The startup side effects from SSRI drugs can last for equally as long if not longer. Also as many have found the withdrawal syndrome can be protracted and painful (including me - I was hospitalized with it).
Long term use of benzodiazepines can cause addiction and cognitive impairment.
Name a medication that doesn't cause some kind of annoying side effects! Propranolol makes people wheeze, Ibuprofen causes stomach upset.
I've chosen to try Lyrica again because it was better than lying in bed with extreme anxiety drinking vodka all day. With all medications it's a trade off of side effects versus benefits.
Benefits for me today is that I am out of bed, not drunk and spending quality time with my daughter - living my life.
Fuzzy is not something I'm hugely worried about to be honest - having lived the last 10 years with a hangover - fuzzy is nothing new. So perhaps some perspective is missing here because for me the side effects of the Lyrica are inconsequential to a shortened, wasted life.
And as for blood sugar levels. Cut the sugar and simple carbs out the diet, and take regular exercise.
Just saying....