Lyrica (pregabalin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Lyrica also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.
Lyrica is used to control seizures and to treat fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia, or neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.
Lyrica may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Lyrica. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
If you are taking Lyrica to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine.
Do not stop using Lyrica without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Lyrica.
Do not change your dose of Lyrica without your doctor"s advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Lyrica. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Lyrica if you are allergic to pregabalin.
To make sure you can safely take Lyrica, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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congestive heart failure;
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diabetes (unless you are taking Lyrica to treat diabetic neuropathy);
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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a bleeding disorder;
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low levels of platelets in your blood;
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a history of depression or suicidal thoughts;
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a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
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if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Lyrica will harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lyrica for seizures. Do not start or stop taking Lyrica during pregnancy without your doctor"s advice.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
If you become pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Lyrica on the baby.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.
It is not known whether pregabalin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Lyrica. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Lyrica?
Take Lyrica exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may take Lyrica with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not change your dose of Lyrica without your doctor"s advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Call your doctor if you have any problems with your vision while taking Lyrica. If you are taking Lyrica to prevent seizures, keep taking it even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking Lyrica. Follow your doctor"s instructions. Do not stop using Lyrica without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Lyrica. Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Lyrica. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Lyrica. Lyrica may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Lyrica side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lyrica: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects while using Lyrica:
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muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired);
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vision problems;
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easy bruising or bleeding; or
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swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain.
Less serious Lyrica side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of Lyrica side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lyrica?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to dizziness or sleepiness caused by Lyrica. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, Avandaryl); or
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heart or blood pressure medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Lyrica. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
