Pregabalin drug class

What is the Pregabalin drug class?

• The Pregabalin drug class is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. When nerves are damaged they send pain signals in the body different parts, Pregabalin works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Why is Pregabalin prescribed?

• Pregabalin is used to relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves) resulting from a spinal cord injury, diabetes, and post-herpetic neuralgia (the burning pain that lasts for months or years due to herpes zoster “shingles’ attack”).
• Pregabalin is also used for the treatment of fibromyalgia (long-lasting pain, muscle stiffness, tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling or staying asleep).
• Pain from damaged nerves may occur in the hands, arms, fingers, toes, legs, or feet. Pregabalin drug class (anticonvulsants) act to reduce and relieve this pain.
• Pregabalin with other anticonvulsants (as adjunctive therapy) can be used for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients starting from one month of age and older.

Pregabalin drug class

The Pregabalin drug class anticonvulsants are associated with several conditions such as

• DPN (diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain)
• FM (fibromyalgia)
• Epilepsies
• Neuropathic pain
• Peripheral neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Generalized anxiety disorders
• Partial onset seizures.

Before taking Pregabalin

Before using Pregabalin you should make sure that it is safe for you, that’s why you should tell your doctor if you:

• Have ever had a lung disease like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Have ever had heart diseases (like congestive heart failure)
• Have ever had kidney disease or if you are on dialysis
• Have ever had a mood disorder, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Have ever had a bleeding disorder or decreased platelet level in the blood
• Have diabetes (unless you need Pregabalin to treat diabetic neuropathy
• Have ever had drug or alcohol addiction
• Have ever had angioedema (allergic reaction)
• Are pregnant, your doctor should track the effect of the medicine on the baby.

Warnings

• Pregabalin can cause severe allergic reactions that if happened it will require stopping the medication immediately and calling the medical emergency at once. These severe allergic reactions include hives or blisters on the skin, swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Stay alert to changes in mood that would occur especially in patients who have suicidal thoughts.
• If you have heart problems or diabetes and you notice swelling in your hands or feet while taking Pregabalin call your healthcare provider.
• To avoid withdrawal symptoms do not stop using Pregabalin suddenly even if you feel fine.
• Unless your doctor advises you, do not change the dose prescribed for you. However, tell your doctor if you don’t feel improvement.
• Do not give Pregabalin to a child without medical advice, as it is not approved for patients younger than 18 years old to treat nerve pain caused by herpes zoster, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or spinal cord injury.
• Pregabalin is not approved for patients with seizures younger than 1-month-old.
• Pregabalin can temporarily decrease the count of sperm which may affect fertility in men, so ask your doctor about the risks.
• While breastfeeding, you should not use Pregabalin.

How should you take Pregabalin?

• Pregabalin should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Read all the instructions and the medication guides. Follow your doctor’s advice accurately.
• Pregabalin can be taken with or without food.
• Pregabalin should be taken at the same time every day.
• Pregabalin whole tablet should be swallowed with enough water, avoiding chewing or breaking the extended-release tablet.
• Pregabalin should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, light, or moisture.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Pregabalin take it once you remember or once it is available, unless it is time for the next dose, you should not take two doses at the same time.

Overdose

If you take too much Pregabalin by accident, call the emergency medical attention at once.

Pregabalin side effects

Common side effects may include

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Trouble concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Numbness
• Acute pain in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
• Burning
• Tingling
• Headache
• Loss of memory
• Poor insight and judgment
• Difficulty with speaking
• Change in walking and balance
• Pain in the lower back or side
• Painful or difficult urination
• Problems with memory or speech
• Rapid weight gain
• Double vision
• Dry mouth

Less common side effects may include

• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Decrease or change in vision
• Depression
• Nightmares
• Loss of bladder control
• Pain
• Eye disorder
• False or unusual sense of well-being
• A general feeling of discomfort or illness
• Increased hunger
• Feeling of fullness
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of strength or energy

Drug interactions

Some drugs may cause serious interactions if they are used with Pregabalin simultaneously. You should seek alternatives for these drugs.

• Benazepril
• Enalapril
• Metoclopramide intranasal
• Lisinopril
• Fosinopril
• Imidapril
• Captopril
• Moexipril
• Trandolapril
• Sirolimus
• Everolimus
• Perindopril
• Quinapril
• Ramipril
• Temsirolimus

Consult your doctor about the information displayed in the article to ensure that it matches your circumstances.

