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Can lyrica make me emotionless?

Posted , 2 users are following.

alisha88042
alisha88042

My husband and I have noticed a decrease in my emotions. I haven't smiled in a week and I "stare off into space". I'm not like out of it or anything, just blah. My kids still make me smile though.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • elizabeth85938
    elizabeth85938 alisha88042

    Posted

    Hi Alisha

    Yes, Pregabalin can affect the emotions and not always in a good way. Some report anger and frustration, easily upset, shouting when normally they wouldn't etc. May I ask what dosage you take and for how long? Pregabalin affects the brain chemistry and central nervous system within one week of taking it, it also stops the brain forming new Synapses which are essential to brain health. It is a very powerful chemical compound and side effects reported include brain fog, memory loss, loss of language, balance, eye disturbances and the list goes on.Of course every patient is different and some have severe side effects and some very few. If it is powerful enough to 'turn off' the pain receptors in the brain for people who suffer chronic nerve pain just imagine what else it can do that we are unaware of! It is also a very difficult drug to stop - certainly if you read the accompany leaflet you will see the warning never to stop Cold Turkey as you will put yourself at risk of seizures. Its original intended use was for the control of seizures but it was found to help with chronic pain as well. Your body quickly becomes dependent on it and craves more so as you taper down withdrawals can be quite awful. Various studies show that it needs to be tapered off slowly and carefully over a time scale suitable to the patient and many say that it is as hard, if not harder, than coming off heroin.

    Please do some research yourself as there is plenty of information out there now on Pregabalin/Lyrica (I am not allowed to give you links on this forum). Google Northern Ireland Pregabalin crisis and read what is happening there. The more information you can find the better as you can then make an informed choice as to whether or not you continue to take it. I'm afraid our GP's and Consultants still think it is the new wonder drug, taking over from Codeine and Tramadol etc which we as patients are now being denied because of the few who abuse/d them causing addiction. Pregabalin you will be told you cannot become addicted to, but the truth is the body becomes 'dependent' very quickly which to me is splitting hairs. I do hope you are able to discover these things for yourself and wish you well whatever choice you make.

    • alisha88042
      alisha88042 elizabeth85938

      Posted

      I'm at 50mg twice daily. Starting 75mg tomorrow. Along with tylonal and naproxin. And cyclo benzipren at night. All for sciatic pain. Its helped the pain a lot but not sure I like the lack of emotional output.

  • elizabeth85938
    elizabeth85938 alisha88042

    Posted

    Please try not to keep on going up and up on Pregabalin Alisha if you can avoid it. It helped my sciatic pain greatly but I simply could not bear the brain fog, loss of memory and emotional decline or outbursts that I experienced on it. I only got up to 200mg a day and yes, no pain, but I began to believe I had started with Dementia after a year on it. I have slowly been tapering off and am now down to 19mg morning and 24mg at night. I only take off 1mg at a time to avoid the withdrawals. I am slowly returning back to my old self and the brain fog and memory loss are starting to lift the lower I go down. I have researched more natural remedies and although they do not take the pain away they help me to deal with it in a different way. The higher the dose and the longer you take Pregabalin the more likely you will experience unwanted side effects. See how you go with it because only can can decide if it is right or wrong for you. If your husband has noticed changes in you then think carefully, he may see more than you realise. Just do your own research and make an informed choice for yourself and your family. I can only wish you well for the future.
    • alisha88042
      alisha88042 elizabeth85938

      Posted

      Thank you so much, read this to my husband and he is worried, and now wants me to go see the doctor again. We have 3 children and they need their mommy at 100%

      Take care and again thank you so much

    • elizabeth85938
      elizabeth85938 alisha88042

      Posted

      Your doctor may just poo poo what you say to him/her so be prepared. This is why I ask people to do their own research so that they are able to produce it at a consultation. My opinion is purely that, an opinion, albeit it as a patient on Pregabalin who has done a tremendous amount of research herself. I am concerned, as is your husband, that this drug has caused you emotional problems and the only way to put an end to this is by tapering off it. You have a right to make a choice for yourself, even if your Doctor may disagree with you but I hope you have a better experience than many others have. I am pleased that your husband pointed out this change in you thus enabling you both to look into why it occurred - often nothing is said and the patient does not realise until it is too late to halt the damage. I wish you both, and your three children, a long and happy drug free life together. 
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