Lyrica is a brand (trade) name for pregabalin. Lyrica may be used in the treatment of some seizure disorders and also for the control of nerve pain.
Research has shown that Lyrica binds strongly to a specific site (called the alpha2-delta site) on voltage-gated calcium channels. This action is thought to be the mechanism for its nerve-pain relieving and anti-seizure properties.
May be used to treat nerve pain associated with diabetes, shingles infection, and spinal cord injuries.
May be used in addition to other medications for the treatment of partial-onset seizures.
May be used in the management of fibromyalgia.
Appears to have few drug interactions, although a compounding of side effects (such as sedation) may be seen if Lyrica is used with other drugs with similar side effects.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:
May cause dizziness, drowsiness, and affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.
May cause edema (fluid retention), particularly in the feet or hands. This may be noticed as weight gain, although weight gain can occur independently of fluid retention. Rarely, may cause potentially life-threatening angioedema (a swelling of the face, mouth or neck). People taking other medications that have also been associated with angioedema (such as ACE inhibitors) may be more at risk.
Other side effects include a headache, tremor, abnormal thinking, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, lack of energy, changes in some laboratory test results, and ECG changes.
The dosage of Lyrica needs reducing in people with kidney disease.
Similar to other medicines used to treat seizures, Lyrica increases the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
Avoid abrupt or rapid discontinuation as discontinuation symptoms (including insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, increased sweating and diarrhea) have been reported. Taper dosage down gradually on a doctor’s advice over a minimum of one week.
There is currently no generic version of Lyrica available in the United States.
Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects