9 things you should know about Lyrica medication

9 things you should know about Lyrica medication

 

Lyrica (pregabalin) is an FDA-approved drug that is used to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia and certain other conditions. Here are 10 things you should know about Lyrica.

Lyrica (Pregabalin) is an anticonvulsant drug. It was first FDA approved in December 2004. Lyrica medication works by inhibiting impulses in the brain responsible for seizures. It is also used to relieve the neuropathic pain caused by many cases, as it also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the central nervous system.

 

You may have heard about Lyrica and want to know more about it and how you can get benefits from it.

A neuropathic pain reliever

Lyrica medication is used to relieve the neuropathic pain caused by many cases; fibromyalgia, pain associated with shingles (post herpes zoster), nerve pain in people with diabetes mellitus (diabetic neuropathy), or spinal cord injury.

 

Pregabalin was originally used as an anticonvulsant (in combination with other medications) in cases of partial-onset seizures in adults and children older than 30 days.

 

This medication may also be used for other indications not listed in this medication guide.

Administration and Several strengths

This medication is taken orally as prescribed. The dose should be adjusted for each case according to the underlining indication, the patient’s responsiveness and tolerability.

This medication is taken mainly two or three times daily.

Lyrica comes in several strengths; 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 225, and 300 mg. This variability helps with adjusting the dose. Also, your starting dose may be increased gradually to reach the most suitable dose.

 

May Cause Common Side Effects

Statistics show some common side effects in patients taking Lyrica medication. These adverse effects include:

 

Dizziness

Sleepiness/drowsiness

Blurred vision

Increased appetite

Weight gain

Difficulty with concentration

Edema

Swelling of the limbs

Constipation

Dry mouth

Low energy

Problems with thinking

Loss of muscle coordination

 

Serious Side Effects

Serious allergic reactions to Lyrica have been frequently reported. These reactions include swelling of the face, gums, mouth, tongue, and neck. Other patients developed difficulty breathing, rash, and blisters. If you manifest any of these symptoms, immediately stop taking Lyrica and seek medical attention.

 

Some people using Lyrica medication may have suicidal thoughts or tend to harm themselves, like most antiepileptic drugs.

If you think you have such thoughts or psychiatric symptoms (depression, agitation or anxiety), contact your doctor immediately and never stop taking the drug. The doctor may gradually lower your dosage or choose an alternative.

 

Swelling of the upper and lower limbs are another serious mark. Tell your doctor if you have a heart problem.

 

Lower the ability to drive

You should know that Lyrica has a sedative effect like other anticonvulsants, it could cause dizziness and drowsiness. It could inhibit psychomotor functions. Thus, it may impair your ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery

 

Dependence

Lyrica, the pain reliever, may cause dependence. Some people tend to misuse it. If you have a history of substance use disorder (drug or alcohol), you should inform your doctor. The health care providers may alter the medication or put you on close monitoring.

 

Do Not Stop unless your doctor decides it

You should follow the instructions of dosing and administration very accurately. You shouldn’t stop taking Lyrica without consulting your healthcare provider even if you feel much better. Consider a drug refill before you run out of it.

If you and your doctor decided to stop Lyrica medication, gradual cessation is necessary.

 

In case you missed a dose of Lyrica, skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the new dose. Don’t take two doses of this medication.

 

Pregnancy

No adequate studies have been done on pregnant women taking pregabalin. Animal studies showed the possibility of malformation in the fetus.

Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant should inform their healthcare provider before starting Lyrica medication.

This drug could be used only if the potential benefit to pregnant women outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

 

Don’t drink alcohol while taking Lyrica

Alcohol is a central nervous system sedative and also Lyrica is. The two substances could cause dizziness, drowsiness and respiration difficulties. Drinking alcohol while taking Lyrica is very dangerous.

 

 

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This is a part of what you should know about Lyrica medication.

Ask your doctor and pharmacist for further explanation and make sure that the information here is suitable for your circumstances.

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