Drug Ratings for LYRICAAverage Rating: 2.8 (1072 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR LYRICA | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 3 | Pain shooting down arms and legs | I feel sleepy all the time, but the pain is gone. A little weight gain. Only been on Lyrica for 1 month. It has completely wiped out my sex drive. | M | 46 | 1 months | 7/4/2009 | 1 | Fibromyalgia | Weight gain of 120 lbs., Lethargic all the time-using caffeine to stay awake, sometimes so tired I have slept over 24 hours, on 450 mg. that is 225 mg. two times a day. Have to use gum if liquid is not near by to help with sever dry mouth, muscles cramping all over my body for hours, pain so bad I scream while crying, finally contacted ALS website and went on magnesium of 2400 mg. a day to stop cramps, it worked but my doctor is worried about my heart, yet it did not bother any doctors when I almost kicked one in the face while he was trying to examine me because sever muscle cramps started all over my body and I was crying and screaming in pain. Swelling of feet and hands, many new medical problems and no doctor seems to be keeping up with the Lyrica drug issues. We really need better medical information for the patient and doctors must READ. This I believe will come once we have more government control | After two days when I began on 50 mg twice a day it took away pain in all 18 trigger points. Now 2 years later it is another story. I was amazed and told the doctor I had at the time that yes drug worked for now, but this has happened to me before with other drugs. Now being up to 450 mg a day. I even started calling Pfizer they told me that my weight gain should not be that much, but the foreign pharmacist at Pfizer did not even ask how long I had been on Lyrica. | F | 61 | 2 years | 7/2/2009 | 3 | fibromyalgia | weight gain, difficulty with concentration;blurry vision; hair loss.hungry ALL the time.pelvic pain | increased dosage from 50 mg day to 100 mg a day 4 months ago. had been on 50 mg a day previously for 2 years. Hair loss is significant. reduced dosage back to 50 mg a day see rheumy in 2 weeks. | F | 46 | 3 years | 6/29/2009 | 1 | CRPS/RDS | Agression,anxiety, manic | I am posting this about my son, this medicine is bad. I always know when he is on it, he becomes a different person, agressive, angry, manic. I can not convince him that there is something wrong, he does not see it. | | 6/28/2009 | 2 | fibromyalgia | I was initially taking 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg.at night. For two wks. I felt great.Greatly reduced pain. Great sleep for once and mood elevated. Felt like I had been drinking too much by the afternoon though and was afraid to drive etc. Pain started to return and noticed my thought process was confused. My dr. suggested reducing the amount by one pill(50mg) in the morning since sleep was most beneficial to me and that still seemed to be working. I have now reduced to just taking 100mg. at night. I notice a numb feeling in some of my limbs at times, just slightly but enough to take notice of and the tingling or pins and needles that others have mentioned. I will probably continue taking for a few more weeks till I reevaluate with my dr. | This is a very potent drug with a lot of side effects for a lot of people it seems. I don't dwell on my pain the same as I did before taking this drug. I do sleep better. My blood pressure is considerably lower by at least 10 points and I did gain at bit of weight but have lost it. | F | 61 | 10 weeks | 6/27/2009 | 2 | pudendal nerve entrapment | I find myself not able to finish a sentence - can't recall the word I want to say next. Quick weight gain (now 20 lbs)- most of it is in my abdomen. Have fluid retention. Very constipating drug. Slight problems with imbalance. When I sit down at the end of the day, I almost immediately fall asleep and begin to dream. Wake up frequently and start to talk about the dream; using only two or three indistinguishable words, then I am fully awake and don't remember the dream or what I was trying to say. (This sleep/dream/awake cycle goes on until I get up and go to bed). I find myself doing simple things wrong, then immediately know it was incorrect (example: Today I used the car lock button on my car keys to turn off the tv set, then immediately knew I should be using the tv control to turn it off). Have a tremendous amount of bloating and flatulence. Feet swell occasionally. Have cramps in both feet at the same time in the balls and toes. Have to take deep breaths occasionally to get en | I am taking lyrica 200 mg three times daily - built the dosage up gradually during the first 15 weeks to get to the 600mg daily. I also take 60 mg. of cymbalta twice a day. I've been on both medications for six months. I have had chronic pelvic pain with sitting for seven years and finally received a diagnosis of pudendal nerve entrapment. I have tried numeroous prescribed medications without any success in alleiviating the pain. The lyrica has only taken a small edge off the pain - bringing the pain level from a 9 to an 8. All the side effects are too many for one drug - I've never taken a drug and had this many side effect! In August I see the specialist who is in another state to