What is Lyrica CR?
Anticonvulsants, or antiepileptic drugs, are also known as Lyrica CR. Pregabalin slows down nerve impulses and affects chemicals in the nervous system that transmit pain signals.Lyrica CR, a prescription medication, is used to treat the pain that results from damaged nerves (diabetic neuropathy) in diabetics. Lyrica CR can also be used to treat the pain that results from damaged nerves after herpes zoster (herpes zister). Post-herpetic neuropathy is the name of this condition.Lyrica CR may be effective for treating fibromyalgia or for adults who have partial-onset seizures when combined with other seizure medications.Lyrica CR comes in three strengths: 82.5mg, 165mg, and 330mg.
Warnings
Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction. If you experience hives, blisters, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, stop taking Lyrica 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 of your hands or your feet when taking lyricacr if you suffer from diabetes or heart disease.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking Lyrica CR. Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to pregabalin, then Lyrica CR should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lyrica is safe for you:
- COPD, for example, is a lung disease.
- A mood disorder or depression;
- Heart problems (especially congestive heart failure);
- A bleeding disorder or low platelet levels in your blood.
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Diabetes (unless you take pregabalin for diabetic neuropathy).
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- A severe allergic reaction (angioedema).
Do not give this medication without first consulting with your physician.
- Lyrica CR has not been approved by the FDA for anyone under 18 years of age to treat pain from diabetes or shingles.
While taking Lyrica, some people experience suicidal thoughts. Regular visits to your doctor are required to monitor your progress. Be mindful of any shift in mood or symptoms for you or any members of your family.Pregabalin is not known to harm an unborn child. Your healthcare provider and you will decide whether you should continue to take Lyrica while pregnant.You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track the effects pregabalin has on the child.Lyrica CR may decrease sperm counts and affect men's fertility (ability to have children). Pregabalin caused birth defects in the offspring treated by males who took this medication in animal studies. It is unknown if these effects will occur in humans. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.Lyrica CR should not be used while breastfeeding.
Similar/related drugs
Gabapentin, Duloxetine, Pregabalin, Cymbalta, Lyrica, Lidocaine Topical, and Neurontin
How to take Lyrica CR?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating.Do not chew or crush an extended-release tablet.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure liquid medicine.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, consult with a physician as soon as possible.Even though you feel fine, do not abruptly stop taking Lyrica CR. Doing so could put yourself and others at risk of adverse side reactions and lead to overdosage of Lyrica CR and withdrawal symptoms. Sudden discontinuation can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should follow your doctor's advice and taper your dosage for at least a week before you stop completely.Store away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature.
Dosing information
Adult dose for diabetic neuropathy:
Extended-release:
Initial dose: Orally, 165 mg once daily after dinner
The dose may be increased up to 330mg orally, once daily within a week, depending on effectiveness and tolerance.
Maximum dose: 330 mg per day.
Comment:
The doses of 600mg per day were studied but did not seem to provide any additional benefit. Treatments with doses higher than 300mg per day are not recommended because they can cause adverse effects.
Use: Treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy associated with neuropathic symptoms
Adult dose for postherpetic neuralgia:
Extended-release:
Initial dose: Orally, 165 mg once daily after dinner
The dose may be increased up to 330mg orally, once daily within a week, depending on effectiveness and tolerance.
If, after 2 to 4 weeks of therapy with 330mg per day, the patient tolerates therapy and there is not enough pain relief, the dose can be increased to 660mg per day.
Maximum dose: 660 mg per day.
Comment:
The use of doses higher than 300 mg/day (immediate release) or 330 mg/day (extended release) is reserved for patients who are experiencing chronic pain and have tolerated lower doses. This is due to the high discontinuation rate from higher doses.
Use: Treatment of postherpetic neuropathy
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 exacerbated.Lyrics can affect your reaction. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are familiar with how they will affect you. You may be unable to react.
Side effects of Lyrica CR
Pregabalin may cause an allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, blisters, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or if your skin is covered in blisters, 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, fingers, and toes
- Confusion, extreme weakness, or drowsiness;
- Vision problems
- Skin sores (if diabetes is present);
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- 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. If you are having difficulty waking up, have blue lips, or have slow breathing, a carer should call 911. Breathing difficulties 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 CR 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 adverse side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Lyrica CR can have dangerous side effects if used with other drugs that slow breathing.
Inform your physician of any additional medications taken, including:
- Oral diabetes medicine: pioglitazone, rosiglitazone,
- An ACE inhibitor is benazepril (captopril), enalapril (fosinopril), lisinopril (lisinopril), moexipril (perindopril), quinapril, or trandolapril.
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.
