Lyrica (Pregabalin) Withdrawal Symptoms: When Do They Start and How Long Do They Last?

Lyrica (pregabalin) withdrawal symptoms may occur when the dose is reduced or the medicine is stopped abruptly, even if it was taken as prescribed. Possible symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea and tremors. In some circumstances, serious complications such as seizures may occur. There is no single onset time or duration that applies to everyone. Anyone considering stopping pregabalin should speak with their prescriber about an individualised tapering plan. [1] [2]

This guide explains what may happen after a dose reduction, how clinicians distinguish withdrawal from the return of pain or anxiety, and when urgent assessment is necessary. For general information about the medicine, its uses and risks, see Masar’s comprehensive guide to Lyrica (in Arabic).

When do Lyrica withdrawal symptoms start?

Withdrawal symptoms can begin relatively soon after reducing or stopping pregabalin, but the timing varies from person to person. It is inaccurate to say that they always begin exactly 24 hours after the last capsule. Some people notice symptoms during the first few days, while others have few or no noticeable symptoms with an appropriate tapering plan. [3]

A clinician may suspect withdrawal when new symptoms develop soon after a dose reduction or previously controlled symptoms return more intensely or in an unfamiliar form. Other potential causes must also be considered before attributing symptoms to withdrawal. [3]

What are the physical and psychological symptoms?

Possible withdrawal symptoms include changes in sleep and mood alongside physical discomfort. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and their severity varies according to medical history and individual circumstances. [1] [4]

Some people experience more severe symptoms that require prompt medical assessment. However, a headache or episode of anxiety after stopping pregabalin is not automatically a withdrawal symptom: other medical causes may need to be investigated.

How long do pregabalin withdrawal symptoms last?

There is no fixed number of days for everyone. Symptoms may improve gradually when the taper is adjusted, while other people experience symptoms for longer or notice them after successive dose reductions. Promising complete recovery within two days, or giving everyone the same withdrawal timeline, would be misleading. [2] [3]

It is important to distinguish how long withdrawal symptoms last from how long the tapering programme takes. Symptoms describe the discomfort a person experiences. A tapering plan may last weeks and sometimes months, particularly after prolonged use, higher doses or difficulty tolerating reductions. A longer taper does not mean symptoms persist throughout that entire period. [2]

What affects the timeline?

• The current daily dose, duration of use and speed of dose reduction.

• The reason pregabalin was prescribed, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain or anxiety.

• Other medicines or substances being used, including sedatives and alcohol.

• Coexisting medical conditions, kidney function and previous difficulties with withdrawal.

The prescriber considers these factors when planning a suitable taper rather than applying one schedule to everyone.

Who may be at greater risk of severe withdrawal?

Closer monitoring may be needed after long-term use, at high doses, or when the medicine is stopped suddenly. A history of substance use disorder or coexisting mental health conditions may also affect the assessment. Nevertheless, physical dependence can develop even when a medicine is taken exactly as prescribed; it should not be treated as evidence that a patient has done something wrong. [2]

People taking pregabalin for epilepsy need particular care, as missed doses or abrupt discontinuation may trigger seizures. Kidney function and other prescribed medicines should also be reviewed before the dose is changed. [1]

Withdrawal or return of the original condition?

Not every episode of pain or anxiety after stopping Lyrica is due to withdrawal. The nerve pain or anxiety previously controlled by pregabalin may return, and withdrawal and recurrence can happen at the same time. NICE recommends considering the timing and nature of symptoms rather than assuming a single explanation. [3]

Keeping a record of when the dose was changed, when symptoms began, their severity and any new medicines can help the clinician make a more informed decision.

Does withdrawal mean someone is addicted to Lyrica?

No. Physical dependence and addiction are not the same thing. Withdrawal may occur when the body adapts to regular use of a medicine and the dose is then reduced, even if the person has not misused it. Addiction generally involves impaired control over use, continued use despite harm or compulsive urges to take the substance. [2]

If you have been prescribed pregabalin for a diagnosed condition, do not change your treatment solely because you are concerned about the word “addiction.” Discuss the benefits, risks and any discontinuation plan with your clinician.

How can you stop taking Lyrica safely?

The usual approach is a gradual dose reduction under medical supervision, rather than stopping abruptly. No single tapering schedule suits everyone. The rate of reduction depends on the reason for treatment, the dose, other health conditions and how well the person tolerates the changes. [1] [3]

How is a tapering plan developed?

• Review the clinical need: Is pregabalin still needed for neuropathic pain, epilepsy or another condition?

• Review medicines and health factors: Confirm the current dose, duration of use, other treatments and kidney function.

• Agree on gradual reductions: Choose dose-reduction steps appropriate to the individual, with adjustments when needed.

• Arrange follow-up: Review sleep, anxiety, pain and new symptoms, and update the plan if necessary.

• Continue treating the underlying condition: Ensure there is a plan for pain, anxiety or the relevant neurological condition.

NICE recommends that gabapentinoid doses are generally reduced by fixed amounts at each step. This is guidance for clinicians designing individual plans, not a do-it-yourself dosing instruction. [3]

What should you do if symptoms appear during tapering?

If troublesome symptoms develop after changing your dose, contact the clinician managing your treatment before making any further changes. Depending on the assessment, they may reconsider the speed of tapering, delay the next reduction or investigate another cause. [3]

• Write down your symptoms, when they began and whether they followed a dose change.

• Tell your clinician about all medicines, sedatives, alcohol and other substances you use; this information is important for safety.

• Do not double up missed doses or start taking additional sedatives without medical advice.

• Seek urgent assessment if symptoms include severe psychological distress or thoughts of self-harm, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

When should you seek urgent medical help?

Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if someone has a seizure, loses consciousness, develops significant breathing difficulties or cannot be woken. Do not delay if there are thoughts or intentions of self-harm. These signs require urgent attention whether they relate to a pregabalin dose change or another cause. [1] [5]

It is important to distinguish the risks of withdrawal from those of overdose or combining pregabalin with other sedating substances. Respiratory depression is particularly associated with pregabalin used alongside opioids or other central nervous system depressants; it is not a typical withdrawal symptom. [5]

When is specialist treatment or hospital care needed?

Not everyone who stops taking Lyrica requires hospital admission or a residential detoxification programme. People using it as prescribed may be able to taper with outpatient follow-up. The need for more intensive care depends on withdrawal severity, seizure risk, co-use of other substances and the person’s mental and physical health.

If the person has lost control over their use or continues taking pregabalin despite harmful consequences, an assessment for a possible substance use disorder may be appropriate. Treatment should also address contributing factors and coexisting conditions. Tapering the medicine alone does not necessarily address addictive behaviour.

At Masar Center in Jeddah, care can begin with a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of support. For more on treatment options, see stages of addiction treatment (Arabic) or how to take the first step towards treatment (Arabic).

Frequently asked questions about stopping Lyrica

Medical references

1. NHS — How and when to take pregabalin
2. MHRA — Strengthened information on addiction, dependence, withdrawal and tolerance (8 January 2026)
3. NICE NG215 — Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: recommendations
4. NHS — Common questions about pregabalin
5. FDA — Serious breathing problems with gabapentin and pregabalin

This article is for health education and is not a substitute for medical assessment. Decisions about treatment and medication dose changes must be made by an appropriate clinician based on individual needs.