Lyrica, also known as pregabalin is a drug which is used to treat neuropathic pain, spinal pain injury and fibromyalgia. The medicine was originally approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anticonvulsant. The medicine is available as an extended-release tablet, capsule and solution, all to be taken by mouth.
Uses of Lyrica
The drug is used to treat any pain generated due to nerve damage caused due to conditions like shingles, diabetes, spinal cord injury or fibromyalgia. It is also used in combination of other medicines to treat seizures and generalized anxiety disorder as the medicine helps slow down the brain impulses. Pregabalin works by affecting the chemicals in the brain responsible for sending pain signal to the nerves.
Side Effects of Lyrica
The common side effects of the medicine include:
- Dizziness
- Trouble Concentrating
- Sleepiness
- Vision issues
- Weight change
- Dry mouth
- Swelling of face, hands or feet
- Rashes or hives
- Dangerous impulses
- Irritability
- Suicidal behavior
- Chest pain
Dosage
The medicine can be taken twice or thrice a day depending on the severity of the disease or as prescribed by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Inform your doctor about your medical history like kidney or liver disease so that the dosage could be safely determined.
If you are taking the liquid formula of lyrica, take it as per prescribed measurement. Overdose of Lyrica can lead to unwanted side effects. If you are taking the medicine on a regular basis, have it on same time everyday for desired effect. In case of missed dose, take it when you remember.
Start with a low dose of the medicine to avoid any side effects. Complete the entire prescribed course of the medicine even if your condition improves. Do not administer the medicine to children without doctor’s advice.
Precautionary Measures
- In case you develop any sort of allergy or reaction from the medicine like swelling of face, rashes or trouble breathing, discontinue the medicine immediately and seek medical help from the doctor.
- Consuming alcohol or cannabis while on Lyrica can increase the risk of getting side effects as alcohol along with the medicine can cause over drowsiness and sleepiness. It can affect your concentration and decision making power as well.
- Do not take this medicine without prescription if you are pregnant. It may cause birth defects in the unborn baby.
- Check with your doctor on the usage of the medicine in case you are a breastfeeding mother as it may pass into the breast milk.
- People with kidney problem, COPD, heart ailments, should take this medicine only when advised by the doctor.
- Stay alert to mood swings as the medicine can cause severe mental changes and suicidal behavior.
- In case you are diabetic and experience any weight change because of the medicine, reach out to your doctor immediately.
- Do not administer the medicine to children younger than 18 years.
Interaction
- Avoid taking pregabalin if you are allergic to it.
- Lyrica can interact with diabetes medicines like rosiglitazone and pioglitazone.
- It may also interact with an ACE inhibitor and seizure medicines like- captopril, moexipril, benazepril, etc.
- Taking lyrica with Narcotic pain drugs can lead to severe drowsiness and sleepiness.
- For safer use of the medicine, inform your doctor about your other medical condition like- lung disease, heart ailment, diabetes, mental disorder, bleeding disorder, alcohol addiction, etc.
