Lyrica dosage

Lyrica dosage

The dosage of a drug is how many times you are taking the amount and number of the intended drug over a specific period.

Lyrica dosage depends on the specific medical condition it is taken for, and the severity of it.

It also depends on the age, weight, and general health of the patient.

What is Lyrica?

Lyrica is generically known as Pregabalin, is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to work as an anti-epileptic drug (anticonvulsant), and for other indications also.

How does Lyrica work?

Lyrica works by inhibiting the brain impulses causing seizures.

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

So, based on the mechanism of action, What is Lyrica used for?

Lyrica is used for,

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

It is damage to the nerves throughout the body that can occur with diabetes especially the nerves of the legs and feet.

• Postherpetic neuralgia

The most common complication happening due to shingles is postherpetic neuralgia.

It causes severe pain (burning pain) as it affects the nerve fibers and nerves, which lasts for a long period after the disappearance of rash and blisters of shingles.

 

• Fibromyalgia

It is a disorder characterized by the spreading of musculoskeletal pain.

Fibromyalgia is associated with fatigue, problems with sleeping, memory, and mood.

• Partial onset seizures

Partial onset seizures are characterized by a change in emotions and feelings, but no loss of consciousness.

• Neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury

Pain associated with spinal cord injury is common, severe, and causes reduced quality of life.

Lyrica is a very effective drug that can be used in the above medical conditions.

How Lyrica is used?

Lyrica is available in many dosage forms with many concentrations.

Capsules, tablets, oral solutions, and many others.

Concentrations range from 20 to 330 mg.

Lyrica dosage is based on the medical condition and the dosage form used in addition to other factors related to the patient.

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia Lyrica dosage are similar as the following:

Regular-release capsules:

• 50 mg every 8 hours
• Maintenance dose: the dose can be increased to 100 mg every 8 hours through 1 week
• Maximum dose: 300 mg a day

Extended-release tablets:

• 165 mg a day
• Maintenance dose: the dose can be increased to 330 mg a day through 1 week
• Maximum dose: 330 mg a day

In patients with postherpetic neuralgia, no sufficient pain relief may last till after 4 weeks of treatment, in this case, the dose may be increased to 660 mg a day.

• Fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury are also similar as the following:

The regular-release capsules and oral solutions are the only dosage forms used.

• 75 mg every 12 hours
• Maintenance dose: the dose may be increased to 150 mg every 12 hours through 1 week
• Maximum dose: 300 – 400 mg a day
• If the pain relief is not sufficient after 3 weeks in patients with neuropathic pain with spinal cord injury, the dose may be increased to 600 mg a day divided every 12 hours if tolerated
• If the dose exceeded 450 mg a day dose-dependent adverse reactions occur
• Partial onset seizures

The regular-release capsules and oral solutions are the only dosage forms used.

Lyrica is used only as adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures, not as a drug of choice.

• Lyrica dosage starts with 150 mg a day divided every 8 – 12 hours
• Maintenance dose: the dose may be increased to 600 mg a day if tolerated

Lyrica dosage modifications:

Renal impairment: dose adjustment is needed; the doctor will adjust your dose if you suffer from renal impairment

Elderly patients may also need Lyrica dosage adjustment as they may have decreased renal function.

Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is needed.

Pediatric population: the safety and efficacy of Lyrica are not established in children younger than 12 years old.

What are the adverse effects caused by Lyrica?

Lyrica dosage is one of the most important factors affecting the adverse effects the patient suffers from.

Common adverse effects

• Dizziness
• Somnolence (sleepiness)
• Peripheral edema (swelling of the limbs)
• Ataxia (problems with coordination, balance, and speech)
• Fatigue
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Weight gain
• Tremors
• Blurred vision
• Diplopia (double vision)

Less common adverse effects

• Vertigo (spinning sensation)
• Headache
• Balance problems
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Swelling of joints
• Nasopharyngitis (inflamed pharynx and nasal cavities)
• Increased liver enzymes
• Weakness and lack of energy
• Edema (swelling caused by trapped fluid in the tissues of the body) especially swelling of the face
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Neuropathy (damage of one or more than one nerve)
• Pain
• Disorientation (altered mental status)
• Accidental injury
• Abnormal thoughts
• Confusion
• Amnesia (memory loss)

Regular Lyrica dosage is the average recommended dosage by the doctors for each medical condition, however, the dosage for any drug is determined based on many factors, type of medical condition, the severity of it, age of the patient, and others.

Lyrica tablets

Lyrica pregabalin

Lyrica capsules