Pregabalin and Brain Fog: What Users Say

• Ann...
• March 9, 2021

Pregabalin 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."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2019

For Pain "I have been having major back pain for over 6 years. I have been on numerous narcotics (hydrocodone, tramadol, codeine). Then my doctor gave me a script for pregabalin (Lyrica). It sat in my cupboard as I was scared to take it due to the many horrible reviews. Then one day I decided to try it. Wow! 3 days on it and I take anywhere from 100mg to 150mg daily. The first 2 days I was tired, almost zombie-like and could not keep my eyes open. But now I feel great, no pain, and no need for strong painkillers (which is huge as I have been taking codeine for 5 years). My mood has improved as well. Dare I say I feel happy again? I know it has only been a few days, but so far, pregabalin has changed my life for the better."

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

Pregabalin 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug can be a lifesaver. It certainly was for me. I had a major psychological episode generated by physical trauma and stress. Long story short, from that day onward, I suffered from generalized anxiety disorder. Approximately three or four times per month it would get so bad that I would have a day when I couldn’t stop crying and thought the world was about to end. This lasted for three years. The doctor then put me on pregabalin: 50 mg to start with, then 100 mg. That stopped me from crying. I mean, completely stopped it. And the brain fog. And the anxiety. After one year, I thought - I’m fine now, so I will stop taking it. Big mistake, huge. Back all the problems came, with reinforcements this time! Not surprisingly, I restarted the pregabalin, and two weeks later, all back to (good) normal. I need 200 mg per day now is the only downside. I have my life back. I plan to take it for the rest of my life and enjoy every day that I am allotted… what a lifesaver."

• myf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2014

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Started taking Lyrica due to nerve damage suffered during surgery, 75mg twice a day. It provided relief for about 3 weeks, before pain returned. Have now been on 150mg twice a day for about 8 weeks - no pain, but the side effects are horrendous: dizziness, brain fog, and worst of all is incontinence. So I now have to decide whether to reduce the dose and go back to having pain but no side effects, or be pain-free but incontinent and out of it."

• Nic...
• August 5, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lyrica is the best medication for generalized anxiety disorder. I am on 75 mg twice a day and have been able to slowly get off my clonazepam without the benzodiazepine withdrawal. Brain fog will go away after being on it for about a month. The only other side effect is the cost."

• KTC...
• January 25, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered from crippling anxiety (GAD) and depression from childhood. I also have a personality disorder. My psychiatrist prescribed pregabalin for me, 75mg twice a day. They sat in my cupboard for ages before I finally built up the nerve to take them. After many years of being tried on just about every drug out there, FINALLY a drug that actually helped me! I now drive again, sometimes leave the house alone, and even on occasion brave the supermarket alone. After 3 years on the same dose and with its effect starting to wane, I am now on 150mg twice a day. Yes, I am very tired, vague, and spaced out, but this will wear off with time as my body adjusts. As for the weight gain, I have lost 5 stone and have regained some control."

• ror...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 20, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Pregabalin is a saver when it comes to my anxiety. I use it as a PRN medicine, at 150 mg as needed, due to psychiatrist concerns with dose tolerance (also, I feel a bit loopy when taking it frequently). It performs better than my country-local benzo, I don't feel sleepy and become more present and productive. Out of more than 10 supplements, multiple antidepressants, and other drugs, this has been by far the best drug for my GAD. However, be wary of withdrawals and dose tolerance, discuss that with your doctor to be safe. I am sad psychiatrists are so scared of prescribing this drug, it has been very effective for me."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have had neuropathic spine pain since 1984. I have a triple S curve, had 6 spine surgeries, and have an implanted pain relief system for low back pain. Nothing worked; opioids almost led to death. 2 months ago, I began Lyrica (100mg, 3x/day). At the beginning, my brain felt 'foggy', walking was unstable, and total urinary incontinence (some bowel incontinence). To say I was shocked at how the Lyrica relieved my spine pain is an understatement! I read all the horror stories but decided to give it time. This is the first time since the early eighties I have had NO pain! The side effects are gone."

• Anonymous
• June 28, 2016

Pregabalin 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?"

