Lyrica and Depression: What Users Say

• Lil...
• February 3, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I hate to write this comment, but it has to be done. I have been on Lyrica for 5 years. I now take 150mg 3x a day. At first, this was a dream medicine for me. It relieved the aches and body spasms almost instantly. I could sleep at night and woke up pain-free, able to live a somewhat normal life. I did, however, gain 40 lbs. I am now experiencing severe depression, and I feel it is due to the Lyrica. I ran out once and experienced the worst withdrawal symptoms. I felt like I was dying, and the pain was severe. This medicine is wonderful, but getting off of it is very hard."

• Sne...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 7, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "Beware of this drug. I’ve taken it for over 12 years now and have been tapering off it for well over a year and a half. Withdrawal from this drug can be a life-altering, career-destroying experience. The anxiety and depression can be extreme. Horrible brain fog, severe insomnia, paranoia, severe mood swings, and anger that approaches rage. My research indicates that severe withdrawal is fairly uncommon, but there is no way to know if you’ll be a victim. And the after-effects can last for years, trying the patience of loved ones, your employer, doctors, and friends. If you are considering going on Lyrica or have been on it for only a short time, consider stopping as soon as you can. But beware - even short-term exposure can lead to nasty, long-lasting withdrawals. I’ve read one person's account of only taking it for two weeks, and she still spent a year in withdrawal."

• sti...
• November 25, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I decided to give Lyrica a second chance after surgery for cord compression at C4-C6 didn’t relieve pain and actually aggravated things. New herniation above and below the level of injury and surgery. Continued cervical myelopathy diagnosis. I’ve been tested and should have known better as I metabolize medicine differently. Lyrica hasn’t helped with pain at all. I am in a stupor most of the day and I am so hungry. I’ve gained 15 lbs that I couldn’t afford. I wake up every night with severe pins and needles, pain, rigidity, and the worst migraines & head pains. Moodiness and depression have cloaked me. I’m weaning off today. I thought surgery would eliminate the need for medications but pain has increased. A scary side effect is my legs go completely numb and I feel my legs have been less reliable since starting the medication. I have an extruded disc and nerve root compression in L5-S1, the medication has me feeling weaker, inebriated, confused, and sad."

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2008

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain in my leg and foot and found the 'side effect' to be a lightening of my depression without the fogginess of other, more conventional medications prescribed for depression. I'm glad to see that it can be used for anxiety. It certainly makes a positive impact on my mood."

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2016

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "The nerve pain became so unbearable that it forced me to take Lyrica despite the bad reviews and long list of negative side effects. I was told by many that it worked a lot better than Neurontin with less drastic negative effects. Well, it has eased my pain some, but the side effects have taken my life from me. I'm dizzy at times, my head is always foggy and not clear thinking, I have depression, anger outbursts I've never had before, daily nausea, and am so tired that I can sleep all day and night long and can barely function. Unfortunately, the alternative medications have even worse negative side effects, so what are we supposed to do in order to have some normalcy?"

• tit...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 1, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica has changed my life. I have worked in retail most of my life, and it entailed a lot of heavy lifting. As I got older, I started to get pain all over my body, my hands, legs, and back. Doctors gave me every drug you can think of, including narcotics, nothing was helping, and I was also getting very depressed. Finally, I saw a specialist and was prescribed Lyrica. Not only did it help me with the pain, but it also helped with the depression. I did gain 30 lbs, but I will take Lyrica over having pain and depression."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "Biggest scam on Earth! I had suicidal thoughts and went into massive depression while using Lyrica. Lyrica has been found to be ineffective in numerous research papers and linked to depression and suicide. It does great in the market because of the phenomenal kickbacks Pfizer offers to doctors to push its sales (an expensive medicine with no generic alternative and claiming to cure a patient in extreme pain is a great way to milk the market). Pfizer spent $2 billion in marketing this drug by offering doctors and family free vacations, was found guilty and fined $1 billion by the US Supreme Court. PLEASE STOP USING LYRICA AND CHANGE THE DOCTOR WHO RECOMMENDED IT TO YOU! (If you refuse to believe me, do some research on Pfizer, e.g., 'Pfizer Pays $2.3 Billion to Settle Marketing Case')"

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with FM 3 years ago. Tried gabapentin, Cymbalta, muscle relaxers, and opiates. Doc finally had me give me Lyrica (after I had to try everything else first). At first, it worked. I did feel 'high,' but that slowly went away. After approx. 2 weeks of 75mg a day, I had horrible side effects... feeling depressed, like people were talking about me or didn't like me, had no memory, or wasn't able to concentrate, but what finally got me to stop was I had thoughts of driving my car off of a hill that I drive down daily. I may suffer from pain so intensely that I cry all the time, can't leave my home at times, or feel blue because of it, but I had never thought of taking my own life. I stopped immediately despite my doc's orders."