Lyrica medicine

Side effects of Lyrica

Lyrica pregabalin side effects

 

Side effects of Lyrica

Lyrica is a medicine containing the active constituent pregabalin.

Pregabalin works by slowing down the impulses responsible for inducing seizures in the brain.

It also affects the chemicals sending the signals for pain across the nervous system.

However, the side effects of Lyrica may be very upsetting and irritating to the patient.

Uses and indications of Lyrica:

Lyrica is used in adults to help in treating,

• Neuropathic pain (pain resulting from damage to the nerve), such as the peripheral neuropathic pain experienced by diabetic patients or experienced after the infection with herpes zoster (shingles), or the central neuropathic pain experienced after an injury to the spinal cord
• An add-on treatment in patients with epilepsy experiencing partial seizures and their current treatment can’t control them
• Generalized anxiety disorder (severe anxiety about everyday matters)
• Fibromyalgia (weakness and pain spreading all over the body)

Dosage and administration:

Lyrica is available in the form of capsules and oral solutions with many different concentrations.

Generally, the dosage ranges from 150 to 600 mg daily divided into 2 to 3 doses.

 

Neuropathic pain and epilepsy:

The dose can start with 150 mg daily divided into 2 or 3 doses.

It may be increased on an interval of 3 to 7 days to 300 mg to a maximum of 600 mg based on the patient’s response and tolerability.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD):

The dosage ranges from 150 to 600 mg in 2 or 3 divided doses, with the regular reassessment of the medical condition and response to treatment.

The dose is increased by 150 mg each week based on the response to treatment and tolerability.

Fibromyalgia:

The dose can start with 150 mg daily divided into 2 or 3 doses.

It may be increased on an interval of 3 to 7 days from 300 to 400 mg daily.

A dose of more than 450 mg daily is not recommended.

Dosage modifications:

• Renal impairment: consult with your doctor the dose of Lyrica if you suffer from renal impairment as a lower dose will be needed
• Hepatic impairment: you won’t need a dose adjustment if you are suffering from hepatic impairment

Side effects of Lyrica:

In this article, we will differentiate between the side effects of Lyrica according to the body area affected.

 

General

The most common side effects are dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness), dry mouth, edema (swelling throughout the body), blurred vision, increased weight, concentration and attention difficulties, and thinking abnormalities.

In pediatric patients, increased appetite and weight gaining are the most reported side effects of Lyrica.

Nervous system

In pediatric patients treated for partial-onset seizures, somnolence, lethargy (lack of energy), sluggishness (acting more slowly), and hypersomnia (excessive sleeping time).

Patients treated for central neuropathic pain caused by a spinal cord injury; somnolence is the most common side effect due to an addition of the already used medications.

Respiratory failure and coma were also reported as side effects of Lyrica.

Very common: Dizziness and somnolence

Common: Neuropathy (damage in one or more of the nerves), ataxia (group of disorders affecting coordination, balance, and speech), vertigo (a condition causing spinning sensation), incoordination, tremors, walking abnormalities, headache, speech problems, and twitching

Cardiovascular

Very common: Peripheral edema (swelling of the extremities)

Common: chest pain

 

Psychiatric

The common side effects of Lyrica are confusion, euphoria, amnesia (memory problems), nervousness, irritability, disorientation, insomnia (sleeping problems), decreased libido (sexual drive), attention disturbances, anxiety, depersonalization (feeling out of self), stupor (a state near to unconsciousness), and thinking abnormalities

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are uncommon side effects of Lyrica

Dermatologic

Angioedema is a medical condition including swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and throat.

It may be a life-threatening condition if it was joined with respiratory compromise.

Common: Ecchymosis (a type of bruising), and pruritis (itching caused by dry skin)

Gastrointestinal

Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal distention, and gastroenteritis (a common medical condition causing diarrhea and vomiting) are the common side effects of Lyrica affecting the gastrointestinal system

Genitourinary

Urinary incontinence (loss of control on the bladder), erectile dysfunction, impotence (inability to keep a firm erection for having a sexual activity), and urinary frequency (a sudden urge to urinate without the ability to control).

Immunologic

Very common: infection

Common: Influenza

Musculoskeletal

Common musculoskeletal side effects of Lyrica include: Myasthenia (weakness and fatigue), muscle cramps, arthralgia (stiffness of joints), back pain, pain in the limbs, cervical spasms, and leg cramps

Ocular

Very common: visual changes

Common: Blurred and abnormal vision, diplopia (double vision), and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye)

Respiratory

Common side effects of Lyrica affecting the respiratory system are dyspnea (breathing difficulties), bronchitis (infection in the airways of the lung), and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal cavities and the pharynx).

Side effects of Lyrica are not limited to the mentioned ones, so if you suffered from any undesirable symptoms or signs while taking Lyrica, make sure to tell your doctor about them to take the right action either by decreasing the dose or discontinuing the drug.

 

Pregabalin Lyrica

Pregabalin Lyrica:

Pregabalin is an active ingredient of the brand name Lyrica.

Pregabalin Lyrica is anticonvulsant and anxiolytic.

What are indications of pregabalin Lyrica?

Pregabalin Lyrica can be used for treatment:

• Seizures: certain types of seizure that’s why pregabalin Lyrica is known as an anticonvulsant.
• Neuropathic pain: nerves pain due to complications of long-term diabetes.
• Fibromyalgia: pregabalin Lyrica is used as an alternative agent in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
• Postherpetic neuralgia: nerve pain post herpes zoster infection as a complication of herpes infection.
• Spinal cord injury: nerves pain due to spinal cord injury.
• Generalized anxiety disorder: as anxiolytic medications.

 

Pregabalin Lyrica side effects:

Your doctor will discuss with you possible side effects that may occur before starting a treatment.

Side effects include:

 

• Chest pain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Hypotension or hypertension.
• Peripheral edema.
• Weight gain.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Blurred vision.
• Decreased libido.
• Dry mouth.

In severe cases the following side effects may occur:

 

• Severe dizziness.
• Mental problems.
• Suicidal attempts.
• Severe allergic reaction.
• Trouble breathing.
• Unusual change in your mood.

In that case, call your doctor and stop the medication immediately.

Pregabalin Lyrica dosages and strengths:

Pregabalin Lyrica found in many dosages form and in different strengths:

• Capsules: are found in strengths 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg
• Tablets: are found in extended-release form in strengths 82.5mg, 165mg, 330mg.
• Oral solutions: in strength 20mg/ml.

How to use pregabalin Lyrica?

You should follow your doctor’s instructions when starting the treatment.

The following are tips you should follow:

• You should not chew or crush the tablet.
• You should swallow the whole tablet.
• You should use it by your mouth.
• You may use it with or without food.
• You should take it in a scheduled manner.
• You should not stop it suddenly.
• You should keep it away from heat and light.
• You should avoid alcohol during the treatment.

Pregabalin Lyrica warnings and precautions:

Many medical conditions are use of pregabalin Lyrica that may be contraindicated:

• Cardiovascular disorders: due to peripheral edema of pregabalin Lyrica, use in congestive heart failure is contraindicated.
• Peripheral edema: a common side effect of pregabalin Lyrica, so use with cautions in heart failure patients and medications cause weight gain.
• Severe allergic and hypersensitivity reactions: you should not use if you have an allergy to pregabalin Lyrica.
• Severe renal impairment: there is a specific dose adjustment according to the degree of impairment, so you should tell your doctor if you have renal impairment.
• Respiratory depression: a life-threatening condition and mainly occurs in the elderly and patients with had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

So, you must tell your doctor if you have the following medical conditions before starting the treatment:

• If you have an allergy to pregabalin.
• If you have a heart failure.
• If you have suicidal thoughts.
• If you have depression.
• If you have renal impairment.
• If you have a bleeding disorder like in the case of thrombocytopenia which is low platelets count.
• If you have respiratory disorders especially obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Things you should not do once start the treatment:

• You should not drink alcohol in concomitant with the treatment.
• You should not drive.
• You should not operate machinery.
• You should not stop the medication suddenly without referring to your doctor.
• You should not use it if you have a previous allergy to it.

Pregabalin Lyrica overdose signs and symptoms:

Pregabalin Lyrica overdose causes:

• Ingestion of too much dose.
• The use of concomitant medications increases the effect of pregabalin Lyrica due to interactions.

Signs and symptoms of overdose:

 

• Trouble breathing.
• Reduced consciousness.
• Heart block.

If you feel one of the previous side effects, you should call your doctor, stop medications, and visit the emergency department.

Pregabalin Lyrica and other medications interactions:

Many drug-drug interactions may occur.

So, you need to revise your medications with your doctor.

Examples of these interactions:

Medications should avoid concomitant use:

 

Medications decrease effects of pregabalin Lyrica:

 

Medications increase the effect of pregabalin Lyrica:

 

• Kava-kava.
• Magnesium sulfate.

