't fall asleep. I would just stare at the computer. While doing so, I noticed I could not remember how to do my job. I literally sat there for 40 minutes looking at one project and could not figure out what to do. Upon standing, I felt off balance, and my head felt clouded. While speaking to my boss, I couldn't seem to find the right words to say. I went home and went right to sleep. Slept like a baby for 2 solid hours. When I awoke, I felt groggy with a little of the cloudy head feeling. The memory loss is what scared me the most. No matter what I did, I could not figure out what to do. I only read one other post about the memory loss. This must not be a common side effect. I did take Gabapentin one time, and it had a similar effect."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 10, 2020

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I take pregabalin 75 mg for almost two years for my spinal stenosis, but it did not help with my right leg tingling. There are side effects caused by this medication, such as sleeplessness, weight gain, speech slurs, and memory loss. I do not recommend using it."

• Joj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I have been taking this for severe nerve damage for 3 weeks. I'm up to a dose of 200 mg a day, and I refuse to go higher, this doesn't work. I'm tired and drowsy all the time. I have a life to live and can't be sleeping all the time. I'm going to wean myself off and get nerve injections immediately. I rate this a 0."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I don't even know how to start to explain the impact Lyrica has had on my life this past few months. I keep feeling like I'm going to wake up from a lovely dream, back in my old body, terrified of living life because of crippling social anxiety. However, it isn't a dream, and Lyrica has changed my life. No longer do I avoid friends and family, and no longer do I procrastinate at work. I am just a happy, confident, calm, and motivated person, and am living my best life! Side effects so far are drowsiness and blurred vision. However, these are very mild. Also, I've tried various SSRI meds in the past and Effexor, but they do not compare to Lyrica."

• non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered regular bouts of anxiety and occasionally pretty severe panic. In recent months, I have felt a fairly constant sense of anxiousness, which has caused me to regularly wake in the early hours with my heart racing and not feeling good. I am 10 days into 75 mg pregabalin twice a day. Days one to five, I was bordering euphoric but noticing the slight 'come down' towards the end of the day, looking forward to the next dose. Sleep much improved but a little groggy when waking. Days 5 to 10 less good. Very lethargic, general loss of sense of time, somewhat 'down' with moments of feeling good even a little 'high.' Throughout the whole period pretty spaced out and not present. Anxiety much, much less though... Not sure it's for me."