• Plu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "This medicine, Lyrica, helped with severe hip pain immediately. However, I couldn’t increase the dosage because of side effects of flu-like symptoms and green pus sinus drainage. Slowly turning into sinus pain and severe pressure. My legs swelled up like balloons and gained over 10 lbs in 1 month. My body was retaining water even though I was taking a water pill. I started to forget my English. Insomnia, depression, severe mood swings, weird headaches, it felt like parts of my brain were missing. Major mid-back pain. Felt like a senile person. Stopped taking medication. In 4 days, my swollen body is back to normal. No mid-back pain, mind cleared. Some balance troubles. Insomnia. Sinuses almost normal. Memory better, no unpleasant headaches or mood swings. But very bad heartburn at night."

• pai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2017

For Neuropathic Pain "I would not recommend Lyrica to anyone. I had severe neck pain and nerve issues, and I was prescribed Lyrica, slowly increasing my dosage. I was up to a total of 300 mg twice a day, and the medicine had an issue with the Zoloft I was taking, causing serotonin syndrome. I didn't feel a significant change in pain after taking Lyrica for over 3 months. After I had my neck surgery, I started slowly decreasing my Lyrica. It has absolutely been the worst medicine to come off of. Decreasing dosages as small as 25 mg impacted my whole life. I couldn't stay awake, was in a cloud, felt nauseous, and completely unmotivated. If I ever knew these side effects were a potential, I would have never started taking this med. Advise taking with caution!"

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've had fibromyalgia for about 30 years - I am 43. Endometriosis from ages 13-36, (a hysterectomy 'fixed' that); clinical depression from about 16, (break down at 28); anxiety disorder; insomnia and/or severely disturbed sleep cycles for 15-20 years. AND I've needed a cane to walk for the last 2-3 years. FMS and depression compete for the title of 'most debilitating.' I've tried almost everything, (Cymbalta was useless.) The last 2 months I've been taking slowly increased doses of Lyrica. Currently on 150 mg a day, (2× 75 mg,) with a view to 300-400 mg. I've had zero relief from pain, BUT nasty side effects. Almost no sleep. Worsened depression and anxiety. Terrible FMS type 'fog.' Flatulence! Cannot see this continuing or improving. (Available on PBS in Australia.)"

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2016

For Neuropathic Pain "I've had problems with my feet burning for several years. Every year, it was worse than the year before. It got to the point that I couldn't stand anything on my feet. Lyrica helped a lot, with much less frequency and severity of burning. Finally, some relief. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue because of side effects. I had almost all side effects listed in the info sheet. Most I could have tolerated, but the ones I couldn't were weight gain, confusion, and fast progressing blurred vision. Also, I had severe clinical depression over 18 years ago until I received the correct antidepressant. I've had no depression since. However, the Lyrica caused it to return, although not as severe. It also caused anger flare-ups, very unlike me."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "My own experience was awful. I did not gain weight, but I had been suffering with depression because of all the pain I was in. My doctor prescribed these, which in my opinion she should have never done, especially when I was very down at the time. I've never experienced such thoughts in my life, the only time I got a break from my own thoughts was when I was sleeping. If you are feeling down at all while taking these, my advice: go see your doctor ASAP. Do not continue with these, not advisable to anyone with depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I was prescribed 50 mg Lyrica twice daily, and it helped slightly for a few days and then did absolutely nothing for my nerve pain/fibromyalgia. I'm sure it works great for some people, but for me, the only thing it did was give me panic attacks, make me extremely depressed, and altered my sense of taste. When I wanted to get off of it, I got a new script for a wean, and I had to phone Lyrica to try to get to their patient assistance department since it is so expensive, even with the savings card, and I should qualify for assistance. However, I never got through because their customer service insisted on interviewing me about my wean before they would put me through to patient assistance. I shouldn't have to go through three people to answer a yes or no question about assistance, especially when I don't feel comfortable giving them my health records over the phone."

• Nom...
• November 5, 2015

For Neuropathic Pain "Horrible medicine. I had a nerve injury, and this medication only made things worse. Mental and emotional side effects were substantial, and I had no history of depression or mood changes before taking Lyrica. Since I stopped taking it, I feel like myself again and feel like I am handling pain better because I am not feeling depressed by my medication. I am so relieved I am not taking Lyrica. I would not recommend it to anyone. The side effects completely outweigh the minimal benefits."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2016

For Neuropathic Pain "Was put on Lyrica for recurring hip pain (and lower back pain). By one month, I was on 2x75mg morning and night. Greatly reduced the pain, but I felt like I was constantly forgetful and would have brain fog constantly. Have gained just a little weight, but can't do much with my hip anyway. The one thing that made my doctor decrease the dose back to one a night very quickly was that I became depressive. Unfortunately, I would prefer to deal with the pain and find something else than feel that way. It is effective for pain relief (I found), but unfortunately I suffered some of the bad side effects."

• jan...
• April 12, 2011

For Pain "Started on 75 mg twice daily, noticed some effect, just a tease or a promise. Upped it to 150 mg twice daily, and yes, it definitely works to eliminate 'one level of pain,' while leaving some 'levels of pain' still there. I do feel side effects of feeling calm while having more motivation for projects, some slight feeling of alcohol-like impairment (not so much after less than a week of 300 mg/day). I also occasionally use oral cannabis, and the Lyrica potentiates it quite a bit. I'm feeling very positive about this medicine, even though it doesn't get at all levels of my pain, I like what it does do for me."

• mar...
• August 19, 2009

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I suffered with nerve damage at the back of my neck. Lyrica caused me severe memory loss, confusion, and depression. It stopped my nerve problem, but my good memory has not returned. I also suffer from headaches, which I never had before."

• Blu...
• March 17, 2017

For Neuropathic Pain "Living with polyneuropathy, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, and lots of arthritis is difficult. I started on 200 mg twice a day, then increased to 300 mg three times a day. I developed a problem with my kidneys, not from Lyrica, and had to decrease the dose to 300 mg twice a day. I have to say that I get little pain relief from this med but do get a feeling of well-being or contentment. So, I call it my little happy pill. When I miss a dose, I notice I'm a bit depressed. It's not an antidepressant, but it works that way for me. Thank you."

• her...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "I started on Lyrica 6 weeks ago, started on 25 mg for one week, then 50 mg for one week, and then 75 mg twice a day, but that high didn't suit me, so I took 75 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. Currently, I'm feeling spaced all the time, gaining weight each day, and kind of depressed, but my psychiatrist said that could be anxiety coming through. I have been taking Xanax also for about 6 years. Before that, I was tried on Lexapro and went crazy on it. Also, the Xanax was a disaster long-term, as it became very addictive. Well, the moral of the story is I'm praying for the Lyrica to work."

• JT7...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 14, 2022

For Neuropathic Pain "I’m writing this review to warn others about this drug. I’ve been on Lyrica for almost a year. I was prescribed it for nerve and spinal damage. Initially, it worked better than nothing for pain, but after a few weeks, I began experiencing debilitating side effects including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, word and memory loss. It became so bad that sometimes I would forget my age or birthdate! Processing basic information became difficult. I also started experiencing agitation, sweating, chills, intense nausea, heart palpitations, and anxiety attacks when I missed a dose by 12 hours. These would stop when I took a dose. That’s when I realized I was physically dependent on it. I’ve been working to titrate for the past few months to get off this poison, with horrible withdrawal effects. I would NEVER have touched this medication if I knew how addictive it was. From my experience, I think this medication is dangerous and needs to be studied better."

• Gen...
• July 6, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "I was on Lyrica for a total of four days. It got rid of my pain (almost completely!), but the side effects were terrible. I got anxious, depressed, confused, blurred vision, and a general 'high' (not a good high) feeling. I felt very dumb and had a lot of trouble articulating my thoughts. Overall, a terrible drug for me. The side effects outweighed the benefits of this medication."

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "At 62, I consider myself in excellent health. Nine months ago, my right leg completely cramped while walking. Diagnoses after MRI: spinal stenosis, herniated disk between L4-L5 pressing on the nerve. Presently on Lyrica 125 mg morning and night. This drug only controls the pain a portion of the time. It is wearing off a couple of hours before the next dose is due. Have experienced a weight gain of 12-15 lb (there is no being full sensation), insomnia, dry mouth, losing my voice after talking 2-3 min, involuntary hand and finger twitch, headaches, depression, a few strange dreams, and trouble concentrating. I still have constant pain down my lower leg and occasional hip pain and a tingling big toe. Presently on my second round of cortisone epidural injections. Walking more than 400 ft with support is agony. Do I recommend Lyrica? Yes. Everyone's reaction to this medication is going to be different. For myself, the benefits, although not as great as expected, outweigh the side effects."

• cur...
• October 2, 2010

For Fibromyalgia "The side effects were too hard to tolerate for me to continue to take it for more than a couple of months. Nausea, dizziness, headache, upset stomach, and a terrible skin reaction that left many scars on my entire body are in addition to the mental slowness, confusion, and increased depression suffered while taking Lyrica."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I was prescribed pregabalin to help with nerve pain from degenerative disk disease/sciatica. Initially, the drug worked really well, however, within a few weeks, I became more tolerant and eventually, they did nothing for my pain at all. By week 6, I was well and truly hooked on pregabalin and became confused and depressed. Sleep deprivation added to my zombie-induced state, I suffered paranoia and was constantly down. Eventually, after a failed suicide attempt, I was given an immediate change of medication, the transformation was unbelievable, and all previous side effects started to disappear instantly. The withdrawal symptoms from pregabalin were horrific. I endured stomach cramps, severe diarrhea, night sweats, and weight loss, they lasted about 5 days."