Besides all these interactions, pregabalin Lyrica affect the efficacy and safety of other medications:

 

• CNS depressant.
• Oxybate salt products.

Pregabalin Lyrica use in special populations:

• Elderly: Use with caution in the elderly and you should start with a low dose and increase it gradually.
• Pediatrics: pregabalin Lyrica not FDA-approved in pediatric.
• Renal impairment: a specific dose adjustment is necessary.
• Cardiac patient: use with caution especially in congestive heart failure patients.
• Pregnancy: under the supervision of your doctor, it may be used in certain cases to control seizures.
• Lactating: should be avoided in breastfeeding as it can be secreted in milk.

Lyrica 25 mg

 

Pregabalin

 

Lyrica side effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lyrica 25 mg

Lyrica 25 mg is a drug containing pregabalin as a main active constituent.

Pfizer first announced on Sep.2, 2004, that Lyrica was approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain on Dec. 31, 2004.

Neuropathic pain

is a chronic medical condition causing pain, it happens by progressive and chronic nerve disease.

It may also occur as a result of an injury or an infection.

Lyrica 25 mg is used in managing the neuropathic pain caused by diabetes and postherpetic neuralgia (the most famous complication happening after shingles).

It was also approved at the same time for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved it as the first drug for treating fibromyalgia. On Jun. 22, 2007.

 

Fibromyalgia

is a disorder causing musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep, and problems with mood and memory.

It changes the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals causing amplified painful sensations.

On Jun. 21, 2012, The FDA approved Lyrica for managing neuropathic pain coming after a spinal cord injury.

However, this is not the end of the uses of Lyrica 25 mg, Lyrica also can be used off-label in generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain conditions not approved by the FDA.

Generalized anxiety disorder,

also known as GAD, is excessive and exaggerated anxiety and worries for no apparent reason.

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is marked by an intense and persistent fear of being in some social situations.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem characterized by extreme mood swings between mania (high emotional state) and depression (low emotional state), and it was formerly known as manic depression.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder causing difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in staying asleep, or waking up too early without the ability to get back to sleep.

So, what is this Lyrica 25 mg?

Lyrica is pregabalin that works by slowing down the impulses causing seizures in the brain and affecting the chemicals sending the pain signals throughout the nervous system.

Warnings:

• Lyrica 25 mg may cause allergy including symptoms such as, hives or blisters on the skin, troubles with breathing, or swelling in the face, mouth, or throat.
• Some patients experience thoughts about suicide while taking Lyrica, so, you have to be alert about any changes in mood or symptoms, and report these changes to your doctor.
• If you are a diabetic patient or if you are having heart problems, call your doctor if you have weight gain or swelling in the limbs while taking Lyrica.
• Lyrica is only approved in patients younger than 18 years old only in managing seizures, and for that also not in patients younger than 1 month old.
• Lyrica 25 mg can temporarily decrease the count of sperms affecting fertility in men.

In animal studies, offspring born to males taking pregabalin were experiencing birth defects, however, it is not known if there are similar effects in humans.

• Controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important, as having a seizure may harm both the mother and the baby, that’s why you should not start or stop taking a new medicine including Lyrica during pregnancy without the consultation of your doctor.
• Don’t drive nor operate hazardous machinery while taking Lyrica until you understand how Lyrica affects you to avoid any accidents.

Before taking Lyrica, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Lung diseases, such as OPD (obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Mood disorders, such as depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Heart diseases, including congestive heart failure
• Bleeding disorders, or decreased platelets levels in the blood
• Kidney impairment especially if you were on dialysis
• Diabetes, except if you were taking it for neuropathic pain caused by diabetes
• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Angioedema (it can arise with hives or without, causing swelling around the face and lips)

Interactions:

• Lyrica 25 mg may interact with other drugs, including those slowing breathing causing serious or dangerous side effects, and they may even lead to death.

 

You need to tell your doctor before using:

• an opioid, sleeping pills, a cold or allergy medicine, a muscle relaxant, or other medicines for anxiety and seizures.
• Oral diabetic medicines, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone
• ACE inhibitors (antihypertensive medicines), such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
• Other antiseizure medicines

Other medicines may also get interacted with Lyrica, so make sure to tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking before taking a new one.

Not just drugs, alcohol increases the Lyrica nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and concentration difficulties.

Some patients may even experience thinking and judgment impairment.

