Sadly, I’m throwing in the towel on lyrica. One, I don’t think it’s helping, plus the side-effects are terrible: dizzy, blurry vision, can’t concentrate or come up with words, my memory is horrible, weight gain, worse tiredness than fibro without it. I’m just tapering myself off and already feel more like my old self. I’m going to keep a close eye on the trials for using the tb vaccine for fibro. I’ve signed up to get the blood test.
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Hi Debs, I would love to get updates as you go though the process of getting off the Lyrica. I am having the same side effects as you and have thought many times of giving up. But I’m so afraid that the pain would come roaring back and I would be unable to work. I’m only 49 and still have one child at home so I can’t stop working yet. My job is more physical than mental, so right now the forgetfulness and ‘flightiness’ I feel are less of a problem than being in too much pain to work. But some day soon that will not be so. Would love to have an idea of what I’d be looking at if I decide to quit it.
I was only on lyrica for 2 months. When my dose was increased a month ago, the side effects really ramped up, plus, I didn’t think it was working for me, and certainly not any better than gabapentin, which had much fewer side-effects for me.
So, if you’ve been on lyrica for a long time, my experience may not be/probably wouldn’t be what you’d have.
I’ve been off for about a week after a really quick taper. Definitely not advised if you’ve been on it awhile!!! I’ve had some headaches, a brief flare, and the sweats on and off. My mind has already cleared up, as has my blurry vision. Please keep in touch and tell me how you’re doing and if you decide to go off. 
I hope you’re feeling better now that you’re getting off the Lyrica. It didn’t work for me, at least nothing noticeable but the side effects were unbearable. My feet would swell so much that I felt like I was a cave man. Idk if that makes sense but they reminded me of big club like feet. And I couldn’t control my bladder very well. I think it was partially because the lyrica made my mouth really dry so I was drinking more water but I’d have to run to the bathroom and end up peeing myself while trying to pull my pants down and squat. It was awful. I’m happy to say that both things went away after I stopped the lyrica.
I take cymbalta but idk how much it helps with fibro. It is good for my depression though. I just heard of a new to me specialist in the Los Angeles area and I’m hoping to make an appointment soon! I wish you luck in the trials you’re applying for.
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I take amitriptyline after becoming a zombie on the gabapentin and the lyrica making me just so angry. It’s been working great for me espically since it not o oh helps with the depression part but also the migraines that seem to follow me everywhere. My mother comments that it’s like she has her daughter back (helpful momma) but she’s right that I feel more like me again. I hope as you come off the lyrica that they are able to find something that works for you. I hear so many that it’s like there is not one same method between them that works. You’d think they would be able to determine, or come up with a med that will actually work i stead of using us as lab rats! 
Good luck and best wishes!
I’m not a fan of pharma drugs, and heard from others about the terrible times with Lyrica and getting off it. Terrible that so many drugs cause so so many side effects. Some of them in my opinion should not allowed to be sold.
Hi All,
I’ve been on Lyrica for some years now. I’m at the point if I miss a dose I am in agonizing pain so I know it’s working. When I was diagnosed with Fibro I did start to gain weight but I thought it was due to my kidney transplant. I also have the mental fog but it’s hard to know what exactly is causing it. All medications have side effects and everyone is different. We all have to judge for ourselves if it’s worth taking or not just like any other medication. We know our bodies.
David
Davey, this is so true! While Lyrica didn’t work for me, I know many for who is has worked well, or well enough to accept what side-effects, if any, they may experience. It’s all a trade off.
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Yup, that’s right. I started on Lyrica for nerve pain from spinal stenosis. It worked pretty well. Only trouble was: weight gain, lack of concentration, lack of coordination (tyops galore) and knocking things over, spilling red liquids etc etc. Being on Lyrica indefinitely was not an option for me, so I had spinal fusion last week. Now for the taper!
Debstinydogs, I agree: it’s a tradeoff, and you have to decide whether the benefits are worth it. In my case it was a thumbs down too.
Seenie from ModSupport
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It really surprises me to see a lot of folks unhappy with the drug because of weight gaining, concentration issues…e.t.c I may have to consider changing the drug. Here I was thinking it was due to Kidney Transplant and not working anymore. Good information!
Davey
Lyrica and Gabapentin are horrible. I’m sure they help some people but the side effects were too much for me as well on the Lyrica. You are definitely not alone!
I was on Lyrica a couple of years ago. i keep a pain diary. I gained 19 pounds in 10 days. Doc said i must really be overeating. I said its the Lyrica. He didnt like it, but i never took another lyrica pill. it took me 7 months to get the 19 pounds off. i know a lady who gained 60 pounds on Lyrica. it helps her pain, but she cannot get up out of a chair now, so has a lift recliner. Myself, I could not tolerate the weight gain and was getting no pain relief. Nothing really works for me. not even morphine.
It’s hard for me to believe it’s Lyrica that has caused my weight gain. The only thing I can do is come off it (telling my doctor first) and see what happens with my weight. If it comes off then I know. 
I am so sorry to hear this. I relate though. Years ago my rheumatologist put me on Lyrica and unfortunately I think I experienced every adverse reaction and not one positive effect. It always feels like a big guessing game to me when he puts me on something new and I always pray that it will make my fibromyalgia so much better…that hasn’t happened yet but I am trying to remain positive. Sending gentle hugs your way.
I gained 19 pounds in 10 days on Lyrica. I refused to take more. It took between 6 to 7 months to get 8 pounds off. dont be discouraged, its not coming off fast.
Hi Carolyn,
Was it fat you gained or fluid weight, so you know? I personally deal with fluid weight and that can increase rather quickly. I’m surprised you gained that much in such a short period of time. I wonder if this is when I started to gain weight. Interesting.
Hi - i have not been on here for a long time, so just now seeing your question. it was actual fat and/or muscle weight. i was pretty active yet at that time. doc said the reason it took so long to lose was because it was NOT water weight.
I have been on Lyrica for probably 15 years. I still am in daily pain, but I was unable to function from the pain prior to starting it. It definitely cuts down on the severity of pain. I suffer from Complex Regionsl Pain Syndrome now too, so my existing dose helps with that. I have gained weight, but mine is primarily due to loving fast food too much. I have successfully lost weight while still on the meds. I’m currently down 50 pounds from this time last year. I’m so sorry for those who have had a hard time with side-effects. For me, this drug has had life changing benefits. I hope those of you who can’t take it find a drug or treatment you tolerate better.