see if he will try a different medication for the pain from the nerve damage. | F | 64 | 6 months | 6/26/2009 | 2 | Back surgeries---in constant pain | Felt drunk--could not stand up, mind in high gear, sleepy all the time, restlessness, cloudy mind, felt like I had no control. | Can't say I wouldn't recommend it due to it affecting people in different ways, only that it did not help me. | F | 59 | 2 months | 6/25/2009 | 1 | pain in hands and feet | Increased energy, Twitching, swelling in hands and feet, overwhelming sense of wellness, Anxiety | DON'T TAKE IT. I felt great at first - I cleaned house - lots of energy- but it was really messing with my brain in thought processes. At first, I was telling my doctor that this was the drug for me --wow -that was a mistake. Please be careful. | F | 54 | 3 months | 6/20/2009 | 4 | Myelopathy and Neuropathy | A CURE FOR NARCOTIC ADDICTION (i.e., prescription pain killers). Some short-term memory loss, weight gain, and a little drowsiness. | Took 75mg twice a day for pain, tingling sensations, and spasms in my legs. Shortly, everything went away after my first couple of doses, except for a little tingling and a few spasms, periodically. This drug immediately took away the need for the pain killers--without any withdrawals. I was on the pain medicine for almost 1.5 years. Through much prayer, I'm miraculously being healed. No longer need the Lyrica or pain killers! Couldn't walk without assistance at first, but now cruising toward normal ambulance! | M | 49 | 2 months | 6/19/2009 | 4 | Lumbar spinal stenosis--pain | A slight "loopy" feeling, at times. Some drowsiness effects, counteracted with coffee, while at work. Forgetfulness, at times. | I'm a 55 year old male, working in a sedentary occupation, and I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, secondary to arthritis of the spine. I also have bulging discs, and a major herniation in the thoracic vertebrae. Osteophytes in my lower back impinge on the nerve roots, causing significant pain. My medications include Tylenol SR, Advil, Soma, Flexeril, and Ultram, which is a synthetic narcotic developed in Germany. I have had nerve ablations in the lumbar region, and also steroid injections. The beneficial effects of these last an average of six month. I was calling my primary care doc for refills of Ultram, which were refilled. At the last appointment, my doc suggested Lyrica, subsequent to seeing in the chart, that the pain clinic has prescribed this drug, at some point earlier. I must say I was in pronounced, sharp pain since last Saturday, after sitting in a portable chair, watching my children play a soccer match. Muscle spasms set in. I called my boss, Monday morning, and reported a sick day. Today, I had trouble moving off the bed. I showered, and got dressed, with my wife helping me with my socks. I caught the train to work, in pain. I was pretty miserable. I gobbled three 25 mg Lyrica late in the afternoon, and the relief came in about 45 minutes, thereafter. I was able to move, without the shooting, and sharp, pain sensations. I may try to be more compliant, on the basis of this success, today. | M | 55 | 1 months | 6/16/2009 | 1 | burning in arms | Within hours of starting Lyrica, I experienced NEW BURNING in my face (cheeks, nose, ears, around eyes, and under chin/throat) and legs (feet, shins, calves, inner & outer thighs, buttocks, genital area). Even though I stopped Lyrica 4 1/2 months ago, these side-effects have continued and are worse. Additional, gastro-intestinal side-effects included bloating, irregularity, intermittent sharp pain etc, which ceased when I stopped using Lyrica - except five months later I have almost constant low-level nausea, which may be a manifestation of burning on the 'inside'. Lyrica has made a condition which was limited to my hands & arms now spread to almost my entire body. It has made a condition which I tolerated for 10 years 100x worse. | I have had burning in my hands & arms for 10 years, which began as RSI from computer use. I have tried many approaches to deal with this, without positive result. I used Advil to dull the pain. In January, a rhuematologist put me on Lyrica (150mg) for 'idiopathic autonomic peripheral neuropathy'. Within hours, I felt new burning in OTHER parts of my body, such as face and legs. I reported this but was told to stay on the drug. When I saw the doctor 2 weeks later and spoke of these continuing side effects she said she had never heard of them before and to keep taking it: that night I found this website and quit immediately. All side effects disppeared for one week and then returned... It has been nearly five months now and I have almost constant burning in my legs, feet and face, accompanied by low-level nausea. It is not going away, but on the contrary, it is getting more intense. This drug has done something terrible to my brain and body. Instead of turning nerves off, it has turned them on. How do I undo what it has done to my nervous system? And - do I have any legal recourse? A few months ago, I noticed a listing on this site for joining a lawsuit but the listing disappeared: I would surely join one if I could. | F | 54 | 14 days | 6/14/2009 | 1 | Total confusion and even leg weakness and uncontrolled