I didn't know it, but I think I was driving impaired when I had my accident.

[CTyankee]

My doctor had given me a sample of Lyrica that he had to remedy my Post Herpetic Neuralgia which I have following a bad case of Shingles. He said to me "Be careful using it."

There was no warning label since it was a sample from his office. I thought his warning meant that I shouldn't drink alcohol when taking it. I do not drink so I thought I was OK to drive. I misjudged a turnaround space and wound up on a steel barrier. The front of my car was pretty badly smashed but I could roll the car off the barrier and drive it home.

It didn't occur to me that I had been impaired by taking Lyrica. I didn't feel any different. But my judgment was obviously not right.

I now take Gabopentin but I do not take it right before going out in the car. I wait for 4 hours.

Lyrica is also very expensive as there is not a generic. But the generic will probably also have the same effect as I experienced.

Better yet, GET A SHINGLES SHOT. I got mine recently. You do NOT want Shingles or PHN.

[dem4decades]

1. Sorry to hear that. I've been on a waiting list, 2 actually, for almost a year

For the shingles vaccine.

[Tech]

2. I had a ton of problems with lyrica. The withdrawal was horrible.

I could not drive. Did the old wait for the stop sign to turn green. They kept upping my dose. Took it for fibromyalgia. 2 years later, and I still can't drive, so glad you are ok and that you are off it. I also weigh a lot more than I did before I took it. When I was still on facebook, I was in a support group. I have heard gabopentin is easier on the body, but look up withdrawals and the best way to discontinue when you stop.

[CTyankee]

3. Uh Oh. I am on a big dose of Gabopentin...Maybe I'll never have to withdraw.

See, I don't think my PHN will ever go away. It's in the nerves in my neck where I had the shingles and there is stays AFAIK...

[Tech]

4. My bil had heart surgery, and is on gaba. It does help him with the pain.

I am glad it helps you as well. I am glad you are off lyrica. I am sure I don't have to tell you to be careful with side effects. Good luck to you! Looks like I need to get in a waiting list for shingles...thanks for the warning 😁