Lyrica User Reviews & Ratings

• Sun...
• January 13, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I suffered severe neck and shoulder pain for over a year. I was depressed and immobile. I was in my late 70s. I went to a pain clinic after waiting 6 months to be seen. The doctor injected me with a nerve blocker. I woke up the next day and was pleasantly surprised that I was pain-free after over a year with chronic pain. My doctor then realized my problem was nerve pain and prescribed Lyrica. That was 1 1/2 years ago and I have not looked back. I have been pain-free with no side effects and no depression. I am now 82 and I am also going to exercise class twice a week. LYRICA GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK!! Thank you!!"

• Bec...
• March 20, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2005, and looking back, I am sure that I was suffering symptoms of fibromyalgia as a child. I have been diagnosed with dysthymia and have had a couple of major depressive disorders. I have chronic back pain, which I asked for more review of for over 10 years. Finally, I got a doctor to take an X-ray and found I have levoscoliosis and arthritis in my spine. I have taken multiple drugs, sometimes 3 at a time, and have tried everything. I just got off Cymbalta and gabapentin. I could not go for walks without taking Vicodin and 800 Motrin. I was tired all the time and unable to sleep. Then my doctor gave me Lyrica, and now at 60, I am finally able to live my life with just taking Motrin to help with my walks. I have energy, I sleep at night, and I am not depressed all the time. This is huge. If you are considering trying this option, I recommend it."

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I have stage 5 neuropathy in my feet, with the usual needle pain and numbness, and even worse electrical shocks. I am not diabetic, and they checked me for lead and mercury, so they have no idea what is causing my neuropathic pain, but it has ruined my life. I tried a variety of medications, even medical marijuana, to no avail. I also tried K-lasers and neurogenic electrical current machines, which seemed to aggravate my condition. I even tried a spinal block that didn't help one percent. Lyrica reduced my pain by about 30%. I was taking 100 mg three times a day, but I was a total wreck. I walked around like a zombie, sluggish, very confused, and depressed, and I swelled up like a beach ball, gaining 25 pounds in under 3 months!!! My vision would blur up, and I had trouble doing routine tasks, and blurred vision."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I'm a 3-time back surgery loser. I have so much nerve pain in my right lower leg, left hip, buttock, and most of all the bottom of both feet. Without Lyrica, it's like walking barefoot on gravel. For me, it's a lifesaver. The only side effect that I can notice is constipation."

• Phi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "The best way to describe how well Lyrica works for me is to say, 'I'm young again! I'm a 50-year-old who has suffered with fibromyalgia for many years. Every morning on waking, I would just lay in bed dreading the pain and discomfort of something as simple as getting up and out of bed. I was prescribed Cymbalta, Celebrex, and Tramadol which help, but nothing works as well as Lyrica. I am able to get more done now without slowing down. Like I said before, I feel years younger. I have read that Lyrica poses an abuse warning, but what I experience isn't really euphoria (high) as one might experience with opiates. I experience relief of pain and maybe 'light on my feet' and actually stronger muscles but not the euphoria of opiates."

• CDR...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 17, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I used to operate heavy machinery. After 25, I ended up with squashed nerves in S1, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, T1, and all the rest that goes with it. I had suffered for years and used alcohol to ease the pain at night. Once I went to get out of the machine and couldn't feel my legs, they were numb. As soon as I moved, the pain was excruciating. I went to the doctor, and they put me on 600mg Lyrica (300mg in the morning, 300mg at night). I have been on Lyrica for over 10 years now and haven't suffered any side effects. I wouldn't be able to walk around without Lyrica and would be in so much pain. The problem now is the injury has gotten worse, and I need something better, but I give this a 10. I stopped drinking alcohol when I started on Lyrica as I didn't need it."

• Hea...
• May 2, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I have IC (painful bladder syndrome). I am a 43-year-old female (20 years with IC) - it started after my second C-section. Constant non-stop burning that makes a UTI seem like a holiday. I take Lyrica 300 mg at bedtime - nothing has come close to the long-lasting relief I get from this drug - but all side effects mentioned by others I have and still experience, and these have never gotten any better over the 5 years, but I would take this life any day over not having one at all. I have learned to live with these new minor inconveniences in the side effects to be free of my disabling pain. If you have pain that has taken away most, if not all, of your quality of life - you may give in to certain unpleasant effects of a drug just to have a chance at normal again - Lyrica has given me my life back! Listen to your body and learn from it and with it - be safe, any change that is making you feel uncomfortable or unwell, report to your doctor for proper medical advice."

