Jeepers! I'm glad I came back here and saw this thread! My NewNeuro doesn't think there's anything wrong with me other than mental, that all my previous doctors were wrong about the seizures (and keeps talking about "if I really had grand mal seizures" even though it was status epilepticus, seizing the entire way to the ER in an ambulance, witnessed by many), and that my reluctance to go off my AEDs is due to anxiety. The fact that my Famdoc wants me to proceed cautuiously doesn't matter; I was lectured, er I mean encouraged, to choose whom I was going to listen to, because too many different doctors are giving me different input and NewNeuro *really* wants to help me.

Anyway, I'm on keppra for the grand mal seizures; lyrica was added later for what doctors had called break through partials (that this doc said aren't seizures, and then challenged me on who I was going to believe). So IF I would be willing to go off a med, I think I'd chose to wean off the lyrica......so therefore I'm REALLY glad I read this! YIKES! I've been on 75mg 2x/day lyrica for about seven years (on keppra for 9 ys). The weaning off process sounds VERY unpleasant!!! I have sugar balance problems even when "stable" (on a very careful low-carb diet; sugar either causes tachycardia or causes me to crash/sleep; sometimes causing jerking like myoclonus in bed). I am going to have to look into this further. Thank you so much for sharing!

When you have problems withdrawing from Lyrica it's very important to do a very slow taper. Reducing your dose by 10% every month works for most people. And when there comes a month withdrawal symptoms still break through, just increase the dose by 10% back again and you should be fine.
When you feel you are still going too fast you can stay at a certain dose for a month longer, it will only take some more time till you are there.

Do the water titration method, and it goes like this:
Get yourself some 100 ml jars and some syringes to do the job.
For instance: empty your capsule into a 100 ml jar filled with water and shake it well. The first month you suck 10 ml of the solution out of it, the 2nd. mont 20 ml, and so on.
At he end it still can be rough, and when you feel so, just slow your taper to 5% (5 ml) a month.

This taper will last about a year, but it will prevent you from going through hell.
Lyrica withdrawal can be just as bad (or even worse) as benzo withdrawal, so take it slow and take your time.

Good luck!

Lyricafree,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on her condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

So I've just begun the long task of LeavingLyrica. I've been on it for 8 years, 150mg. twice a day. I've just decided it's time to see if I can live without it. My doctor said to reduce to 150mg once a day for a week, but being on it so long, I'm going to go for 150mg once a day for three weeks. Then I'm going to move to 150mg every other day for two weeks and then try to extend my days longer without it. I know it's going to be tough, but I'm really worried about the aftermath/withdrawals. I'm on day 5, it feels like day 20. the past two days were filled with a lot of nausea. A couple of small headaches, hot and cold issues. Haven't slept well for about three days. I've been trying to read all the posts. lots of information to obsorb. I guess no quick fix here.

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups!

You could also check on the
Medications Forum

Lots of lyrica posts there you'll find.

All the best to you while you're doing this.