I've been taking Lyrica for about 3 years now. I'm up to 200MG (one in the morning, and one at bedtime). I also take 90MG Cymbalta and 100MG Celebrex in the morning.

I've tried to stop taking my medicines and usually the hubby or kids notice it right away. I have days when I understand and believe the meds help some, but then other days when I get super tired of "relying" on meds to make my miserable days a bit less miserable.

I have read recently that while on the meds I am on, that the doctors really should be monitoring my levels periodically. I am going to start a list of questions/demands for my doctors, as I feel right now they just want me taking the meds, having the "recommended" surgeries/blocks. I am suppose to start P.T. again, but this time they are sending me to a therapist that specializes in RSD treatment and de-sensitivity. He mentioned a hot wax therapy as well.

It seems that I too get very argumentative when I miss or delay a dose. I normally take 300 mgs at 9:00 am, 150 mgs at 3:00 pm and 150 mgs at 9:00 pm. I just thought it was me all this time.....

I've been taking Lyrica now for almost 4 years. I'm up to 600 mgs a day now. 300 mgs at 9:00 am, 150 mg at 3:00 pm and 150 mgs at 9:00 pm. If I miss or delay a dose I too get very argumentative. I just always thought it was me...

I had severe nerve damage of my legs secondary to compartment syndrome. Neurotin was prescribed but was ineffective. I subsequently began taking Lyrica with great results. Though quite expensive, the effectiveness of Lyrica was undeniable. I eventually ramped up to 300mg, twice daily. The relief was essential during recovery. The side effects have been mostly minimal, with some pleasant effects, early on. But, when attempting to wean off, the side effects were horrible. Anxiety, difficulty breathing, insomnia, depression, suicidal thoughts etc. At such a high dose, my brain chemistry was seriously altered. I returned to my original dose to stop the withdrawal symptoms. Miserable. I will consult my physician again for recommendations. I refuse to go on benzodiazepines because of the awful withdrawal of those drugs. I believe a very slow ramp down in dosage and a to be expected period of discomfort.

I hope there's no withdrawl since I've been on Lyrica for 3 1/2 years now and 1/2 year of Neurontin before that.
I'm up to 600 mgs. a day and will be on Lyrica from now on. I do notice more pain when I miss a dose but that's to be expected. My neurologist also has prescribed anti-anxiety meds and narcotics but I'm avoiding those. Hopefully the Lyrica will suffice....

Hope for better days, Jimbo

I was wondering about your "growing pains" you experienced as a child. How long did that go on? How bad was the pain? I ask because I also experienced "growing pains" in my legs that started from about the time I was 10 until I was 16 or so. I was relatively pain-free for about 8 years but have had undiagnosed "nerve" pain in my abdomen and back for the last several years. I hate to pry...but it would be interesting to know of your experience and if it is similar to my own.
btw, what does RSD stand for?

Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences when they have decreased then stopped taking Lyrica?:

I have been talking Lyrica PRN for glossopharyngeal neuralgia. The attacks are very irregular, sometimes weeks between, sometimes only a day. Acupuncture helps, gabapentin/lidocaine/ketoprofen cream helps, but when it gets really bad only the Lyrica seems to stop the pain. It usually takes 200-300 mg. I don't like the side effects - foggy thinking, woozy head, very sleepy.

About 20 hours after a 200 mg dose I had a trembling fit for about 45 seconds, then another for about 20 seconds a half hour later.

I had to take another 200 mg this morning (Happy freakin' New Year, eh?) at about 3:30 am. Slept until about 4 this afternoon. Worried about a seizure while I sleep tonight.

Any thought?