Lyrica (Pregabalin) For Fibromyalgia and Anti-Epileptic Treatments
What's in Lyrica?
Lyrica: an anti-epileptic treatment drug and Fibromyalgia (A chronic widespread pain condition.) treatment medication.
Uses:
Brand name: Lyrica, Generic name: (pregabalin) is an FDA-approved medicine that is administered to patients with Epileptic seizures, Diabetic Nerve Pain, Fibromyalgia and pain caused by Shingles. It is mostly known to treat partial onset seizures in epileptic adults who take one or more medicine for seizures. The drug is said to calm the over-excited or damaged nerves in the body which cause pain. For some patients, the effect of taking Lyrica is felt after 1 week but since everyone is different, some patients might need to wait longer for the drug to work.
Like all other antiepileptic drugs, Lyrica may at some point cause side effects especially during the start of treatment. Mild side effects include swelling of the hands, legs and feet; but then if you have heart problems these stated effects might be serious. About 1 in 500 people who take this drug may have heightened suicidal tendencies or thoughts while taking this medicine so it is advised that you call a medical expert if you feel some strange changes in your behavior or mood or if you suddenly feel more depressed. Dizziness and sleepiness are also some of the know side effects of taking in Lyrica so it is best not to drive, work with machines or do dangerous activities until you are sure how this medicine affects you.
Other common side effects include:
- Blurry vision
- Weight gain
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Dry mouth
- Feeling "high"
You might need to stop taking the drug and consult with your doctor right away if you feel severe or life-threatening allergic reactions to Lyrica such as swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, neck and gums. Other dangerous allergic reactions include difficulty in breathing or having rashes, hives and blisters.
Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping and headaches. For those with epilepsy; seizures might occur more frequently. The doctor will tell you how much Lyrica capsules should you take in a day and you have to follow the dosage conscientiously. Changes in dosage and administration should only be done with a doctor's advice. For missed doses, take Lyrica as soon as you remember but if you are about to take the next dose, just leave the missed dose. Proceed with the next dose at your usual time.
Warnings:
Those who are allergic to Pregabalin should not take Lyrica, so are those who have diabetes, or kidney disease.
Those who are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant should talk to their doctor before using this drug. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. It is not known whether this drug will pass through the breast milk onto the new born. It is rated FDA pregnancy category C. Men who are planning fathering children should not take Lyrica because of high possibility of producing birth defect babies.
Clinical studies reveal that Lyrica has a low potential with certain drug interactions however as always it is still best to inform your doctor or your health care provider if you are or you will be taking in other drugs, vitamins and even herbal supplements. You may have higher risks of allergic reaction like hives and swelling if you take Lyrica with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE). You will be more susceptible to gaining weight if you are taking in some diabetes medicines with Lyrica. Alcohol, anti-anxiety medicines as well as narcotic pain medicines are also known to increase dizziness and sleepiness if taken together with Lyrica.
It is therefore highly advised that prior to taking in Lyrica, you must consult your health care provider.