Pregabalin and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Fib...
• June 8, 2010

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2023

For Pain "Fit 57-year-old male. I've suffered from L4/L5 osteoarthritis, arthritic knees, and some systemic joint pain for just under 5 years. I tried ablation, cortisone shots, oral cortisone, and strong opiates; all providing some temporary relief. After 1 month on Lyrica, my knees are almost pain-free, elbow joint pain has gone, and my back pain has plummeted around 80%. All this on just 75 milligrams per day! Fantastic. I titrated very slowly over several weeks because of rumored side effects. Measured out half 25 mg tablets and started at a dose of 12.5 mg per day. Second week 25 mg. Third week 50 mg. It was in this third week I suffered some brain fog and tiredness. The first few days at 50 mg, the side effects were quite debilitating. After several days, the side effects had mostly abated. Last week, I moved up to 75 milligrams. Again, side effects returned. Yesterday morning, I woke up free of side effects and almost completely pain-free. For now, 75 mg is my sweet spot."

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

Pregabalin 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."

• lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have recently been put on this. I am taking 450 mg, 300 mg in the morning and 150 mg at night. It has also helped with a tight band pressure feeling in my head. I'm fighting the tiredness, but so far it's helping along with rationalizing my thoughts. Good luck to you all."

• Sjc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "What do I say here... pregabalin is horrible, and I will tell anyone near me to never use it. I took it for a couple of weeks and began to become severely constipated. I had a colonic yesterday - such an uncomfortable procedure. I'm still gassy, with little coming today. I'm utterly exhausted, this drug has really driven me to a scary place. I almost had to go to the hospital. Do not go on this!! The pharmacist even said there are bad side effects, but it is still prescribed. It also didn't even help with my fibro. If you're wondering about my dosing... 1 pill a day (75mg) - it said up to 4, but I couldn't imagine taking that dose. Doctors were taking my pulse because I was so out of it. If sensitive to meds, such as me, take extreme precaution."

• sme...
• May 23, 2008

Pregabalin 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."

• Let...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm British and was prescribed pregabalin by my GP 12 months ago for GAD and social anxiety. It is the only drug I have found that actually works for me. It doesn't get rid of the anxiety completely, I still have bad days, but I've not been off work with anxiety in 12 months. There are downsides: drowsiness, inability to concentrate/focus, and being very low on energy/exhausted, wanting to fall asleep all the time."

• Mar...
• December 11, 2020

For Pain "I have been on pregabalin for three weeks now. We (Doc and I) are slowly increasing the dose. I have AS and have awful pain in the sciatic nerve down my hip and leg and into my knee, plus the pain in my spine from shoulder to hip is unbearable in the base of my spine, and electric shocks if I moved the wrong way, the whole deal. I could hardly walk and was bent over in pain. Pregabalin is really helping the pain, it has not disappeared, but it’s becoming more bearable as we increase the dose. The only side effects I have had were a little dizziness in the first day or two of taking it and feeling tired, but this wore off about day three to four. I use a low dose of tramadol with it at night, and I haven’t slept so well in years. Well worth trying and persevering over the first few days as your body gets used to it."

• ihw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "A little hard to start and quit, especially for the stomach, but works well for anxiety and rumination. The best upside for me, compared to Lexapro, is that this does not give me insomnia. The downsides: must be taken 2 (ideally 3) times a day and that after reaching 150 mg a day I got cystic acne on my face, and it never got better. I have read on online forums that others have experienced this as well, even though it's not reported as a side effect by the manufacturer. Acne was so bad I have now quit. I have GAD, dysthymia, and ADD and have tried Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Lamictal, Lyrica, Ritalin, Attentin, Vyvanse, and Modafinil. I will definitely say that the most effective medication for me is Lexapro; it also has the least side effects. The problems I have with Lexapro long-term are lethargy, insomnia, and some weight gain."

• 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."

• Haw...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 4, 2021

For Pain "I had my first back surgery in '82. My second in '92. I retired in 2003. 39 years as a pipefitter had taken its toll. Soon after retirement, I started having neck pain. I had been taking pain medication for years for the back pain, but it wasn't enough for the neck pain. I had a third back surgery with a failed fusion after retirement. Toss in both rotator cuffs repaired. One successful. One not. Despite pills and Fentanyl patches, nothing has helped my neck pain but Lyrica. The side effects are real: tired, foggy, and constipated, but it's the trade-off that I've made for more than a decade. 150 mg, twice a day. More than that, tread lightly. Oh, and find a desk job when you're young."

• Gol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2020

For Pain "I have been taking pregabalin for over a year now to treat vulvodynia, and my pain has gone, but I can still have the burning sensation. Side effects are not good: weight gain, memory loss, tiredness, and feeling not well when I wake up. Would love to come off them, but I fear my intense pain would reoccur."

• Ren...
• August 22, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had been prescribed olanzapine, sertraline, and other drugs over 30 years, none did anything for me except give me horrible side effects. I started on pregabalin 10 years ago, and it works! I am less anxious and can cope better. Yes, it's made my memory a bit rubbish, and I get tired more, but I'm 62. I'm on 600 mg a day. I've been diagnosed with every mental illness, i.e., depression firstly, then paranoid schizophrenia, BPD, and psychosis all and sundry, but my latest doctor thinks I'm on the autistic scale, so pregabalin helps me!"

• Yvo...
• July 7, 2008

Pregabalin 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."

• Fox...
• March 8, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibro for many years. I use Lyrica, but it only helps with my feet. I suffer every day. Pain, pain always. I don't know what to do anymore. My doctor won't prescribe any pain medication. I used to be on the go. I hardly watched TV, but now it seems that's all I do. I have tried many medications, but to no avail. I just feel tired all the time."

• Cai...
• November 3, 2009

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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."

• 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."

• Emz...
• June 28, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was put on pregabalin for severe anxiety and panic attacks. Slowly got the dose up to 300 mg per day, spaced out into three 100 mg doses. I felt better for about a week-then back to an anxious wreck. Pregabalin makes me seriously tired, I can sleep throughout the whole day. I feel a little detached from others and spaced out often. Really don't like the effects it has on me, but scared to stop taking it now! Also have suffered severe oral thrush and acid reflux since starting the meds. I know it works well for others, so maybe it's just not the right med for me! Just to add, I also take 40 mg citalopram alongside pregabalin."

• 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."

• Imb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2021

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I was experiencing burning and RLS-like symptoms that brought me to tears. I was prescribed Lyrica and noticed a dramatic difference in my pain, tingles, and other somatic symptoms. I had to find my right dosage, which wound up being 450 mg, but I do not experience any lethargy, head fog, and it really works in calming my nerves. I would recommend this drug to anyone who is looking for relief for neuropathic funk. It has helped me immensely."