• Ann...
• March 9, 2021

For Neuropathic Pain "Taking Lyrica for almost 2 weeks now at 50mg 3x per day and have had no change in how much pain I’m in. Doctor prescribed this without even looking at me. The side effects are so intense, and there are too many drug interactions that come along with it. I have had the worst brain fog, I forget the most simple words, and you lose the ability to speak properly. Always drowsy and dizzy, feeling of being drunk or high. More pain is also a side effect I seem to have. Definitely would not recommend this drug to anyone."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2016

For Neuropathic Pain "I've read many opinions on this site, most being negative towards this amazing medication. I have suffered from a trapped nerve near my waistband (hip) and nothing I took or did could stop the pain/burning/tingling numbness from my hip to my knee cap. I declined surgery to remove the nerve and was finally placed on Lyrica. I hesitated for 2 months before finally giving in to the medication because of all the negative reviews you read online. First two days I was on Lyrica, I had a small headache and dry mouth, that is about it. After a week, the dry mouth went away and I was left virtually pain-free within 2 weeks. DON'T read into everything and hesitate to take this medication. I have not gained a single pound and I'm pain-free. I'm on 3 x 50mg."

• fra...
• July 31, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Pregabalin for me was miraculous. On the first dose (75mg three times a day), my anxiety was reversed. I really thought this was too good to be true. I have tried Prozac and lorazepam at different times of my life. But as is commonly known, after the fourth or fifth trial of SSRIs, they 'peter out' and actually become counterproductive, even in some cases causing serotonin syndrome. But about two years ago, I was in a very stressful marriage break-up and was taking benzodiazepines to keep the lid on the anxiety, with little effect. The GP respected my wish to try Lyrica. I was and still am, after two years, astounded by this transformation. I feel like I always felt I should feel. A cessation of anxiety and a sense of well-being pervades."

• 1ha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "This medication Lyrica is an absolute miracle drug. I've been taking for only 2 weeks, however, but my fibromyalgia pain that has haunted me for 12 years is absolutely GONE!!! I'm a little nervous about the weight gain, but we shall see, I guess."

• Tia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "It's like a miracle. I've had almost no side effects and significant pain relief and much better sleep already. I felt a bit lightheaded at first but that is decreasing, and a bit sleepy, also decreasing. It's the first time I've actually felt nearly normal in years."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "After taking gabapentin for many years, it no longer worked. I agreed to go on Lyrica because it's now available as a generic. After only 2 weeks, I had to stop. I'm a 65-year-old female with controlled hypertension. This medicine raised my blood pressure higher than it has ever been! I developed a constant rage I have never experienced, to the point where I suffered what doctors thought was an 'eye stroke'. My blood pressure medication had to be quadrupled! After seeing 3 specialists & several tests, they concluded it was not an eye stroke but could not offer an explanation. I have been off the Pregabalin for 2 weeks now, and my BP is better but not stable. I am not a doctor, and I understand how desperate chronic pain sufferers can be. I just suggest caution & educating a family member on the side effects. Side effects are not a problem for everyone, so you may have good luck. I also urge anyone who does experience side effects to go to the FDA website and let them know."

• Too...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and degenerative disc diseases, plus arthritis. I was on gabapentin and tramadol. Neither helped. I then tried Lyrica. I've been on it for just about 2 years, 300mg twice a day. I started experiencing memory loss about 7 months in. I have more of what I would describe as blank moments which is a bit scary and frustrating. I also gained 65 lbs the first year which has its own side effects! However, it controlled my pain, a feeling similar to having overall body pain like when having the flu. Because the 'memory loss' was bothering me, I asked the doctor to go off it. I began tapering off and the pain came back. I was left to choose between two evils; disabling pain, or being fat and forgetful. I went back on Lyrica. Sure the side effects suck. I write a lot of things down, set reminder alarms, have family remind me of stuff, and buy stylish big-size clothes. Life goes on!"

• d b...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Had horrible fibromyalgia pain constantly, so never slept. I was missing work and also had to drop my two best shifts as a bartender. I lost lots of money and was in constant pain around the clock. I saw a neurologist, and she prescribed Lyrica at 50 mg a day, and it worked for me instantly, 100%! I'm now on my third week of using it, and I feel better now than I have in the last 6 years. Lyrica has been a huge game-changer. The only side effect I had was it gave me tons of energy the first week. I literally cleaned my whole house for the first time in 3 years. I am thrilled beyond words. I still haven't had to up my dose. I am praying it stays this way. The only problem is the price, so I'm praying a generic surfaces quickly."

• mbm...
• February 3, 2020

For Neuralgia "Lyrica/Pregabalin was prescribed to me when I had a swollen and non-diagnosed node on my neck. After 10 months, and nearly wiping out 6 months of research during my PhD, I visited a doctor in Chicago who warned me to taper down and get off the drug. I do not normally take medicines of any kind, other than antibiotics in the event of a serious bacterial infection. Based on my experience with Lyrica, I would not recommend it to anyone. Pfizer's multiple trials for this drug have been designed to try to offer it for every imaginable and even unimaginable problem. It numbs the brain and turns a person into a blithering idiot while also catalyzing side-effects that range from nervous tics to suicidal ideation. Ten years later, I still have a mild, but irritating bruxism and semi-uncontrollable mouth movements. Rating the drug effective or ineffective is irrelevant. It will produce a numbing euphoria so that a person doesn't even have the sense to stop it. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG."