hand shaking. A very frightening experience. Would much rather be in some pain than to ever experience these side effects again. After stopping it was three or four days before seeing gradual improvement | M | 72 | 30 days | 6/13/2009 | 3 | fibromyalgia | 20+ weight gain, dizziness, brain fog, memory - short and long term, buzzed feeling, tired @ 3 pm; can't stay awake at work; "spaced out" once stopped at red light and suddenly just took my foot off the brake! scary side effects. out of body feeling; blurred vision and a tendency to use alcohol and caffeine to extreme | I had pain relief within days and was so grateful, as nothing else was even coming close to pain relief. the side effects seemed like an ok price to pay. however, the weight gain,bloat, brain fog, memory problems are extreme for me. I missed a dose last week (forgot!) and felt like i had the flu. how does one get off this? I miss feeling like myself. | F | 55 | 6 months | 6/10/2009 | 3 | peripehal neourapathy | Did not know others were having what I am experiencing..weight gain, memory loss. My pain is just as bad as the beginning of taking 75m/2x a day. Do not sleep, pain still wakes me up. I hope one day there will be some drug to help with the extreme pain associated with PN. Lyrica has not been helpful to me, has only added side affects that I did not realize were side affects until reading this website. | F | 74 | 1 years | 6/5/2009 | 5 | Diabetic Pain in legs | None that I can tell exept good ones. | Wonder drug. I can now sleep at night and have felt better both emotionally and physically than I have in many years. Helped my depression better than anything else I have ever tried. | M | 58 | 9 months | 5/30/2009 | 1 | peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthrit | dizziness, foggy, concentration/memory problems. Doc told me to "work through" the dizziness. it never totally went away. after one month, pain was no less and still ugly side effects so i stopped, with doc's concurrence. she did not warn me about stopping suddenly or need to taper off. | a week or so after stopping i suddenly starting having massive anxiety (never had problems with before), glaucoma was triggered (has since subsided), head felt swollen, ears, neck also. weird noises. spent months working through withdrawal. after 2 years i feel mostly normal again. i have no doubt lyrica helps some people but it is indiscriminately prescribed in my opinion. | F | 44 | 30 days | 5/28/2009 | 4 | Nerve Damage, Foot & Arm with Fibro | I have double vision at times, with tears in eyes that burns. fatigue, memory problems,dizzyness with spinning rooms,headaches,weight gain, muscle tiredness, mind in high gear, napping quite a bit, swelling of feet and hands | This drug works better than all others I have been taking, The side effects are the only major drawback. They vary throughout the day and cause me to plan according to how I feel. My present dose is 600mg per day | M | 41 | 6 months | 5/27/2009 | 1 | Severe Lower back pain | Dizzinss ,brouises on my lower thighs and calf on 3rd week and muscle pain .Taking this druIT make me Slipy all the time and I could not think well. On 3rd week I started to have a chest tightness and anxiety and depression , weight gain and swelling on fase a week later .I felt mizreble , but it dicresed my back pain , but not comletly still I had the pain .When I went to sleep I , as soon as i was going to fall to sleep I would get up from panik like attack , like my heart will come out of my chest it was crezy scary , I could not understand why it was happening to me .My hands was shakking as weel .I also had no disair for sexs at all . I called my Docter he told me to stop the medication imidiatly , which I did . | Never take this drug . I lost 8-lb after a 1 weeks I stopped this drug , but getting a lots of headdick, neck pain shutting to the head, and also I got a second period in one month . But I feel I am getting better is just a time till this medisen go away from my sistem . | F | 31 | 3 weeks | 5/27/2009 | 1 | polyneuropathy | tiredness lack of libedo ,sickness ,can not walk stright,cry a lot ,think of takeing my life,hot sweats,hopeless with numbers remember nothing,can not sleep,then sleep 14 to16 hr | dose 75 then 150 told to work upto 75 @6 a day i would be a zomby No i am geting off it Iam in germany ,thank god i found your site good old usa,Iam going to give my doc hell | M | 70 | 36 days | 5/23/2009 | 4 | Fibromyalgia | Gained 4pounds in weight after a year or so. | Fibro is running in the family. After 2 years of meetings with specialists, I finally found a working solution! Approx 1hour before bed, I take 100mg Lyrica together with 3mg Melatonin. The reason is that Lyrica makes you more alert in the beginning, and then slowly makes you tired. Melatonin makes you sleepy after 30min. Most fibro patients have restless sleep, mostly because the lack of deep sleep (delta). Lyrica is the only drug that will get your body to stage 3 and 4 during deep sleep! **IMPORTANT! Do NOT take more than 150mg before bed or your symptoms will get worse! Stay Off Lyrica during the day.