My doctor wants me to try it again at the low 50mg at night,but not sure how fast it will work. I have sleep disorder an cant go to sleep on my own since auto accident,plus I have fibromyalgia,arthritis,CFS,nerve pain,severe back/neck pain,just to name a few. So I need help to sleep so body can get rest to help my pain. But I mainly need pain relief as it is getting very bad in my feet,hands and other joints. I could no longer work since 2006 and most meds make me sick or have other bad side effects, so I am scared to try anything or doctors have given up on me,but I have to get some relief so I can enjoy life again. I am now 58 and missing out on my new grandkids. So any help on when to take the Lyrica at night would be most helpful. Thanks an God bless~
What time at night should I take Lyrica?
Question posted by maboop on 4 March 2013
Last updated on 17 September 2022 by agn0stix
9 Answers
I would personally get some sort of benzodiazapines if your sleep issues are that bad. Even though you need a as prescription to get it. But if your doctor wont prescribe 4mg nitrazepam. Then ask me and I'll send you a link to buy some (No, it isn't my website). I buy them because I have a terrible sleep issue too. Hope you have got it under control now. But, just so you do know. Pregabalin takes 1-3 hours to reach peak plasma concentration. Peace out bro (I apologize if you're female).
Hello maboop,
I've been taking Lyrica since 2008! My Rheumatologist has me taking 25mg in the morning, 25mg afternoon and 50mg at bedtime. (Whatever that is for you)! It does make you tired, but your body adjusts. Also, taking other medications for anxiety & depression!
Take care & be well
Aloha , I take my Lyrica at 12am , 6am , 12pm n 6pm 100mg each time. The best thing to do is a trail n error. For me I don't get sleepy from Lyrica...
I take lyrica 3hrs before bed. For me that´s the time it takes before feeling asleep. I know people who take it 10 minutes before bed though... that's the time it takes for them .. I suppose is trial and error
I am praying in Jesus name that you will be healed completely and alll the pain and suffering will me taken off your body by his mighty power that raised Jesus , that same power will heal you in Jesus name
I have been taking Lyrica for the past three years. What works for me is 50mg three times a day. I also have insomnia. If I take 150mg @ bedtime, I usually sleep all night and wake up feeling great. However, the med seems to wear off in the early afternoon. It all depends on your body chemistry as to how this and any other meds affect you. Some people can take this med only at bedtime. Like you, I have other medical issues, but this med helps with the pain in my neck, back, and legs, along with the fibro. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.
If you're taking it for sleep, I would suggest taking it 1-2 hours before bedtime, long enough to give it time to kick in, but not long enough for your body to get used to the drowsy sensation at which point it would become more difficult to fall asleep. Personally, it never made me sleepy, neither does gabapentin, which I currently take, but I've heard many people state that it makes them drowsy, so it may work very well for you.
Wow, I can relate with most of your med issues & also an auto accident in 2006. I've been on Lyrica since about 2007. I experienced a lot of side effects but got thru them with time. At first my MD had me taking some in the am & hs (hour of sleep) & that was fine. Then later on a new MD for me wanted me to take it all (300 mgs) at HS b/c of the sedative effect. I have terrible insomnia so this didn't help with that at all. Most recently my new neurologist whose credentials are amazing as well as my own experience just talking with him. He was stern in telling me that this type of med works most effectively 3times a day. So I'm back to that. Haven't noticed any major difference but that was just about a month ago. I think all md's are different in their approach & with what the newest literature reports. And, most importantly we are all different.
My opinion is that it takes awhile for your body to adjust to Lyrica & start experiencing its fullest benefits. Some people do get sedated at first so maybe taking it at night will help you. 50mg is the starting dose with the highest being 600mg (if I'm correct). Titrating up slowly will probably help you avoid bad side effects. Honestly, your doc knows best but if u want personal accounts about being on Lyrica I'm happy to answer more specific questions! While adjusting to Lyrica was difficult at times it has tremendously helped lower my pain. Others find the side effects intollerable (like my husband & many others in this online support group, but Neurontin (gabapentin) works for them plus since its generic its really cheap. Anyways, good luck. I hope this helps & i hope you feel better soon!!! ~ Di
What time is bedtime? It will be trial and error so you may need at least two nights if not more to adjust. I'm not sure how quick the onset is but I would give at least 30 minutes to an hour before you will feel sleepy..everyone is different so one can't be certain,but hope this was a little helpful... blaze22
I take mine at 12 midnight, I set 3 Alarms on phone to remind me to take Lyrica consistently.
Related topics
lyrica, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, sleep, doctor, accident, neuropathic pain
Further information
- Lyrica uses and safety info
- Lyrica prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lyrica (detailed)
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