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2018

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have been very fortunate that Lyrica works so well for me. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago with fibromyalgia. After I had my second child at 29, some of my chronic pain changed. A year later, I was diagnosed, and I am so glad they put me on Lyrica. I started at 150 mg daily, but it made me very tired and unfocused, so they dropped it back to 100 mg per day. I've been at 100 mg per day for over a year now. I used to have bad flare-ups that would incapacitate me about twice weekly, plus the daily pain. On Lyrica, my daily pain averages maybe a 2 on a pain scale of 1-10 versus my old average of a 6. Instead of 2 or more flare-ups per week, I maybe get 2 a month. I have 2 children under the age of 10 that I need to be able to care for and spend time with, and not feel it's a burden. Lyrica gives me this. I'm also able to jog again, something I haven't been able to do since high school. It makes me feel good, and I'm steadily losing weight. I'm not saying this is for everyone, but it's been a miracle for me."

• Zev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have nerve damage in my arms, I can't use them without fatigue. I have tried everything for the pain, nothing works well except for Lyrica. I take 150 mg twice a day, and now the pain is so manageable that I get my life back. If you have really bad nerve pain that makes you feel depressed and debilitated, give the medication a go! I have had a few side effects like memory fog, but the pain relief is worth it!"

• Anonymous
• December 17, 2011

For Pain "I'm forty and have degenerative disc disease in the spine for 7 lower discs and the usual joys of debilitating chronic pain, sciatica, and physical disability. An episode of severe pain and nerve issues recently meant I was signed off for 4 weeks to rest, however during this time my whole nervous and neurological pain got worse as well as physical collapse and spread to my face, hands, arms, and body functionality. The lowest point in five years thus far. I was put on Pregabalin 75mg, 2x a day and although the first week was strange with hyper elation, a foggy mind, and some humorous speech issues, but when it kicked in, the transformation was amazing. 3 months later, I'm far more stable and working full-time. Some back pain has returned with occasional sciatica."

• she...
• January 29, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lyrica has changed my life in so many positive ways. I have bipolar 2 and severe anxiety disorder, now I am able to function without social anxiety. It stabilizes my mood from feeling flat, angry, and nervous. I take 400 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the afternoon every second day. The only drawback is if I miss a day, my bipolar seems to return, which leaves me nervous about stopping this medication. It does give you brain fog, and everyone I have spoken to seems to experience the same side effect. I highly recommend giving this medication a chance, it has changed my life for the better."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have been taking Lyrica for 3 days now after trying every pain med for the last 7 years. Unreal. I am able to walk better, and my pain has diminished to about a 2 or 3. I was only a little foggy on the second morning, but besides that, I have had no bad side effects at all. I tried Neurontin years ago, but after the second day, I could not function, so anyone with nerve pain should give this a try. It sure has helped me."

• LYR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2023

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I get horrible pain in my neck due to a pinched nerve, and Lyrica really helped the pain. However, I didn't realize what it was doing to me. Brain fog like never before, I lost all interest in everything. I had a very demanding job that was affected, and I ended up losing the best job I ever had."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "I had not even considered taking pregabalin for migraine prophylaxis until I had a different GP than my usual GP suggest it, and I am so glad I tried it. I started it 40 days ago, and I haven't had a migraine since commencing it. I am on 25 mg twice a day, so a very low dose. I was previously having 1-2 migraines a week, each lasting 2-3 days and 8/10 searing pain that left me incapacitated. I had previously tried beta blockers, calcium channel blocker (verapamil), antidepressants, pizotifen, triptans, opioids, steroids, NSAIDs... the list goes on. Prior to pregabalin, I was using daily aspirin with good success, however, I developed an allergy to it and had to cease use. My main side effects have been some short-term memory issues and brain fog, and some tiredness. No weight gain for me."

• sbi...
• December 8, 2015

For Pain "I've been on Lyrica for 6 months, 75 mg twice daily, then 150 mg twice daily. I had facet joint injections and a spinal block. I found out I had CFS and fibromyalgia. I tried stopping Lyrica for 1 day as I gained confidence, but went back on it within 1 day because my leg and lower back pain became unbearable. I sleep much better on it. I would advise anyone to try it for chronic pain-side effects are much less than Gabapentin by far. I had to stop work because I lost cognitive ability and my brain fog worsened."