** Twice a day, take vitamin B12+Folic acid (many fibropatients lack the ability to absorb B12). B12 will get you more alert, and may also reduce som pain. To verify the results: Try it for 10days, then stop for 5. After apprx 2-3 days you will be back in your standard tired/sleepy/lack of energy state. B12 is stored in the liver for 1-2 days. Watersolvent. Very low risc of side effects. Good Luck! | M | 42 | 23 months | 5/20/2009 | 3 | Pain after shingles | Loss of libido, erection problems | M | 55 | 20 days | 5/20/2009 | 2 | CHRONIC PAIN FROM CAR ACCIDENT | Slight constipation, major bloating, weight gain of 5# even after careful diet in a little over a week, absent-mindedness, swelling of hands and feet | I am not satisfied with this med. I was switch from neurontin 2700mg every day to Lyrica 450 mg every day. I look 4-5 months pregnant and my clothes don't fit anymore. (I gained 5-6# on neurontin.) I am going to wean myself off of it. I think I'd rather deal with the chronic pain than have chronic pain AND obesity AND depression. No thank you Lyrica. | F | 29 | 9 days | 5/19/2009 | 1 | neuropathy | fogginess, lethargy, overwhelming need to sleep. I feel drugged and dizzy. | I have taken ONE dose and this is how it has affected me! Needless to say, I won't take another. My doctor gave me a sample so I am not out any money, thank God. There should be a law against people prescribing this kind of medication to anyone! | F | 51 | 1 days | 5/19/2009 | 4 | Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain &RA | I have been taking Lyrica since Friday 5/15/2009 the dose is 75mg, my first day I slept so hard but I figured it was because I have not had a good night sleep in a month or more. The second dose I was able to function a little bit better, I forgot to take it the third day. My level pain that I had in my neck was HORRIBLE to say the least. It has eased up a lot. I had a fall and my cervical spine is loosening from my skull the best way for me to describe the pain is like a constant humming that will not go away. But it is gone. I am concerned with memory loss I don't need any more of that and more Weight God Forbid , but I work out five days a week doing water therapy hopefully that will help me maintain my weight. Does anyone know if it causes you to have cravings? Anyway I will give it a try, I am currently on 10 meds for pain and inflammation and I have not take three of them with the Lyrica wish me well. | Feel free to email me to give me some advice or just to chat. | F | 53 | 3 days | 5/18/2009 | 1 | Lowe back, leg pain | Tremendous WEIGHT GAIN – 30+ pounds and lethargy. It made me feel like a diabetic. It was not worth being on it, horrible withdrawal symptoms when getting off. Since getting off, I feel human again! | Avoid it if you can. It is not worth it! | M | 42 | 1.5 years | 5/16/2009 | 2 | fibromyalgia | Fuzzy brain, tired, sleeping 12 hours a day and still needing 2 to 3 naps a day. Hair loss (I got male pattern baldness). Getting off it was a nightmare. I got restless leg syndrome BAD. | It did take away the pain, but the side effects make it not worth it. I'm trying to cure my figromyalgia using the book THE YEAST CONNECTION, and I can't tell when that diet is working while taking Lyrica. This diet made the pain disappear, but then I eat something that I shouldn't, and bam, it's back. Then it takes 10 days to get back to no pain. It's amazing how many foods contain sugar, gluten, milk products or sulfites (I'm highly allergic to sulfites). It's really hard to avoid all sugars, much less everything else on the list. But when I do, WOW! I get my energy back, plus the pain goes away with no drugs. | F | 54 | 3 months | 5/14/2009 | 1 | Chronic back pain | Bloated all over. Couln't even wear my wedding ring. Severe dizziness, felt drunk, lost coordination. I had terrible mood swings. Deep depression, anxiety, I felt like I lost control. Even had suicidal thoughts. | They need to take this drug off the market!!!! I ended up in the hospital 2 days ago because I had such a severe panic attack. I felt like there were demons in my head. This drug made me into a completely different person. | F | 24 | 1 weeks | 5/13/2009 | 5 | Pain but improved my Depression | The only side effect I experience is feeling like in slow motion or "stoned" but Coffee helps. | Lyrica has been very helpful for my Neuropathy Pain. I also take 450mg Wellbutrin & 37.5MG Paxil CR for my Major Depression. But I have noticed that since my Doctor prescribed Lyrica my state of mind has improved Big Time. I feel calmed all the time, my thoughts are way more organized and the negative feelings are fading away. It also helps my 12 year Insomnia in a miraculous way. Feel free to drop me a line if feel like. | M | 40 | 1 months | 5/10/2009 | 1 | Fibromyaglia | weight gain! 20 lbs. without increasing what I ate.I am taking 650 mgs. per day! Bladder control problems. Gives me engery but I am still in pain. I honestly don't see much difference in the pain level after taking it for almost three months.Now I am having eye pain and headaches the pain in my neck and shoulders is getting worse. I have terriable nightmares. I want off this stuff toay! | M | 55 | 3 months | 5/9/2009 | 2 | nerve pain | gained 14lbs. in less than two weeks, felt incoherent at times, exhausted, nausea, and numbness in hands | F | 36 | 10 days | 5/6/2009 | 1 | CHRONIC