How to Use

Lyrica (Pregabalin) works on the GABA system within the body to achieve inhibitory effects on the nervous system. It is used to treat conditions such as seizures, neuropathic pain and other conditions.

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor.  This can cause a risk of serious adverse events.

Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness occurring.

It is important to wear a bracelet or chain if you have seizures, and to carry a card that lists your medications.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

If you have heart failure, self monitor for swelling of the feet or hands, if this occurs, notify your doctor immediately.

Monitor yourself for mood changes or development of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. Report effects like these to your healthcare provider right away.

Women who become pregnant can enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1 888 233 2334. This agency collects information regarding the use of this medication during pregnancy.

This medication has been shown to reduce sperm counts for males. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your fertility.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Heart conditions such as heart failure, drug or alcohol use history, blood disorders and bleeding conditions, depression or suicidal thoughts or actions, allergic reaction history, pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, confusion, vision changes, chest pain, jerking or movements of any body part, memory loss, muscle pain or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling of the ankles or hands.

Other Side Effects

Sleep trouble, weight gan, tremors, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea.

Adult Dose

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Between 150mg-600mg by mouth once daily. This is typically given in 3 divided doses each day.

Partial Seizures

75 mg by mouth twice per day

OR

50 mg by mouth three times per day as a starting dose.  The dose is then adjusted based on patient response.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

75 mg by mouth twice per day OR 50 mg by mouth three times per day as a starting dose.  The dose is then adjusted based on patient response.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

50 mg by mouth three times per day as a starting dose. The dose is then increased based on patient response to up to 100 mg by mouth three times per day.

Sources

1. Lyrica (pregabalin) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2016.

2. Rickels K, Pollack MH, Feltner DE, et al: Pregabalin for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a 4-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pregabalin and alprazolam. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2005; 62(9):1022-1030.

3. Feltner DE, Crockatt JG, Dubovsky SJ, et al: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, multicenter study of pregabalin in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2003; 23(3):240-249.

4. Anon: Pregabalin. Drugs Fut 2001; 26(8):817-820.