Just found this thread after having been clean off of Lyrica for 6 months. Just wanted to share my experience with those who are just now discovering Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Gabapentin (Neurontin). The former is a much more potent form, perhaps 6x with fewer side effects due to decreased dosage, coupled with a longer half life.
First, I am am a member of the really really enjoy it group. For both I found the body high pleasant, desensitizing, and slightly uncoordinated. Mentally, thinking is slowed, sociability is increased, overall it's quite relaxing.
I started in with Neurontin and progressed to Lyrica back in '05, after discovering it's euphoric effects and then importing a KG of the latter from China. That began a love/hate affair that lasted through July of this year.
Gentlemen, if you fall into my camp and find the effects desirable, PLEASE mind your intake, taking it no more than twice a week or less if to be on the safe side. Lyrica withdrawal is hell, one of the worst I've ever experienced. Prior to this addiction, I ditched both Klonopin and Oxy habits, both per the most common recommendations found on these forums. Yea they sucked, but were ABSOLUTELY doable without the help of others. For Lyrica, rehab was a necessity.
Let me emphasize, that at one of the most famous rehab centers in North America, they had no idea how to deal with Lyrica withdrawal. I received Librium for 1 WEEK, which dear god is just amount the time it takes for one to start fully understanding all that the sudden absence of Lyrica entails. Body and mind are simply short circuited, to the point where one can feel like everything is utterly fucked, shattered, broken. I was depressed, anxious, insomniatic, paranoid, and angry, all of these to the EXTREME. My attending physicians all thought I had several serious mental disorders, and I was actually ejected from the residential program early because they could not handle me. The night I that broke down in tears, I was escorted by security to the Psyche ER. I acted out by throwing some magazines and letting my Psychiatrist know they had no idea how to treat this withdrawal. The next day I was home.
It took about 4 months for me to normalize. During that time my mood and behaviors were erratic. I know taking Neurontin during this time would have eased the pain, but from past experience it would also protract the hellish PAWS. To summarize, understand that you will hurt like all get out. Easily on the same level as benzo/opiate withdrawal, but more of a conflation of the nastiest symptoms. The kicker of course is the duration. A week without Oxy and things subside. A month tapering off benzos and there is noticeable improvement. 3-4 months is what to expect after rocking a serious Lyrica habit, perhaps a month or two with Neurontin due to its shorter half life.
I knew most of this back in 2005, and doctors still do not have a clue. You are the patient, you are the user, so take responsibility and understand the risk associated with abuse of these medications.
/end rant