NERVE PAIN | LYRICA GAVE ME GREAT DIFFICULTY WITH ERECTION AND EJACULATION. | Lyrica not worth taking considering the male sexual side effects with erection and orgasm, not to mention the other side effect of nonstop weight gain! I gained 5 pounds a week until discontinuing Lyrica. | M | 35 | 3 weeks | 4/30/2009 | 3 | Nerve Damage | Constant tiredness, lack of concentration/focus at work, swelling of hands and feet, significant increased weight even though eating much less than normal and exercising excessively to manage this, depression and severe mood swings | While the med has helped with my nerve damage it has not helped enough. I still have constant pain AS WELL AS all of the side effects. I would rather the pain I think. | F | 23 | 2 months | 4/28/2009 | 1 | N/A | My mom and stepdad were BOTH prescribed Lyrica by the same doctor. My stepdad quit, but my mom continued as she claimed to always be in pain. A year ago (after she began to take Lyrica) she began acting peculiar in manner and speech----to the point that my family and neigbors began suspecting early Alzheimers. She somehow (on her own)decreased her use of Lyrica and today seems fairly lucid and able to communicate and function in a safer manner. | I am very concerned about this drug and the way it is being prescribed to senior citizens who happen to have good insurance and typical pain complaints for the age group. | | 4/27/2009 | 5 | neck pain and anxiety | no serious side effects so far | I like the effects so far. I feel relaxed, I can sleep well, and I don,t seem to worry about every day things. My opinion is, I do not expect to be on Lyrica to long because of all the long term side effects. I hope I have the will power to do so. My opinion is this medicine will create dependancy. I fear it may be designed that way. | M | 42 | 14 days | 4/26/2009 | 5 | Trigeminal Neuralgia | Slight constipation and tendency to gain weight if not careful | I have taken 75mg capsules 3 & 4 times a day for last 18 months to control the electric shocks to the left side of my face. This is the 4th medicine I have been on to control this condition and it does a good job so far. I have no complaints but do wonder what effect Lyrica has on the kidneys with long term use. My only alternative to Lyrica is brain surgery and I'm not willing to go there yet. I did have the Gamma Knife procedure 3 years ago without success so its either cutting surgery or medication in the form of Lyrica. As stated earlier, I have had no serious side effects that I know of. | M | 67 | 18 months | 4/23/2009 | 1 | Tennis ELbow | OMG!! LOSS OF ERECTION, RAGE, CONFUSION, EYE TWITCHING, loss of rational, short term memory as well as concentration gone. In a fog.....hated it and threw them away after 3 days. | Pain gone.... but I can live with pain, I can't live with side effects! | M | 45 | 3 days | 4/23/2009 | 5 | Fibromyalgia | When I took the recommended dose, it made my blood sugar crash and it made me feel dizzy and nauseous. But when I reduced the dose, it was a miracle drug. I think they have the dose too high for Fibromyalgia. It is well known that people with FM need smaller doses, they really need to realize that when prescribing it. | This drug saved me from being bedridden. I have to work hard at balancing myself, eating right, getting my exercise (I started at 2 minutes on the treadmill and worked up), and taking vitamins, but the Lyrica made that possible. I only take 50 mg am and 25 mg pm, and it controls the horrible neurological symptoms without the side effects. I do not recommend taking the high doses they prescribe, however. It is horrible then. | F | 48 | 4 months | 4/22/2009 | 2 | Peripheral neuropathy | Muscle soreness for no reason. Joint pain for no reason. Incredible, oppressive somnolence, as if just getting off the redeye from Tokyo... all day long. Sleeping 9-10 hours/night. Horrid nighmares, and suicidal thoughts. | It's a love/hate medication. It does reduce the incredible unreasonable pain of PN... which elevates in the evening, and especially at night. I sometimes describe the neuropathic pain I'm experiencing as follows: "It's as if toes were blown off with a 12 gauge, and then remainder wrapped with barb wire, crushed in a vice, and then inserted in a hornet's nest. Sometimes feels like someone dropped a piano on the feet and then attacked by a herd of porcupines" Anyway, you get the drift. Lyrica does help reduce the spontaneous stinging, burning, and razor pain at night, so I can sleep. I only take it at bedtime... I find that 75mg does nothing. 