I've stopped taking Lyrica (day 5 now) for facial shingles. I was on 300 mg daily. It kept me 'zonked' and feeling sleepy. Now, I can't go to sleep. Last night it was 4:00 a.m. this morning before I finally went to sleep. Also, due to the pain and itching I've been thru the last 8 weeks, I was taking Ambien to help sleep some nights and then Xanax to help get thru the day with the pain! I've stopped all of that. Could that be causing my symptoms? Also, my mood swings--especially, sadness--crying easily, feeling down seem to be bad these days. This past week didn't help because I came down with an intestinal bug that has drained me too. I decided to 'tough it out' but am wondering if these are typical withdrawal symptoms of all these strong drugs?
Anyone have similar symptoms? Thanks.
yanksgirl
If you stopped the drugs cold turkey (all at once), it is no wonder you are suffering withdrawal symptoms. I personally found that a gradual withdrawal from meds works better for me with the least amount of withdrawal symptoms.
I know where you are coming from regarding so many powerful drugs, but a sudden stop will cause symptoms or could prove to be dangerous.
You probably should discuss this with your doctor.
I have not had the shingles, but have been told and have read it is a painful thing to endure and pain lingers on for quite a while. You may need a little something, not so strong, to help you through this.
Your mood or crying is understandable, been there, done that with another ailment. It just gets to you after a while. Long time pain is not for sissies!
Oh boy am I worried. I too am taking Lyrica for ice pick migraine pain in my ear. I'm taking 400 mg/day plus 400 mg/day of Celebrex. I've just recently found complete pain relief after adding the Celebrex. Now my neurologist wants me to stay on it another 3 months before the weaning off of the meds starts. I've heard about the reactions you are having from the withdrawal of Lyrica. I am worried about the same thing. I would continue on a med to help you to sleep during the weaning off period of the Lyrica. Your lack of sleep will add to the crying, depression, etc. during the day. Just a suggestion. I'm not looking forward to the withdrawal process. Good luck with yours. Beebs.
Drug withdrawal symptoms--Lyrica? 
