Coming off Lyrica (pregabalin)

[nannoo_bird]

I have peripheral neuropathy, and have been taking Lyrica (Pregabalin). My doctor has decided to change me to Duloxetine (Cymbalta), so I have been reducing my dosage of Lyrica for the past three weeks. I am close to swapping over, but am suffering really badly from neuropathy pains, especially at night, subsequent insomnia, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Last night was the worst, I could not fall asleep even though I was so tired, and now I am really frightened of going to bed tonight. Has anyone else suffered the same, and how long before it gets better? I am wrecked and feel so ill, but my doctor isn't interested.

 

[Mep]

I feel for you. I haven't had that experience with lyrica as I didn't even tolerate one tablet of lyrica... it kept me awake 3 days straight. But I have had withdrawal symptoms from other meds such as baclofen and amitriptyline. So I wind up with more nerve pain and spasms to deal with, plus the disturbed sleep, shakiness, sweating, etc. It's awful coming of these type of drugs. My docs also said there is not much that can be done as you have to wean off one drug before you start the other. It's a case of putting up with short term suffering it causes I suppose. But at least know you're not alone. I know what it's like, and I'm sure many others here would know as well. I hope you start feeling much better once you start the Cymbalta.

 

[nannoo_bird]

Thank you Mep. I am at my wits end. I know the Blood Sugar Diet would really help, but I can't face the cravings I get together with my current symptoms. I can't stop crying and don't know which way to turn.

 

[Mep]

Thank you Mep. I am at my wits end. I know the Blood Sugar Diet would really help, but I can't face the cravings I get together with my current symptoms. I can't stop crying and don't know which way to turn.

yeh I'm not surprised you're at your wits end... it is hard going. Just keep reminding yourself you're nearly there and nearly on the new drug.

Do you have a counsellor or anyone you talk to? That may help too. Maybe just letting your family or friends know what you're going through too so they can help support you. I have to admit I don't say much when I'm going through withdrawal as I'm sort of hanging on for dear life a lot of the time and can't even think straight. For me just being told I'm due another procedure which means I have will have to come off baclofen (I think) is making me nervous as the last time I came off that drug was horrible. But I can't take the drug without food so have no idea how to work around it. It's a nuisance when we rely on these drugs to help us and how much anxiety we get when we have to come off them short term or to change meds.

Of course then there's the starting the drug period which has side effects too... so it takes a while