150 mg starts to help, and usually gets me through the night, but generates the somnolence and soreness next day. I've gone with 225mg at bedtime, which definitely helps with the pain for the night, however, I am the walking dead the next day, and can hardly keep eyes open the entire day. Lyrica should be labeled with a skull and crossbones, and should come not with side effect advice, but stern warnings that as beneficial as it can be for nerve pain, it can be life altering to the negative, in many other categories. Suicidal thoughts are frightening, but wonder if they are completely from the Lyrica. Intractible pain alternated with the side effects of Lyrica as an only alternative, are enough to drive one to suicidal thoughts simply from the hopelessness of the situation. | M | 59 | 1 years | 4/22/2009 | 4 | throat cancer pain | lost erection funtion,gained 20 pounds | 64 | 60 days | 4/21/2009 | 4 | fibromyalgia | lips felt raw, possible costipation and need for high dose | I suffered from fibromyalgia for 9 years and suffered a lot. I have gained about 5 pounds but I feel more energy, less short and long term memory loss, less pain by 40% and I sleep and I can work better. I have a lot more energy. I do not know if it is a miricle drug but it has reversed a lot of the symptoms I had prior to fibromyalgia. I was in so much pain for so many years and I had a lot of memory loss and pain, it is nice to have more energy and less pain. I have been on the medication 1 1/2 months and have very little side effects except the ones I mention earlier. Like all medications, one should try it for themselves and then determine it. I read many of the comments and felt bad, because if you suffer from fibromyalgia like I have for so many years and to have something that can help me to continue to work then, thanks be to those who can help others. | F | 53 | | 4/20/2009 | 3 | Fibromyalgia | blurred vision, constant eye twitching for about 2 weeks, fatigued, and dizzy. My nails were peeling from my finger, eww. bloating, weight gain, one day i could put my rings on and have them a little loose, the next day they were so swollen and constricted I could not wear them. urinary incontincence, constipation just to name a few. | I have been trying to taper off from 150mg taking it over a period of 3 months and have tapered to 125mg for 4 days. Today is the fourth day and I am experiencing extreme vertigo dizziness and anxiety and paranioa. My heart is racing and I feel the withdrawal symptoms badly. I took 75mg this morning and did ok but at 7pm I really starting feeling nausious and dizzy that I had to take a 50mg pill earlier than my scheduled time so that hopefully the dizziness would stop. How long will this last? I want to taper as slowly as possible to make the withdrawal process easier. | F | 34 | 3 months | 4/20/2009 | 2 | nerve root damage | cannot concentrate, extreme bloating--to the point where it feels I am not digesting anything I've eaten and I eventually throw up, feeling like a zombie, depression, anxiety, weight gain with no appetite, water retention, sleepiness on higher dosages, constipation | while this drug has worked well controling pain, I have stuggled trying to stay on it. I am weaning myself off it for the millionth time due to the side effects. I was once up to 300mg a day in divided doses and now cannot tolerate 150mg in divided doses. | F | 53 | 3 years | 4/20/2009 | 5 | fibromyalgia peripheral neuropathy | increased heart rate, swelling of hands and feet | 225 mg of lyrica twice a day replaced 3000 mg (yes 3000) each day of neurontin. With the switch I started sleeping better, much more alert, less fatigue, more cognition. Pain controlled and increased activity levels possible. For me this is a miracle drug. | M | 52 | 1 years | 4/18/2009 | 1 | RSD, Chronical Pain | Dizziness, Short term memory loss, loss of coordination, double vision, erective dysfunction. | How can they prescribe something like that. I am a ZOMBIE 24 hours a day.I can't even communicate with any one, i'm not even talking about relationship with my girlfriend | M | 23 | 4 months | 4/18/2009 | 1 | fibro | i am usual 115 lbs well after taking lyrica for 4 months i am now pushing 140 despite all my efforts to diet and excsersise i keep blowing up like a balloon. never had to watch my weight before. also it didnt help my fibro at all. trying to titrate slowly off right now to avoid side effects. im currently taking 75 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night. before i was taking 150mg in the morning and another 150mg pill and an additional 75mg pill at night. i also experienced mental confusion, problems with my short term memory, disturbed sleep | i would not recommend this to anyone. im so upset about this bloat i cannot rid myself of. some joke these makers of lyrica...like fibro patients dont suffer enough they make us fat ontop of it. cannot wait to be done with lyrica. | F | 27 | 4 months | 4/18/2009 | 5 | FOOT PROBLEMS(PLASTIC SURGERY) | THE ONLY SIDE AFFECT I HAVE IS ERECTION PROBLEMS | I WAS ON NARCOTICS FOR ABOUT A YEAR TO TRY TO HIDE THE PAIN,I WAS PRESCRIBE LYRICA AND WITHIN COUPLE DAYS I WAS FEELING GREAT LIKE A MIRACLE ,IT DOESNT GET RID OF ALL THE PAIN BUT IT IS NOT OVERWHELMING NOW ITS MANAGABLE,BUT HAVE ONLY BEEN ON IT A MONTH TIME WILL TELL | M | 33 | 1 days | 4/17/2009 | 2 | Fibromyalgia | Swelling and numbness in hands. Weight gain. Later, anxiety, anger and finally, severe depression. | At first I thought this was a wonder-drug. After experiencing light-headedness for a couple of days, the side effects went away and I felt better than I had in years. Then my hands and feet began to swell and tingle. I began to gain weight rapidly (20 pounds in two months.) Then it seemed like I was suddenly severly depressed. After coming off it slowly and looking back, I realize the depression came on gradually, almost from the time I began to take Lyrica. It got so bad that I