• Cow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I've had chronic pain after a 2-level neck fusion and take oxycodone and Cymbalta. The opioid crisis has forced me to reduce my opiates, and my doctor put me on 50mg Lyrica a day. It's only been a few days, but so far, it's very effective and no real side effects. I actually have hope I will be able to live with this pain without hoping God would take me in the night. I'll update my review after I've been on it longer. I hope all who suffer find relief."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I couldn't remember the last time I had a 'good' day since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia until 2010 when I was first told about Lyrica by an emergency doctor. The symptoms and pain had gotten so bad that I drove myself to a Baylor emergency room. Physically and mentally I just felt defeated. I was so stressed out that I developed an ulcer, and my potassium/magnesium levels were so low, they admitted me several times for as long as a week each time. Bags of blood had to be given, and IV fluids were necessary. Ugh... I was a hot mess. I don't recall the doctor who introduced me to Lyrica because I was in and out a few times, but all I can say is a BIG thank you. I've been on Lyrica 300mg a day since 2010. I can get what I need done and function like a normal woman."

• CSa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "The first time I took it, I became a little dizzy, but I haven't had that problem since. This is an absolute miracle drug. I have fibromyalgia, and there are days when moving hurts to the point of tears. I also have severe back pain for which I was on narcotics, and at age 20, I'd rather not take them. Lyrica gives me energy, and I'm able to be a mom, play with my 2 babies, and get things done. So thankful for this medication! It is very expensive, especially without insurance ($568 for 60 pills that are 75mg), but with my insurance and a savings card, I only pay $4."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I recently had a rib resection due to a bone disease and was put onto Lyrica. The first two days in hospital, my feet swelled, and my mouth was like a desert, and I was having nightmares. After my first night at home, being on Lyrica for a total of 8 days, I will never take Lyrica again. I had the most horrific hallucinations, lost all balance, couldn't be reasoned with, and couldn't sleep for 72 hours even after stopping it, and also losing all my peripheral vision for that time. My saving grace being my husband who got me to medical help as fast as possible. It took about 1 minute of talking to an emergency doctor to know what was happening."

• Hac...
• November 21, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "With one word, this drug is great. I had lumbar disc fusion operation 2 times before. Today (21/11/2019) is my 8th day with morning 75 mg night 150 mg Lyrica. The side effects I experience are very simple. My doc told me that this drug will make you feel perfect in 10 days. I could not believe because I didn't give a chance to be fine without another operation. In my first dose, I immediately started to relax. Today I can stand still on my feet for 10 minutes without this drug, it was only 20-30 seconds. I am very glad to use Lyrica. If you have neuropathic pain, just give a chance to this drug."

• G-M...
• January 29, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "This is my first ever review on this site, but felt it was necessary. I have Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, and I am only 21 years old. I have been on Lyrica for about 2 months, best 2 months of my life. I have tried every medicine you could think of, minus painkillers. I am no longer constantly fatigued, anxiety and paranoia. Pain levels drastically dropped, for the first time in my life, I actually have thoughts racing through my brain. Not one single panic attack, the list goes on. I know a lot of people want to hear this, I have LOST weight like crazy, and have the same sex drive. Try this before ANY antidepressant. Talking is sometimes harder for me, small price to pay though. I couldn't be happier with my life."

• Kre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica is the worst medication I've ever taken. I took it about 10 years ago or more. I swelled up and gained 90 pounds. I went to doctor after doctor. Even put me in the hospital for 4 days. Lost 32 pounds. All they wanted to do is put me on diuretics. But that just caused rebound swelling so it didn't stop the problem. Nobody would tell me why I was so swollen. I couldn't even wear shoes. My ankles were even oozing. Finally, one day I was sitting in a chair watching TV (all I could do) and saw a commercial about Lyrica and for side effects it said 'slight swelling of feet and hands'. I had already asked doctors if it could be any of my meds. Of course, it was always no. I quit taking it and the swelling gradually went away. The Lyrica had caused really bad edema. But it took me another year to get the 90 pounds off of me. Overall, it stole 3 years of my life. Talked to many that went through the same thing."

• Anonymous
• May 19, 2008

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My doctor prescribed me Lyrica for my social anxiety after having tried numerous other more conventional meds over the last 15 years, i.e., Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Xanax, etc. The list goes on and on, and finally (for me) this really, really works quite well. It stabilizes my feelings of anxiety as well as relieves stress-related pain. I feel like a different person, able to take on life rather than hide and let it pass by. Thanks."

• Vas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "On Lyrica, you will have trouble finding words, memory problems, energy boosts, anger. Who knows in the long term what happens, but I guess I will lose all my memory. But it is a very good and effective drug but has a crazy fast tolerance, so you constantly need to adjust it in order to get the kick. If I forgot to write something else, it's probably because of Lyrica."