Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Lyrica

Lyrica: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Lyrica?

Lyrica is a prescription medication that contains pregabalin as its active ingredient and is prescribed to treat epilepsy, nerve pain and damage associated with various conditions such as diabetes and infections. Pregabalin binds to the voltage-gated calcium channels and exhibits its effect on the central nervous system. Lyrica is available in capsule form.

What are the uses of Lyrica?

  • Lyrica is an anti-epileptic drug used in partial-onset seizures and can be used with other medications.
  • It is used to treat peripheral and central neuropathic pain associated with diabetes, spinal cord injury, viral infections (herpes zoster), etc.
  • In certain situations, Lyrica can be used to manage anxiety when other medications are not effective.
  • Other uses of Lyrica include the treatment of fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain and tenderness) and associated stiffness.

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    What are the side effects of Lyrica?

    Common side effects:

    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Sleepiness
    • Constipation
    • Dry mouth
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Vertigo (feeling of spinning due to imbalance)
    • Muscle cramps
    • Joint pain
    • Back pain
    • Tachycardia (increased heartbeat)
    • Fatigue
    • Weight gain

    Serious side effects:

    • Jaundice
    • Hepatitis
    • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
    • Hypersensitivity reaction
    • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown resulting in the release of a protein in the blood)
    • Dysuria (painful urination)
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Respiratory depression
    • QT prolongation (heart rhythm disorder)
    • Sinus tachycardia (fast heart beating)
    • Renal failure
    • Gynecomastia (swollen male breast tissue)
    • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (skin and mucous membrane disease)

    Although most of the side effects associated with Lyrica are self-resolving, you should consult your doctor if any of the events start to bother you.

    What is Lyrica

    Uses of Lyrica

    Side effects of Lyrica

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Lyrica

    Lyrica directly disrupts your sleep by acting on various neurotransmitters. It primarily affects sleep quality and also impacts daytime sleep. Lyrica is also associated with drowsiness; hence, it can induce sleep in some people. Consult our experts for the best medical opinions regarding the use of Lyrica and sleep disturbances.

    Pregabalin is a prescription drug, and its use for restless leg syndrome is off-label. Please take the medication per your doctor’s directions. Usually, doctors prescribe a dose of 75 mg for people aged 50-65 years and 50 mg for people over 65 years. However, doctors decide on required dose titrations based on renal function and efficacy. Consult our experts for the management of restless legs.

    Lyrica is a prescription medicine and should be taken only after consulting your doctor. It can be used for long-term therapy. However, precautions should be taken to look for any side effects associated with its use. Your doctor might need to adjust the dose depending on the indication, such as for epilepsy or neuropathic pain.

    Lyrica is used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome, a sensorimotor neurological disorder. It reduces the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and calms the nerves. Reach out to our team of doctors for expert opinions regarding the treatment of restless leg syndrome.

    There is limited evidence to support a causal association between heart failures and the use of Lyrica. There are no plausible mechanisms identified for such association. It can cause peripheral oedema, tachycardia (rapid heartbeats), QT prolongation (heart rhythm disorder), atrioventricular block first degree (slow conduction through the AV node in the heart) and congestive heart failure (when the heart doesn’t pump the required amount of blood). If you experience any cardiac symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

    Lyrica (pregabalin) is excreted primarily through kidneys, and various cases of nephrotoxicity have been reported. Lyrica can cause various kidney-related disorders such as oliguria (low urine output), dysuria (discomfort during urination), urinary retention (difficulty in emptying the bladder) or urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). In severe cases, it could cause renal failure. Dose modifications are required in people with kidney impairment.

    Lyrica is a medication that acts on the central nervous system by affecting various neurotransmitters and has a calming effect on the nerves. It is used to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) to reduce the level of anxiety. Consult our medical experts for the management of anxiety.

    Lyrica is an anti-epileptic medication that acts on the central nervous system and causes no addiction at prescribed doses; however, it can cause addiction at overdoses. Lyrica has been reported to be abused along with other medications or substances. Hence, precautions should be taken to take it per your physician’s directions.

    Lyrica acts on the central nervous system and reduces the intensity and severity of the pain. It acts by reducing the neurochemical activity and nerve signalling process. Lyrica has been widely used to treat nerve pain associated with various conditions such as diabetes and viral infections. Consult our experts for the management of nerve pain.

    Lyrica (pregabalin) is a drug that is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Approximately 90% of the drug is eliminated through the kidneys; hence, careful dose modifications are required in people with kidney impairment. Consult our doctors for expert opinion regarding the use of Lyrica.