"my neurosurgeon prescribed lyrica after a lumbar fusion at l5-s1 to control pain. it worked great and allowed me to sleep when no other medication helped. i started at a higher dose and then as i felt better and better i only took it at night.  after about 4 months, i was ready to go back to work.  i found myself unmotivated and disinterested.  when i spoke to my gp about this, he made the connection between lyrica and my general malaise, noting that it is also used for anxiety, which i did not have. after that, we worked to wean the dosage down and i stopped taking it after a few weeks. 

my side effects included long time to wake up, general uncoordination upon waking, and some bouts of blurred vision.  i did not experience weight gain."