What is lyrica used for
Table of Contents
What is lyrica used for?
Lyrica (pregabalin) is an FDA-approved drug for use in adults. It works by slowing down certain impulses in the brain that may cause seizures. Also, it affects some chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that are responsible for sending pain signals through the nervous system.
| Thumbnail | Name | Categories | Date | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lyrica pregabalin 150mg generic | Pain relief | 2020-07-01 06:22 | £25.00 – £133.00 | Add to cart This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page £25.00 £93.00 £133.00 |
What is Lyrica used for?
Lyrica was originally FDA-approved in 2004 as an anticonvulsant drug. However, nowadays it is used to treat many conditions such as:
- Nerve pain accompanied by diabetic neuropathy.
- Pain from herpes zoster (shingles).
- Nerve pain due to spinal cord injury.
In 2017, FDA also approved Lyrica CR, extended-release tablets to be taken once daily for treating neuropathic pain accompanied by diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
After explaining what is Lyrica used for, let’s discuss its dosage.
Several factors must be taken into consideration when prescribing Lyrica including:
- Age and weight of the patient.
- What is Lyrica used for (type and severity of the condition).
- Dosage form of Lyrica.
- Other medical health conditions.
- Other prescribed medications with Lyrica.
- Side effects that may arise as a result of using Lyrica.
Usually, doctors start on a low dosage. This dose will be adjusted over time to reach the suitable amount of the drug for you.
Doctors prescribe the smallest possible dose needed to reach the desired benefit from the drug.
Patients with kidney problems should ask the doctor for dosage adjustment.
Dosage for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain due to diabetes):
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 50 mg to be taken 3 times daily. According to your body’s response to the drug, the doctor may increase this dose.
The maximum permitted dose is 100 mg 3 times per day (300 mg per day).
Child dose (0-17 years):
Lyrica is not approved for use in children younger than 18 years as it hasn’t been studied yet for children’s use.
Senior dose (64 years and more):
Low doses are recommended for this group of age. Kidneys may not work well at this age causing slow elimination of the drug from your body. This will lead to the accumulation of the drug in the body causing an increase in the risk of side effects.
Doctors start with the minimum dose that keeps a suitable amount of the drug in your body without causing any harm.
Dosage for shingles (nerve pain due to herpes zoster):
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 75-150 mg twice daily or 50-100 mg 3 times daily (150-300 mg). According to your response to the drug, the doctor will adjust the dose.
The maximum daily dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 200 mg 3 times daily (maximum 600 mg per day).
Children dose (0-17 years):
Lyrica shouldn’t be used in children less than 18 years as its safety hasn’t been established yet.
Senior dose (64 years and above):
Seniors are more likely to suffer from kidney problems. This causes slower elimination of the drug from the body and thus accumulation of the drug leading to serious side effects.
Doctors start with a low dose that can be adjusted according to the body’s response and the side effects arise.
Dosage when taken with other Antiseizure drugs for partial-onset seizures:
Adult dose (18-64 years):
The starting dose is 75 mg to be taken twice daily or 50 mg to be taken 3 times daily.
The maximum daily dose is 600 mg per day.
Children dose (4 years-17 years):
The starting dose is 3.5 mg/kg/day to be given in two or three divided doses throughout the day.
The maximum dose is 14 mg/kg/day to be divided into two or three doses through the day with a maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
Children dose (1 month to 4 years):
The starting dose is 2.5 mg/kg/day in two or three divided doses through the day with a maximum dose of 10 mg/kg/day.
Special considerations for Lyrica dosage after knowing what is Lyrica used for:
Patients with kidney problems will need dosage monitoring, doctors prescribe low doses that could be later changed based on your kidney function.
Lyrica overdose will cause some dangerous symptoms including:
- Tremors (continuous shaking).
- Amnesia (loss of memory).
Clinical monitoring:
Certain health issues need monitoring while taking Lyrica. This monitoring will ensure your safety while using Lyrica. These issues include:
- Kidney function:
Your doctor will ask you to do blood tests periodically to check the kidneys’ wellness.
- Mental and behavioral health:
If you already have behavior or mood issues you have to tell your doctor as Lyrica may worsen the case.
What is Lyrica used for is long-term treatment, stick to the dose prescribed, and don’t stop it suddenly to avoid serious side effects and avoid increasing the severity of pain and seizures.
