I'm a 64 year old male that was put on lyrica 14 months ago for neuropathy pain in my legs and OA in the lumbar region of my back. The lyrica was prescribed by my neurologist.

I've put on 80 pounds in those 14 months. My PCP wants me off this drug. Due to the weight gain, I'm on blood thinners (due to a clot in my right calf muscle) and high pressure medication. Lyrica has ruined my quality of life. I was only taking 225 mgs a day and having tapered to 100 mgs a day over a two month period. I'm now getting nasty anxiety in the afternoon and evening. I have suffered with generalized anxiety disorder all my life and currently take 200 mg of zoloft. My PCP has prescribed Xanax (.5 mg, 3 times a day) to help with the anxiety but I don't want to replace one problem drug with another.

I plan on doing water titration for the final 100 mgs by tapering 10% per month. I hope to finally get off this medication once and for all. This medication should be banned.