Having had chemotherapy, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy affecting my feet. I was put on Gabapentin for awhile. Then the doctor changed me to Lyrica. First it was 125 mg 2x daily for several months, then it was 150 mg 2x daily for several months. Last summer the Lyrica dosage went to 150 mg 2x, 75 mg 1x daily. I guess I have just come to the point that I have accepted the pain. Last year, the dosage was changed to 225 mg 2x, 75 1x daily. A month ago, I was told to stop taking my usual dosage and given 7 pills, 150 mg each and told to take one pill a day for seven days and then no more. I was told nothing about withdrawal. I am so wiped out. Dizzy, unclear, headaches, pain all over my body, shaking, feeling like something is crawling under my skin, weak feeling, not hungry, and the anxiety is horrible. I called the doctor and was told it would only last a week. Overall I was on the medications for about 4 years. I have never seen a neurologist, only a GP. I have no insurance.
I want to know if anything can be done for this and is this normal and how much longer do I have to put up with this?
Any comments/suggestions are appreciated.

Just wanted to welcome you debattt. Others will be along.

Sorry you have had to go through so much. Chemo has been known to cause Neuropathy. Lyrica, is one awful drug to get off of. I hope you get many people to respond to this too. Tapering much slower is the humane way to do this. Your doctor really hasn't shown compassion as this drug is hard to get off of. You might want to call him tell him of all the side effects. Gaba, others have equally horrible effects coming off of. You will have an easier time of it if he tapers much more slowly. Have not idea how long current symptoms will last as that is just about cold turkey. I know about this withdraw from meds, as several years ago, I asked to be taken off Morphine. Hard road with that too. You do get better, and feel normal after awhile. Ask for more help with your doctor. I do know how miserable it can feel. Try to be good to yourself why you go through this process. ginnie

Thank you both for the welcome and the comments.
My doctor gave me no clue whatsoever as to having any problems with discontinuing the Lyrica. When she stopped the Gabapentin, I continued from there with the Lyrica with no period of off time in between. I wish I would have known ahead of time that this should never have been stopped basically 'cold turkey'. I feel like the doctor needs to freshen up on the effects of Lyrica. I am in the meantime, looking for another doctor who will hopefully see that I need to see a neurologist.
I think the hardest part in all of this is the feeling of anxiety in my chest and the shaking. I'm used to the pain I suppose.
I hope this doesn't last much longer.

debattt,

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, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place. I see you have found the PT forum which is the forum where you will assistances with your questions.

Click on the following, there are some great friends there to help you with questions.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

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

Darlene