What is Lyrica?
Lyrica is an anticonvulsant that was approved by the FDA as an antiepileptic. It slows down the impulses that are responsible for seizures. Pregabalin affects brain chemicals that transmit pain signals to the nervous system.Lyrica can be used to treat pain from fibromyalgia or nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster, or spinal cord injuries.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Lyrica.
Warnings
A severe allergic reaction can occur with Lyrica. If you experience hives, blisters, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, stop taking this medication and get emergency medical attention.While taking Lyrica, some people experience suicidal thoughts. Be mindful of any sudden shifts in mood or symptoms. Notify your doctor of any new symptoms or symptoms that worsen.Call your doctor immediately if you experience swelling or weight gain in your hands and feet when taking Lyrica if you suffer from diabetes or heart disease.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking this medication. Sudden stopping may result in withdrawal symptoms.Do not alter your dosage without consulting with your physician first. If the medication is not working as well to treat your condition, tell your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to pregabalin, then Lyrica should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lyrica will be safe for you:
- COPD, chronic obstructive lung disease;
- A mood disorder, depression, or suicidal feelings;
- Heart problems (especially congestive cardiac failure);
- A bleeding disorder or low platelet levels in your blood.
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Diabetes (except if you are taking pregabalin for diabetic neuropathy);
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Angioedema is a severe allergic response.
Do not administer this medicine without first consulting with a doctor.
- Pregabalin has not been approved to be used by anyone under 18 years of age for the treatment of nerve pain due to fibromyalgia or other conditions such as diabetes, herpes, and spinal cord injuries.
- Pregabalin does not have approval for seizure treatment in children younger than one month.
Lyrica can lead to suicidal thoughts for some individuals. You will be required to visit your doctor regularly in order to monitor your progress. Your family should remain aware of any shift in mood or symptoms.If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about taking seizure medications. During pregnancy, seizure control becomes more important. A seizure can harm both the mother and the baby. Do not start or stop this medication without consulting your doctor. Also, tell your doctor immediately if you get pregnant.You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track the effects pregabalin has on the child.Pregabalin may temporarily reduce sperm counts and affect men's fertility (the ability to bear children). Pregabalin has also been shown to cause birth defects in male offspring treated with the drug. It is unknown if these effects will occur in humans. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.Pregabalin should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Lyrica?
Follow your doctor's instructions and take Lyrica only as directed. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating.Do not chew or crush a tablet. Swallow it whole.Use the provided dosing syringe or a dose-measuring cup or spoon to measure liquid medicines.Consult with your pharmacist if you do not possess an instrument capable of measuring doses accurately.If your symptoms continue or worsen, visit a medical practitioner immediately.Do not stop taking Lyrica abruptly, despite feeling fine. Sudden stopping can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or increased seizures. You should follow your doctor's advice and taper your dosage for at least a week before you stop completely.Wear or carry a medical identification card to alert others that you are taking seizure medication.Store products safely away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature to maintain maximum shelf life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may cause certain side effects to be worsened by Lyrica.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Lyrica
Lyrica may cause an allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, blisters, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, stop taking Lyrica and seek emergency medical attention.
You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including depression, anxiety, or panic attacks, or if you are feeling impulsive, irritable, or agitated.
If you experience:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Blue-coloured lips, skin, and fingers;
- Confusion, extreme weakness, or drowsiness;
- Vision problems
- Skin sores (if diabetes is present)
- Easy bruising and unusual bleedin
- If you experience swelling of the hands or feet or rapid weight gain (especially if diabetes or heart disease are present),
- Unexplained pain, tenderness, or weakness in the muscles (especially if there is a fever or you feel unwell).
Pregabalin may cause breathing problems that are life-threatening. Someone caring for you must seek immediate medical attention if your breathing is slow with long pauses or you have blue lips. Breathing issues may be more common in older adults and people with COPD.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any new skin lesions or sores.
Side effects of Lyrica include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Trouble concentrating
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Lyrica can have dangerous side effects, including death, when taken with other drugs that slow breathing.
Inform your physician of any other medications taken, including:
- Oral diabetes medicine: pioglitazone, rosiglitazone,
- An ACE inhibitor is benazepril (captopril), enalapril (fosinopril), lisinopril (fosinopril), moexipril (“moexipril”), perindopril (“perindopril”), quinapril (“ramipril”), or trandolapril (“trandolapril”).
- Any other seizure medication
This list is incomplete. Pregabalin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all drug interactions.