• Mek...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 1, 2016

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Lyrica is great at taking away my pain due to fibromyalgia. However, the side effects from the medication and from detoxing are not worth it! I am 25 and took Lyrica for at least 6 years. I experienced severe brain fog, difficulty breathing, cognitive difficulties, and others while on this medication. I thought they were all due to my conditions, but after truly reflecting on my journey, Lyrica surely hurt me more than it helped me. I have been off the medication for about 3 weeks now. I did some research and learned that my detox period would be both difficult and long because, one, I took the medication for several years, I took a high dosage, and I stopped the medication cold turkey. It's getting easier for sure. The creator on my side!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2012

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I was put on Lyrica by my anesthetist for postoperative pain control following a revision of a Dupuy metal-on-metal hip. It has certainly helped the pain in this and the other hip and reduced the muscle spasms I was experiencing. However, side effects have increased with use, and I have severe visual disturbance, foggy mind, and forgetfulness. I was on 150mg three times a day and tried to stop. Big mistake - severe cold turkey with shaking, nausea, and panic attacks. Now trying to come off slowly but really struggling with the side effects."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2011

Pregabalin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Neurontin for anxiety and panic, but it made me a zombie. I am now taking Lyrica and it is amazing! No more anxiety or panic and my mood is greatly improved. Neurontin was like whiskey, hit hard and had a 'hangover', Lyrica is like a fine wine, subtle and mellow and doesn't have the zombie effect. DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL WITH IT. This was only a reference. I am taking 75mg at night and 50 in the morning. I also don't need the antidepressants anymore."

• Juw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2016

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. After taking the first dose, my hands and feet swelled up, and I couldn't bend my fingers. If I tried, the pain was intense. Then I started to stagger. I wobbled when I tried to stand still. My mind fogged up. I felt drunk and hungry. I got a sandwich, and it slipped off of my plate to the floor, and I picked it up and continued to eat, at least a couple of times. Everything I ate that night tasted so good. I was so sleepy. When I got up in the morning, there were things in places that should never have been. (i.e., TV remote in the bathroom, food on the floor near my bed, and other things misplaced.) I felt like I had a hangover. NEVER AGAIN. I had the same experience with gabapentin. Just say no!"

• LWS...
• April 27, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "My doctor prescribed Lyrica for fibromyalgia. As I am very sensitive to medication, I was prescribed 75 mg at bedtime each night. The first month, I did feel better taking Lyrica. However, after about 4 months, I began experiencing strange symptoms. I could not remember things. My brain was foggy. I wasn't myself, and my pain returned. It was a no-brainer, so I informed my doctor that I wanted off of this medication. I've been off Lyrica now for two months, and my brain is back to normal. It was very scary to even think how little I was taking and what an impact it made on me. I am taking apple cider vinegar with honey every morning, exercising a little each day, even if I don't want to, and resting when my body needs it."

• P W...
• September 21, 2015

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I was prescribed Lyrica for small fiber neuropathy pain. I will say it did offer relief from the pain, but the side effects were just too great and at times dangerous. You should not be driving a car on this stuff. I was in an accident because I was slow to react in a high-stress traffic situation. You will eventually begin to feel quite unlike yourself. Zombie-like. You will say to yourself, I don't feel like me anymore, I feel like something is controlling me. If you're someone who can stay home all the time and has very little work demands or family life, this may be helpful to you. Understand that the zombie-like feeling and slowed reaction time will be an issue. Gabapentin was a safer choice in my opinion, even with side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2012

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have only been diagnosed for about a year now. I have completely lost my life due to fibromyalgia pain. My doctor started me on Cymbalta, which worked for a while but then stopped, then put me on Lyrica without weaning me off Cymbalta. Withdrawals, hello. I had to start again and wean off while also taking Lyrica. The Lyrica seemed to help at first too, then wham, just like everything else, it stopped working, except on weight gain and brain fog. I was a zombie. So now I'm worsening day by day even though I try to stay active and have cut all caffeine, etc. because my doctors just don't believe pain medicines help and say there isn't much else they can do for me. I'm glad for the people it has helped."