What is Lyrica?
Lyrica was originally licensed by the FDA as an anti-epileptic medicine, also known as an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down the brain impulses that trigger seizures. Pregabalin also alters the molecules in the brain that transmit pain signals throughout the nervous system.
Lyrica is used to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia), and spinal cord injury.
Dosage Instructions
Take Lyrica exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the recommendations on your prescription label and read any drug guidelines or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dosage. Use the medication precisely as instructed.
Take your medication at the same time every day, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
Use the accompanying dosing syringe, a special dose-measuring spoon, or a medicine cup to measure liquid medication. If you don’t have a dose measuring equipment, ask your pharmacist for one.
Even if you are feeling fine, do not abruptly discontinue Lyrica use. Stopping immediately may result in more seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions to taper your dose for at least one week before discontinuing completely.
Precautions
To ensure that Lyrica is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:
- respiratory conditions, such COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- a mental condition, sadness, or suicide ideation
- Heart difficulties (particularly congestive heart failure)
- a bleeding disease, or low platelet counts in your blood.
- renal disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- Diabetes (unless you’re taking pregabalin for diabetic neuropathy)
- Drug or alcohol addiction.
- A severe allergic reaction (angioedema)
Do not administer this medication to a kid without medical supervision:
- Pregabalin is not licensed for use by people under the age of 18 to treat nerve pain caused by fibromyalgia, diabetes, herpes zoster, or spinal cord injuries.
- Pregabalin is not licensed for the treatment of seizures in children younger than one month old.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Lyrica include:
- Dizziness, sleepiness.
- Swelling in your hands and feet
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite.
- Weight increase.
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision.
Stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Weak or shallow breathing.
- Blue-coloured skin, lips, fingers, and toes
- disorientation, severe sleepiness, or weakness.
- Vision issues
- Diabetes patients may experience skin sores.
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding.
- Swelling in your hands or feet, sudden weight gain (particularly if you have diabetes or heart problems)
- Unexplained muscle discomfort, soreness, or weakness (particularly if you have a fever or are not feeling well).
FAQS
Q. What does pregabalin do to your body?
Pregabalin helps calm overactive nerves, reducing pain and seizures.
Q. What is the strongest drug for nerve pain?
The strongest drug for nerve pain varies for each person, but some find opioids effective.
Q. Is pregabalin a pain killer?
Pregabalin isn’t a typical painkiller like aspirin; it works differently by calming nerve signals.
Q. Is pregabalin a controlled drug?
Yes, pregabalin is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
Q. What are the cognitive side effects of pregabalin?
Common cognitive side effects of pregabalin include dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Q. What is the biggest side effect of gabapentin?
The biggest side effect of gabapentin is often dizziness or drowsiness.
Q. What class of drugs is pregabalin in?
Pregabalin belongs to a class of drugs called gabapentinoids, used to treat nerve pain and epilepsy.
Q. What drugs are considered opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include medications like morphine, oxycodone, and codeine, typically used for pain relief.
