I have undergone liver biopsy (needle). The biopsy results has shown normal results. Due to pain recently at the site I was advised my doctor to take pregabalin 75 mg once daily at night for one month. I have taken it for entire month of november and stopped it as advised. But after withdrawing it, I am having severe withdrawal effects such as increased anxiety and depression. First I used to have pain in my chest floating from left to right. Gradually it receded. Then I am having neck pain currently. The neck also swells during pain. The pain suddenly disappears and it then reappears along with swelling. It also shifts from right to left. I consulted my doctor, he said the effects will with draw after some time. Other doctors are denying withdrawal effects of pregabalin and asked to consult psychiatrist. Please help me. I am being depressed because of this chronic pain in my neck. I joined yogasanas class. I don't know which doctor to consult. Please advise me on this.

Akshay ChandurkarPsychiatrist8yrs exp

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In your case it less likely that the depression and anxiety symptoms are only due to withdrawal of pregabalin. It is more likely that the depression and anxiety symptoms are triggered due to the general medical condition you have (condition which is leading to recurrent swelling and pain in your neck). As you have mentioned you have a history of irritable bowel syndrome. This also suggests that you are prone to anxiety, as this condition is more likely in patients prone to anxiety. As a yoga therapist I would say yogasanas will definitely help you in long term in both anxiety and depression symptoms. But it comes under lifestyle modifications and it may not completely take off your symptoms immediately as it may take few years of regular dedicated practice to show its effect in depression and anxiety. So it would be better to visit a psychiatrst and start on some antidepressant and anti anxiety medicine which will cure your symptoms and it will also help in irritable bowel syndrome. If you continue yogasanas and other lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, regular sleep wake pattern, your antidepressant and anti anxiety medicines can be decreased over time and may even be stopped.  

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