Lyrica Withdrawal: What to Expect and How to Cope

What you will learn

• Lyrica withdrawal can lead to a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms.
• Understanding Lyrica withdrawal symptoms and timelines can help you formulate an effective approach.
• Some symptoms can be managed at home, while more severe issues should be addressed by a healthcare professional.

Lyrica, or pregabalin, is a prescription anticonvulsant medication approved by the FDA to treat nerve pain associated with various conditions. It works by calming overactive nerves, decreasing the frequency and intensity of pain signals. Conditions for which Lyrica is used include diabetic nerve pain, partial-onset seizures associated with epilepsy, and nerve pain following shingles (postherpetic neuralgia).

Lyrica withdrawal symptoms can occur even when tapering off under medical supervision, although this is less common and typically less severe than abrupt discontinuation. Suppose you or someone you know is planning to stop taking Lyrica soon. In that case, understanding how to prevent and recognize withdrawal symptoms is essential for ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.

Lyrica Withdrawal Side Effects

Over time, Lyrica use can lead to physical dependence. While this is not the same as substance abuse or addiction, stopping this anticonvulsant medication can still cause a variety of symptoms. How the body responds when in a state of withdrawal depends on several factors, including dosage, the underlying issue(s) being treated, and each patient’s circumstances.

Once you stop using Lyrica, your nervous system may react unpredictably, resulting in both neurological and physical complications. Symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal include, but are not limited to, the following:[1]

• Insomnia
• Depressed mood
• Anxiety disorder
• Physical symptoms

Delirium, hallucinations, and delusions are rare but possible symptoms of severe Lyrica withdrawal, typically seen in individuals with high-dose, long-term use or comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Neurological Symptoms

Patients who abruptly terminate their pregabalin use sometimes develop delirium. Typically, this symptom surfaces within two to three days after cessation of the drug (more information on Lyrica withdrawal timelines below).[2] These patients are disoriented, unable to concentrate, and often do not remember the events of the past several days.

Insomnia is another common neurological symptom associated with Lyrica withdrawal.[3] Used off-label as an adjunct treatment for insomnia in fibromyalgia patients, Lyrica can cause a pronounced worsening of insomnia symptoms after cessation (with or without fibromyalgia).

Physical Symptoms

The most commonly reported physical symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal include body tremors and aches. Depending on the underlying condition for which Lyrica was prescribed, return and/or worsening of tremors or seizures may also be a concern.[4]

These symptoms can surface even when a person is slowly tapering off Lyrica under medical supervision.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects from stopping Lyrica, and no two patients experience these concerns in the same way.

Lyrica Withdrawal Timeline

Like the frequency and intensity of the withdrawal symptoms themselves, each patient’s withdrawal timeline varies according to several factors. Namely, the dosage level, how long you were taking the medication, and underlying conditions can significantly influence when and for how long you experience pregabalin withdrawal symptoms.

To provide an overview, the Lyrica withdrawal process begins soon after your most recent dose, peaking usually within a week, and waning gradually after two or three weeks:[5]

The Onset (1-3 Days)

Most patients who report Lyrica withdrawal symptoms do so within the first three days of their most recent dose. Though each patient is unique in how and when symptoms manifest, some of the most commonly reported symptoms during this early window include anxiety and insomnia.

These issues and any others associated with pregabalin withdrawal tend to worsen across the first week after the last dose. During this time, other symptoms may begin to develop (and some of the initial symptoms may fade).

The Peak (3-7 Days)

The latter half of the first week after Lyrica cessation tends to be the most intense for the majority of patients. Gastrointestinal problems, potentially serious psychological problems like delirium and suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, chest pain, and several other symptoms may take hold and worsen during this time.

This is the most challenging window for most patients, who are especially vulnerable to physical and mental health issues as they progress through the latter half of the first week.

Steady Improvement (2 Weeks and Beyond)

Generally, by the second week, it’s significantly less likely that patients will see a worsening of Lyrica withdrawal symptoms. Physical symptoms tend to resolve themselves a bit earlier on as agitation, anxiety, and other psychological issues linger, but this is not always the case.

How to Alleviate Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms

Because Lyrica withdrawal can manifest itself in a widespread range of physical and psychological symptoms, alleviating these issues requires an equally adaptable and varied approach. Withdrawal encompasses emotional and personal elements as well, increasing stress on patients as they struggle to cope with these sudden changes.

Depending on how your symptoms present themselves, you may benefit from optimizing your sleep hygiene, diet, hydration, activity, and other mindful practices. Once symptoms reach a certain severity, consulting your doctor is advised.

1. If Possible, Taper Down – Unless explicitly directed by your doctor, quitting Lyrica cold turkey is not advised. Though withdrawal symptoms are still possible when tapering off of Lyrica as directed, they are much less likely to occur in this scenario.[6]
2. Optimize Sleep Hygiene – If you’re experiencing sleep disturbances, one of the most common (and frustrating) effects of Lyrica withdrawal, there are several simple steps you can take at home to improve your sleep quality. Limiting late-night screen time, going to bed at a consistent hour, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and practicing calming rituals before bed (such as stretching or meditation) can all help.
3. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration – Fighting withdrawal symptoms takes a lot out of the body and brain, both of which require adequate nutrition to function at their best. Eat nutritionally dense meals and stay hydrated to support your body’s healing processes. Though it may be tempting during this distressing time to seek out highly processed snacks and other unhealthy foods, it’s essential to avoid these as much as possible.
4. Mindful and Gentle Activities – Walking (especially outside), stretching, swimming, and other gentle exercises have many beneficial effects on mood, sleep issues, and other symptoms associated with Lyrica withdrawal.[7] There’s no need to push yourself hard; staying active and occupied with gentler exercises is enough to experience these benefits.
5. Rally Your Support – Besides your doctor and any other care providers you work with, spending time with people you care about can make a significant difference as you navigate the withdrawal process. This is especially important for patients experiencing depression or other mood-related disturbances.

When to Seek Help for Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms

Though many cases of Lyrica withdrawal are manageable without seeking professional medical help, it’s important to know where to draw the line. This is a case-dependent issue to a degree, as some patients may be more susceptible to certain symptoms due to underlying conditions and/or medications they’re taking.

Generally, symptoms classified as severe include seizures, delirium, suicidal thoughts, and visual and/or auditory hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s highly advised that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

However, suppose you’re experiencing sleep disturbances, digestive issues, minor aches and pains, and mild to moderate anxiety. In that case, you may be able to manage your Lyrica withdrawal symptoms on your own with the help of the above strategies.

If you’re unsure whether or not to seek help, you can always call your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and formulate an addiction treatment program from there. It’s far better to have a conversation with your doctor just in case than to ignore a potentially serious issue.

Get the Lyrica Withdrawal Support You Need

Lyrica withdrawal symptoms can come on quickly and intensify within a matter of days or even hours. Even if you are tapering off the drug as recommended, it’s never a bad idea to reach out for support when you experience serious symptoms affecting your overall well-being.

Regardless of your underlying health conditions or mental health status, withdrawal treatment options are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings to make your experience safer and more comfortable.

Monitor your symptoms carefully and don’t be afraid to seek treatment if symptoms are too severe.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more