FAQs:
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.
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.
3. Can you take Lyrica long-term?
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.
4. Does Lyrica help with restless leg syndrome?
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.
5. Can Lyrica cause heart failure?
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.
6. Does Lyrica affect the kidneys?
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.
8. Is Lyrica addictive?
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.
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Side Effects:
– 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
– 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)
References:
More about Lyrica:
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.