Fibromyalgia and Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps relieve neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by a problem with the nerves. Neuropathic pain is caused by many disorders including diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and phantom limb syndrome. This type of pain may not respond well to traditional pain killers. Clinical studies suggest that some anticonvulsants including pregablin have analgesic properties which can benefit patients with neuropathic pain.

Pregabalin is an adjunctive therapypartial-onset seizures This medicine is also used to relieve pain that accompanies postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is recommended for the reduction of neuropathic pain associated with Fibromyalgia. The exact mechanism of pregabalin is unknown. Some data suggests that inhibits neuronal excitability by:

• modulating the release of several neurotransmitters
• reducing the influx of calcium ions in to the cell

Read more details about Pregabalin (Lyrica).

Lyrica is available in capsules and oral solution. The recommended dose for fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg daily. The starting dose is at 75 mg twice daily. This can be increased to 150 mg twice daily within 1 week based on patient's response to treatment. If the symptoms do not improve with the daily dose of 300 mg, it may be increased to 450 mg/day given in 2 divided doses. Lyrica is available in capsules and oral solution. The recommended dose for fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg daily. The starting dose is at 75 mg twice daily. This can be increased to 150 mg twice daily within 1 week based on patient's response to treatment. If the symptoms do not improve with the daily dose of 300 mg, it may be increased to 450 mg/day given in 2 divided doses.

Lyrica should be taken exactly as prescribed. Avoid taking the medication in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Lyrica can be taken with or without food. Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Contact your doctor if Lyrica does not seem to improve your symptoms

Side effects

Below are the most common side effects that may occur with Lyrica use. Patients should check with their doctors if any of these persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• headache
• lightheadedness
• trouble concentrating
• constipation or diarrhea
• weight gain

There are serious side effects that are associated with Lyrica use. Patients should contact their doctors immediately if they notice any of the following symptoms:

• allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing,swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety
• confusion
• chest pain
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• suicidal thoughts
• loss of coordination
• tremors
• worsening mood
• muscle aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• changes in vision
• speaking problems

Drug interactions

Lyrica can potentially interact certain drugs. Patients are advised to check with their doctors before using Lyrica with any of the following drugs:

• antihistamines
• anxiety medication
• diabetes agents
• narcotic analgesics
• anticonvulsants
• sleeping pills
• tranquilizers

Warnings

Before starting pregablin, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:

• any allergies
• a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• arrhythmia
• bleeding disorder

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy while on pregablin therapy. Male patients should tell their doctor if they plan to father a child during treatment. Some animal studies showed that pregabalin, made male animals less fertile and caused sperm abnormalities. Birth defects also occurred in the offspring of male animals who were given pregabalin. It is not known whether pregablin will produce the same effects in humans.

It is also important to tell your doctor about all the medicines, health supplements, and herbs that you're taking

Patients taking pregabalin may have thoughts about suicide. Contact your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself, or if you have mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or restlessness.

Lyrica can cause side effects that may affect your alertness or reactions. Patients taking this medication are advised not drive a car, work with machines, or do other activities that require alertness until they know how the medication affects them.

Do not drink alcohol while taking LYRICA. Taking this drug with alcohol can affect increase side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness.