Problems while taking Lyrica?

Question

I have been taking Lyrica for unexplained chronic pain for about two weeks now and am having some pretty awful side effects. The worst ones being my eyes are dry, feels like sand are in them, swollen, lots of pressure in them and just very very sore and watery all the time. I also have been having lower back pain since taking it and I never had that before. Has anyone else had any problems like this, or others on this medication? Do they go away, continue or get worse? Are there terrible withdrawal effects when stopping it?

Answer 1

I also suffer from chronic pain and took Lyrica to see if it would help. My biggest side effect was feeling drugged and not able to think clearly. I know that many people get side effects from this drug. It's possible in time it will go way, but it sounds like a serious reaction to the drug and I think you should talk to your doctor. I stopped the drug without any side effects. I find that anti inflammatory medication helps me better with chronic pain.

Answer 2

I took Lyrica 50 mg for 1 or 2 months. At my next dr. appt. I was raised to 200 mg. that was in Jan.14 and I took 2 a day for 3 months. So I had been on Lyrica for 5 months or less. At the end of that time I had sleep for about the last 2 months. I didnt know if I even wanted to keep living. My list of problems I was having was big, blury vision, light shows in my vision, swelling of joints, couldnt control my musles, uncowardnated, couldnt think clearly, sleepy all the time, thoughts of not wanting to live, confused. I ended up loosing everything I owned, a house full gone. Dont even remember going to another city and ending up homeless. And the worse thing was is that my doctor was aware this was going on and did nothing saying they had never heard of problems with Lyrica. They made me an appt. 3 weeks away when I talked personally talked with the doctor and told him I was a mess from Lyrica . I felt like hell and nothing was done. I am on min. Social Security now I have nothing because of this drug that I was told nothing about the terrible sideaffects. I have been off this drug for over a month and I am still affected by sideaffects. please someone HELP

Answer 3

Stacy, I am sorry you are having such a rotten time.I think the best thing is to go back to your doc and get to the bottom of this unexplained pain. I take Lyrica along with a myriad of other drugs for chronic neuropathic pain and it has helped but not without side effects: mine are different though I feel really drugged. Look at other Lyrica questions and askapatient on google. As to coming off it, there needs to be a gradual withdrawl.The side effects may improve over time it's not for everyone.Please go back to your doc and perhaps a pain clinic.Good luck and I hope you get well soon

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Problems while taking Lyrica?
I have been taking Lyrica for unexplained chronic pain for about two weeks now and am having some pretty awful side effects. The worst ones being my eyes are dry, feels like sand are in them, swollen, lots of pressure in them and just very very sore and watery all the time. I also have been...

Answer 5

I was just given some samples of Lyrica 75 mg. to take for my nerve pains. It's suppose to have less side effects than other similar drugs prescribed in the past for chronic pain. I do know it can make one feel drowsy and you should not really drink alcohol while taking this drug. I read where it can cause a dry mouth so maybe it will cause dry eyes as well. It certainly sounds like you're suffering from dry eyes. Keep some artificial tears handy to keep your eyes from drying out too much. I don't get the lower back thing so you should tell your doctor about that symptom. My doctor says minor side effects can go away as I adjust to taking the drug. I hope it helps you with your pain. I was previously on NEURONTIN for a long time and my doctor says Lyrica is suppose to have fewer side effects. Neurontin has lots of side effects and I don't really like that drug. When you and your doctor decide to get you off this drug taper off gradually and you should not have any withdrawl effects.

Answer 6

I had severe problems with Lyrica also, my doctor kept me on it for several months, and all of the side effects never went away. I constantly felt like I was foggy, dizzy, and had a very bad headache. The worst part was for the several months that I was on this medication it did not help my pain at all. Mine got slightly better over time, but I still had some side effect. I would suggest talking to your doctor about your side effects since they sound pretty severe. My doctor slowly tapered me off of Lyrica which helped, but there were still some withdrawal symptoms after going off of it (but I was also going off another medication at the same time, stupid idea I know). Good luck!

Answer 7

Hello. Hair loss is a side effect for many medications. A lot of people are unaware of this fact. Just read the insert that comes with your prescription, and see if it's listed as a side effect. Be aware, that just because it's not listed there, that doesn't mean it can't happen. A certain percentage of people have to report a side effect before if will be listed as one. If your hair was fine before you started taking it, and then started to thin afterwards, then it's probably because of the medication. I know many people this has happened to. If you stop the medication, there's a good chance that your hair will grow back. Take care.

Answer 8

I had an awful time with Lyrica... made me so dizzy I couldn't even walk... I had most of the symptoms that you seem to be having... they had to switch me to NEURONTIN. Please call someone and let them know what is happening...NOW... I called the pharmacist and they switched me immediately!

Unfortunately.. I've had side effects from this too, but not as bad as the Lyrica. Best of luck hon!

Answer 9

Acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into various points on your body, may reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Answer 10

whats lyrica???????