Being honest and accurate with the information you are giving to your doctor makes you avoid any dangers from interactions of the drug such as Lyrica 25 mg, and the serious side effects caused as well.

Lyrica medication side effects

Lyrica side effects

Pregabalin

 

Lyrica side effects

Side effects such as Lyrica side effects are a result of undesirable effects caused by the medication, other than treating the target problem.

They range from minor to severe to life-threatening.

Most side effects are more likely to occur as soon as you start to take the drug, however, some of them may only happen after long-term use or after increasing the dose.

Some of these side effects go away with the continuation of the drug and some of them persist, and may even need interference from the doctor either by decreasing the dose or using an alternative drug.

Side effects are differentiated into:

• Very common side effects

1 from 10 patients are more likely to have this side effect

• Common side effects

Between 1 from 10 patients and 1 from 100 patients may be affected by this side effect

• Uncommon side effects

Between 1 from 100 patients and 1 from 1000 patients are more likely to get affected

• Rare side effects

Between 1 from 1000 patients and 1 from 10000 patients may be affected by this side effect

• Very rare side effects

Fewer than 1 from every 10000 patients is affected

To reduce these side effects:

• Take the medication exactly as the prescriber advised
• Medications causing drowsiness are best to be taken at night
• Make sure to read the medication guide provided with the package carefully before taking the medication
• Don’t share medications with other patients even if you have the same medical condition and the same symptoms
• Never take a higher dose than prescribed
• Don’t combine medicines without consultation with your doctor, even if it is an over-the-counter drug
• Don’t take medicines in combination with alcohol or certain foods that should not be taken with some drugs
• Patients should always inform their doctors about other chronic medical conditions or other used drugs

What is Lyrica?

Lyrica is a drug that contains pregabalin as a main active constituent.

It was mainly approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to work as an anti-epileptic drug (anticonvulsant).

How does Lyrica work?

Lyrica works by inhibiting the brain impulses responsible for seizures.

It also affects the chemicals sending pain signals across the nervous system.

What is Lyrica used for?

Lyrica is mainly used as an anticonvulsant drug, but it is also used in many other medical conditions, such as

• Neuropathic pain (pain associated with diabetes resulted from damage in the nerves)
• Neuralgia (severe pain caused due to an irritated or damaged nerve) caused after the infection with a herpes zoster virus (shingles)
• Fibromyalgia (a condition causing pain and weakness all over the day)
• Neuropathic pain following an injury of the spinal cord
• Partial onset seizures

What are Lyrica side effects?

Like most drugs, Lyrica causes a bunch of side effects, but not to every patient.

• Very common side effects
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Headache
• Common side effects
• Increased appetite
• Elation feelings (Happiness and exhilaration)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Irritability
• Libido (decrease in sexual interest) and impotence (erection problems)
• Attention disturbances
• Clumsiness
• Memory impairment or loss of memory
• Tremors
• Speaking difficulties
• Tingling feelings or numbness
• Sedation
• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Insomnia (sleeping difficulties)
• Fatigue
• Abnormal feelings
• Blurred or double vision
• Vertigo (spinning sensation), balance problems, and falling
• Dry mouth
• Stomach and intestinal problems (constipation, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, and swollen abdomen)
• Edema (swelling of the body including the extremities)
• Feeling drunk causes abnormal walking
• Weight gain
• Muscles cramps, pain in the joints, back, and limbs
• Sore throat
• Uncommon side effects
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Troubled blood sugar (high or low)
• Restlessness and agitation
• Mood swings and aggression
• Depression
• Difficulty in finding words and changes in perception of self
• Hallucinations and nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Apathy (lack of interest and enthusiasm)
• Elevated mood
• Mental impairment
• Thinking difficulties
• Increased sexual interest
• Delayed ejaculation

And

• Vision changes, dry eyes, swelling, pain, and weakness in the eye, and unusual eye movements
• Jerky movements and reduced reflexes
• Increased activity
• Postural hypotension (dizziness on standing)
• Sensitive skin
• Loss of tasting sensation
• Burning sensation
• Fainting
• Increased sensitivity to noise
• Watery eyes and eyes irritation
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Fluctuations in blood pressure (high or low)
• Hot flushes
• Dry nose and nasal congestion
• Breathing difficulties
• Increased saliva
• Heartburn
• Breast pain
• Sweating and chills
• Fever
• Incontinence (urination difficulties)
• Painful menstruation
• Cold hands and feet

Lyrica side effects are a lot but that doesn’t limit the use of Lyrica, as it proved effectiveness and safety all over the years.