could only sit in a corner and cry. Suicidal thoughts got pretty persistant. Anything my husband said made me cry. Even after cutting the dosage as I began to come off it, I was agitated and angry all the time. I am now free of it and feeling better but the pain has returned and I'm still agitated, which is a new experience for me. I'm usually very mellow! I hope I get back to normal eventually. I don't like the new me! | F | 57 | 2 months | 4/17/2009 | 5 | peripheral neuropathy - Sjogren's | Weight gain - though only about 5lbs in 3 months. Initial tiredness but I now have plenty of energy and sleep well at night. Some confusion to start with but I now feel clear headed and well. | I think this drug is definitely beneficial. Problem seems to be getting the correct dosage. I started with 150mg per day in 3 doses. Now increased to 250 - 300mg. The numbness, stinging and burning in my legs and feet is still there but to a much lesser degree. I do wonder whether there will be any adverse long term effects, but for now Lyrica is certainly bringing me a lot of relief. | F | 68 | 3 months | 4/16/2009 | 4 | Fibromyalgia,Sjrogrens,Lupus, PAIN! | Dizziness, slight "high" feeling, mild nausea for 2 days with each increase in dosage, some swelling of lips, slight rash on face around mouth, constipation. | I started on 50mg at bedtime 1 1/2 weeks ago. The first night, I slept through the night for the 1st time in 6 yrs. Did have extreme dizziness and a slight "high" feeling the first 2 days. Took Meclizine (Antivert-available over the counter but you have to ask the pharmacist for it-take up to 100mg/day-ask your MD). Used for dizziness, nausea, motion sickness. Those side effects wore off after 2 days. I had good pain relief within 24hrs and so was determined to work thru side effects as I was pretty non-functional even with pain meds. The 3rd day my lips were somewhat swollen and I took Benadryl without added symptoms. I developed a slight rash around my mouth on one side of my face, the Benadryl and Hydrocortisone cream helped with that. Pain continued to improve and was only taking Darvocet in evening only before next dose of Lyrica due. Increased dose to 100mg at bedtime Tuesday and the dizziness returned for about 36hrs but again the Meclizine helped and Benadryl helped. Today I feel great, pain is only mild in back and haven't needed pain meds today - Yey!!! I also am not needing to take Ambien every night either to sleep. Was sleeping 12-14hrs per day without the med and now 10hrs with good rest. No return of rash. Some bloating/constipation - taking Miralax for which helps, otherwise no swelling or weight gain yet. Am to increase dose next Tues to 50 mg in the morning and 100mg at bedtime. Right now the good definitely outweighs the bad. | F | 50 | 2 weeks | 4/10/2009 | 1 | fm | numbness in legs, tremors, dizziness, headache, nausea, chest pain, fast heart rate only took 25 mg. for two days | I am scared this drug has made my 16 year old so much worse than she was, run for your life if they try to put you on this drug | F | 16 | 2 days | 4/8/2009 | 1 | Constant neck pain. | Well, after reading this, I can REALLY RELATE to many of the ratings and descriptions. I too am suffering from SEVERE bloating!! I'm a very petite person ,and currently I look like I swallowed a watermelon OMG it s terrible!!!! A feeling like being intoxicated all the time too. But not a "fun buzz' it's a horrible one. I can't remember the last time I left my house!!! Grinding of my teeth all the time. The most horrible dry mouth ever! Serious problems urinating!! I have been on this one month and it's one month TOO MANY. Going off immediately!!! Oh and someone mentioned "hoarseness" well sound like what my Grandmother say Gravel Gertie" | any suggestions,that would provide some bloating and urination help would be super! Thanks guys... I hope you all go off of this weird drug~ It really have to wonder if it's causing these problems now................what are the long term affects~ | F | 52 | 30 days | 3/31/2009 | 3 | Fibromyalgia | eye twitching for about 1 to 2 weeks and then went away, felt very lightheaded and spacey. Urinary incontinence, major constipation, very bloated and gained weight. | Although I had side affects, I had good results the very next day at 75mg 1x day. I felt like for once I could feel normal and pain free and enjoy life again. It has now been 2 months now at 75mg 2x's a day and it is starting to wear off but I am scared to go up in dosage due to more weight gain. I also have more anxiety now sometimes. As for the constipation and urinary incontinence, I have been drinking onion juice tea with honey 1 cup everyday and it has really helped get rid of excess fluids and constipation. I cut up a spanish onion in half and simmer in pot of water for 2 hours until the color is dark yellow liquid. Drink only the juice as tea with honey in it for taste and this really helps me stay regular and not so bloated. Start out with half a coffee cup and work your way up to a full glass every day. | F | 34 | 2 months | 3/30/2009 | 1 | knee pain/fibro | abnormal vision-beyond blurry,confusion ataxia,dry motuh,diziness,lack of cordination,tremors borderline seizure llike,urinary incontinence,having dreams and continuing