Didn't read all other replies, but as someone who's been taking lyrica on and off for about 9 months, I have had no problems discontinuing and using on an as needed basis. However, the most I've been on is 150mg/day. Anything higher and I can't walk straight and feel drunk.
I can't decide if it is worthwhile. For a long stretch of time I felt better, then the burning came back, so I stopped it ,figuring it wasn't helping. Got worse,so started it again..helped a little, got scared of the side effects, etc etc I am inconsistent and also just don't want to be drugged up. I understand that fear.
I am also on oxycodone, and that is very addictive in comparison. I take a benzo up to 4x a week, at a small dose and that calms everything down. But I can tell when its out of my system because I'm an anxious painful wreck. The stress of anxiety seems to elevate the pain.

I suggest weaning if you're sure you are ready, and keeping some on hand if you find it is too painful .

Best of luck

Thank you all for your kind posts/comments.

Just an update on where I am with PN now --- I tried weaning off very very slowly. I started reducing my dosage by 100mg during breakfast for about 3'weeks. Unfortunately, I had to go back to the original dosage. The symptoms became more intense.

My pain has graduated to a new level. Just over 2 months ago, I had some "tolerable days". I had some windows of tolerable moments during the day, but now, it seems that the pain is getting worse. I dont think this new level of pain is a result of weaning...I am sure it is just a co-incidence. I dont think that it is due to any food or activity. I am basically doing the same thing and eating same food.

Mary

Mary, if I may ask, what kind of diet are you on?

Are you also taking vitamins/supplements?

Joe Duffer,

Thank you for your interest.

My diet is essentially healthy. "essentially" because i sometimes eat hamburger or pork, but this is at least 2x a month. Other than that, I eat healthy. That makes me frustrated because I dont abuse myself but my sugar has been erratic. Maybe, as Mrs D said, it could be my age.

I take a lot of supplements which I found in this forum.

Im sorry for your pain.

This post is scary. My mom asked me why don't I get on pain meds. and my answer was addictive and dependence once I start and this post confirms that. I guess eventually one day I may have to give in to pain meds but that wont be until I have to. Like you said, the thought of taking it the rest of my life when I am only 45 scares me.

This whole thing scares me. Our lives revolve around dealing with our pn and I wonder what my life will be like in even 5 or 10 years, but mostly I try NOT to think about it.

I wish for you pain free days.