Lyrica Vision Impairment

[catherine a]

Has anyone else experienced vision impairment with long term use of Lyrica? I recently lost partial vision in my left eye for a few days. My optometrist referred me immediately to the eye specialist where he found nothing amiss. (my vision was normal by the time I got there.) No macula problem, no glaucoma either. He couldn't say for sure that it could be a side effect of taking Lyrica but it is listed as a side effect: I have cut right down and only taking 25mg at night. Nothing else. I'm preparing myself to cut it out completely very soon but it's emotionally difficult to come to that decision as it helps me get a good sleep. I think 2011 will see me completely free of meds. Just wondered if anyone else has had this experience. I haven't had it again since cutting out my day time dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of pregabalin are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, edema (accumulation of fluid), blurred vision, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. Other side effects include reduced blood platelet counts, and increased blood creatinine kinase levels. Increased creatinine kinase can be a sign of muscle injury, and in clinical trials three patients experienced rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle injury). Therefore, patients should report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness to their doctors, especially if associated with fever and malaise (reduced well-being). Pregabalin has rarely been associated with angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and gums, throat and larynx).

Antiepileptic medications have been associated with increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Catherine

[Karyn]

I didn't experience vision impairment with Lyrica, but I did with Neurontin. Driving, in particular was a nightmare. Blurred vision, black spots, total loss of sight at times. My sight perception was also off. There were times it seemed everything was "coming at me". My eyeballs actually ached, too. Do yours?
Warm regards,
Karyn

[Stephanie P]

How interesting about long term use of lyrica and neurontin possibly causing visual disturbances. I don't take either, but I do take amitriptyline (elavil) at night and for the last week I've been having intermittent flashing in one eye. Sometimes, there's a dark spot at the edge of that eye. I also get very dizzy at times. I guess I'll see an eye specialist. I wonder if anyone else has experienced eye probs with amitriptyline.
All the best, Stephanie

[catherine a]

I do believe amitriptyline can cause disturbance in vision as well as other side effects. You should mention this to your doctor and see if a change in medication might help. This is what I found when searching side effects;

Always Notify Doctor:

Less Common: Blurred vision; confusion or delirium; constipation (especially in the elderly); decreased sexual ability (more common with amoxapine and clomipramine); difficulty in speaking or swallowing; eye pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat (pounding, racing, skipping); hallucinations; loss of balance control; mask-like face; nervousness or restlessness; problems in urinating; shakiness or trembling; shuffling walk; slowed movements; stiffness of arms and legs

Rare: Anxiety; breast enlargement in both males and females; hair loss; inappropriate secretion of milk - in females; increased sensitivity to sunlight; irritability; muscle twitching; red or brownish spots on skin; ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained sounds in the ears; seizures (more common with clomipramine); skin rash and itching; sore throat and fever; swelling of face and tongue; swelling of testicles (more common with amoxapine); trouble with teeth or gums (more common with clomipramine); weakness; yellow eyes or skin

[missmarple]

I used Lyrica in 2006 and had to stop it because I experienced blurred and double vision in my left eye. In 2008 I was put on Cymbalta and experienced the same thing. That time, my blurred vision improved, but not my double vision, again in my left eye. I currently have to wear a prism on my glasses to correct it as it is most disconcerting to have this. I have asked my Opthalmologist if this is related to Lyrica or Cymbalta, but as to be expected he Poo Poos that idea. I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes - (Prednisone related?), but still have to wear glasses to correct the double vision.