them while awake with people who I was with | I took this medication for 5 days and I thought I was going crazy! I cna't say if it helped the pain since I was so out of touch with reality. Worst was waking up the first morning and standing up and just urinating on the floor ---no control at all-slept 13 hours at a time!Ads are very mileading-FDA needs to revaluate it...also could not drive due to vision changes! | F | 52 | 5 days | 3/29/2009 | 1 | Sciatic Nerve Pain | I have stopped taking Lyrica because I was always in a brain fog and forgetful. And after a while it didn't help take the pain away any better than other pain meds. I lost my job because of the brain fog. Now that I'm off I don't feel the fog but I am still forgetful. I used to have a great memory. I don't know what Lyrica did to it. | F | 60 | 3 months | 3/26/2009 | 1 | Fibro/Severe OA/nerve damage | at first just dizziness, nausea, worst pain... and told to hang in there, need to wait out the side effects to up the dosage to proper levels. Dry eyes turned into painful eyes, became later with weekly up dosages... agited and disoriented, husband said we went to a movie I do not remember. Later that day another dizzy spell, I fell with just having total hip replacement...lucky for me the spill was broken by my head. I had somewhat the same very serious side effects with Neurotin two years ago and was told to watch out as these two meds are somewhat the same ingredients? but pray this would help my major chronic pain. Needless to say I have hurt my already budging disk in neck and back from this fall. And pain level was doubled... I was on Cymbalta for years and it major helped with Fibro until it stop working... I was hoping for the same results. | I agree with many people please note all side effects... I know these drugs helps some people...but there are those of us that it causes dangerous side effects. I have one to many doctors of specialized areas...I work with all them. And if they do not work with me, they are dangerous to my health as well as my well being. It is very sad fact...that we have to be test rats to all these new drugs coming out. And everyone needs to 100% educated what your choices in these drugs are... for me it was a very bad decision and I am paying for the results. | F | 54 | 3 months | 3/26/2009 | 1 | severe fibrmyialgia | I have experienced weight gain. I wake up confused,very groggy,irritable.The grogginess last for hours.I sleep for 12 hrs on this medication.I cannot function on this medication.No matter what milligram it is.This drug should be taken off the market.My pain does not go away. | I'm losing out on life by taking this medication.Who wants to live life like a ZOMBEE?All I want to do is Sleep while taking this medication.God Bless the ones that found energized while taking this.Not me? | M | 53 | 7 months | 3/22/2009 | 2 | fibromyalgia | Feeling foggy in morning, unable to wake up, could sleep all day. Retaining fluid. Agitation, irritability. Lack of concentration. | I started by taking 50 mg at night. Awoke feeling refreshed and energized and my muscle pain was gone for the first time in months. I thought that I had found the wonder drug, but soon the muscle pain returned so I upped the dosage to 75 mg at night. I am sleeping well but now am so tird that I could sleep all day (except for back pain!) I find that I often feel irritable and agitated, which is unusual for me. Can't concentrate to accomplish even simple projects. | F | 61 | 3 weeks | 3/19/2009 | 1 | Nerve pain from endometriosis | Dizziness, forgetfullness, unable to complete my sentences, confusion, TERRIBLE joint pain and stiffness, swelling of hands and feet, limb numbness, tingling in hands and feet, nausea, weigth loss, sleeplessness, seemingly increased heart rate, definite increased blood pressure at dr. exams. | I stopped taking this drug the night before last and my symptoms are subsiding, but not gone. I'd rather have pain from the endometriosis. The joint pain was unbelievable! I could hardly walk, work, stand etc. My naesea is still prevalant and I still have a mild headache. Why on earth would one ask any human to take this drug?!!! I wish I hadn't!!! | F | 40 | 5 weeks | 3/19/2009 | 1 | M | 3 months | 3/19/2009 | 1 | Not Me - My Step-Mother | She is totally out of her head! We took her to the ER with hip pain and leg pain. They moved her to a Rehabilitation Hospital and without asking the family about her drug tolerance put her on Lyrica. I believe 200 mg at first. She she didn't know who we were, thought she was 10 years old and was talkig in a language we never even heard! I have finally talked the doctors down to 10 mg. But she's still out of it. I cannot wait to get her out of there!! If that class action suit comes about, please contact me. | They should not be giving this to elderly persons, or anyone for that matter until drug sensitivity is determined, and consultation with the family. Who gave the medical community the right to "medicate at will" especially older patients without any input from the family?? We were told it was "protocol" for pain and diabetes. I don't think so. I think it's to shut the person up and keep them in a cage bed so the staff isn't bothered. | F | 14 days | 3/18/2009 |