Lyrica (Pregabalin) Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Lyrica (pregabalin) can be an effective prescription medication for nerve pain and certain seizure disorders, but stopping it suddenly isn’t always easy.¹

Should you develop dependence to Lyrica after consistent use, quitting “cold turkey” or dropping your dose too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to serious complications, including seizures or severe mood changes.²

If you or someone you love is struggling with Lyrica misuse or dependence, treatment can reduce risks and improve long-term recovery outcomes. This page will help you learn more about Lyrica withdrawal, what you can expect, and what treatment options can make the process of detox safer.

What Is Lyrica?

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants.¹

Lyrica is FDA-approved to treat cases of nerve pain associated with diabetes and the shingles virus.¹ It is also commonly prescribed to help manage fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.³ Though its exact mechanism isn’t entirely understood, pregabalin is thought to bind to specific sites on nerve cells in the brain to alter their signaling activity. In this way, the medication can help calm an overactive nervous system, reduce seizures, and relieve some types of pain.² Lyrica is often used off-label to manage other conditions as well, including various types of anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and insomnia.³

While Lyrica may not carry as significant of a risk for addiction development as other prescription medications like oxycodone or Adderall do, some people do misuse it for its rewarding properties, and such misuse increases the risk of dependence and associated withdrawal.^2,4

What Is Lyrica Withdrawal?

You may be wondering whether you can stop taking Lyrica suddenly, or perhaps you want to find out how to withdraw from Lyrica safely. Going "cold turkey," or drastically decreasing or suddenly stopping Lyrica, can result in unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal effects.²

The withdrawal symptoms that can develop are often similar to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious and even fatal.⁵ Medical withdrawal management can keep you as safe and comfortable as possible, so it is advised to detox from Lyrica under the supervision of a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional.

Symptoms of Lyrica Withdrawal

The severity of Lyrica withdrawal symptoms can vary based on factors such as how long the medication was used, the dose that was being regularly taken, and whether or not the person was using other substances concurrently (which could lead to an even more complicated, polysubstance dependence and withdrawal).⁶ People who have used very high doses of Lyrica, or who have been on the medication for an extended period of time, may encounter more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Those who have taken a lower dose or used Lyrica for a short period of time may experience relatively milder withdrawal symptoms or no symptoms at all when quitting Lyrica.

Signs and symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal can include:²

• Headaches.
• Anxiety.
• Disorientation.
• Agitation.
• Sweating.
• Seizures.
• Insomnia.
• Mood changes.
• Depression.
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.

Complications of Lyrica Withdrawal

Severe Lyrica withdrawal may be associated with certain complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Complications of Lyrica withdrawal include:²

• Seizures. Since Lyrica can be used to manage seizures, abruptly stopping the medication can lead to a recurrence of seizures, which can be fatal.
• Suicidal thoughts. In addition, depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior are common psychological withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous.

Lyrica Withdrawal Timeline

You may be wondering what the Lyrica withdrawal timeline is like or how long this type of withdrawal lasts. Acute Lyrica withdrawal symptoms can last for approximately 1-2 days when use of the drug is suddenly stopped.² For some, residual symptoms have been reported for several weeks.⁷

It is important to remember that not everyone will experience the exact same withdrawal timeline, as how long these symptoms last often depends on several additional factors.

Users should slowly taper off Lyrica under the guidance of a medical professional.² Gradual discontinuation helps people avoid intense withdrawal symptoms and associated risks of cessation.⁵ As mentioned above, the duration of detox may be more pronounced or prolonged in people who have used large amounts or who have taken Lyrica over an extended period of time.

Causes of Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms

Chronic Lyrica use can lead to dependence, where the body adapts to the drug in such a way that withdrawal symptoms develop when use is decreased or suddenly stopped.⁸ Without the proper care and support, dependence can be difficult to overcome and it is possible that use will continue, potentially becoming more severe.

Lyrica Withdrawal Treatment

Undergoing professional detox treatment with appropriate medical management can ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal period to begin the recovery process when you stop using Lyrica.

For the most effective results, it is recommended that detox should be followed by participation in a formal addiction treatment program to increase the likelihood of long-term recovery.⁹

Participating in a formal Lyrica addiction treatment program can help to strengthen and solidify recovery, aid in the development of a sober support network, develop a sense of accountability, and help a person learn and practice relapse prevention techniques that are helpful in maintaining long-term sobriety. Formal treatment also provides peer support, professional therapeutic techniques, and medical or psychiatric support services.

Each person has their own unique treatment needs, therefore there are various types of treatment available. These include:⁹

• Detox facilities: These clinics provide a safe, medically supervised environment where people can detox safely from Lyrica. Medical and counseling professionals are on hand to provide support for the duration of detox and monitor people for risks or complications.
• Inpatient treatment: Treatment occurs in a residential facility where people stay for varying lengths of time, often from a period of 28 days to 60 days or 90 days. The facility provides a safe and structured sober environment where people receive intensive group and individual therapy sessions, as well as medical and psychiatric monitoring if necessary.
• Partial hospitalization: This type of treatment, also known as PHP, provides medical care and intensive individual and group therapy sessions while allowing people to live outside of the facility and still attend to family and home responsibilities. Partial hospitalization usually requires more of a time commitment than standard outpatient care.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient addiction recovery programs, such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or standard outpatient programs, allow people to take care of demands at work, school, and home while receiving top-quality treatment in both group and individual formats. Depending on the type of outpatient program, access to psychiatric and medical support may also be provided.

Medications for Lyrica Withdrawal

A lot of people wonder how to wean off Lyrica, but Lyrica withdrawal management is fairly new to the addiction treatment community, and a formal treatment protocol has not been established.

According to addiction treatment professionals, Lyrica withdrawal management is safest when it’s medically supervised. Clinicians may use a gradual, individualized dose reduction to help lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, rather than stopping abruptly.² It's important not to attempt to taper off of Lyrica on your own. Talk with a doctor or detox provider to determine the safest plan for your situation.²

Additionally, treatment professionals may use certain medications like clonidine to manage some of the specific symptoms of withdrawal.² Based on their evaluation of the person, these professionals can use their own discretion to determine which medications, if any, may be most helpful.

Medical detox professionals may prescribe other medications to treat symptoms of withdrawal, including the following:

• Seizures: If someone was prescribed Lyrica for seizures or has experienced seizures as part of the withdrawal process, it is essential to prescribe anti-seizure medication to ensure continued health and safety.²
• Gastrointestinal problems: Nausea can be managed with specific medications, such as Zofran. Diarrhea or upset stomach can be treated with Imodium.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common issue with Lyrica withdrawal. Medical detox professionals may prescribe sleep aids that are not habit-forming and have a low potential for abuse, such as trazodone.

There Is Hope for Recovery

Addiction is treatable, and a life of freedom is possible. Connect with drug and alcohol treatment centers that specialize in your specific needs, from holistic care to medication-assisted treatment. Don’t wait another day to get help; find a recovery program that works for you.