Lyrica (pregabalin) is an orally administered GABA analogue, a gabapentinoid, and an anti-epileptic drug used to treat pain resulting from several underlying conditions, including:

• Diabetic nerve damage
• Fibromyalgia
• Shingles
• Spinal cord injury
• Partial onset seizures
• Anxiety

Lyrica is sometimes prescribed for additional off-label applications as well; administration can be quite varied in these applications and should not attempted without doctor supervision.

The medication works by encouraging production of GABA, a substance naturally produced by the body that has the ability to partially block impulses from the brain which could otherwise produce symptoms of pain, seizures, or general anxiety. Many patients using Lyrica have reported an overall feeling of well-being in addition to its value in treating the symptoms of their underlying condition.

An Opioid Alternative

Lyrica has found particular utility in cases of chronic, ongoing pain which are often resistant to any means of treatment other than traditional opioids, which frequently produce highly-disruptive side effects of severe addiction, withdrawal, respiratory depression, severe constipation, and severe sedation. In minimizing serious side effects Lyrica represents an important step forward in the treatment of chronic pain.

Other benefits Lyrica offers include:

• Administered by tablet or oral solution, no injections required
• Unlike traditional opioid pain medications, Lyrica is only mildly addictive and produces few, if any, withdrawal symptoms
• Causes milder side effects, such as drowsiness or constipation, compared to traditional opioid medications
• May be combined with other medications for more complete control of epilepsy
• If multiple indicated conditions are present in one patient Lyrica may help treat the symptoms of all of them with just one medication

Untreated pain, seizures, or anxiety can dominate a person's life, which no one wants or deserves. Lyrica can help patients regain control and clear the slate to make room for experiencing the good things life has to offer.

Treatment Overview

Treatment with Lyrica will need to be customized to some extent according patient response, the condition being treated, other medications being taken, and other personal variables. However, treatment typically starts similarly in all cases:

• Start with 150 mg per day, divided into two 75 mg doses.
• If pain relief is not significant after 2 to 3 weeks, dosage may be increased to 300 mg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses.
• If relief is still not sufficient after several weeks dosage may be again increased to a maximum of 600 mg per day, taken in two or three divided doses.
• The medication may be taken with or without food as desired.

It will take several weeks of treatment for full benefit to be felt. Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit, assuming no serious side effects develop.

If Lyrica has been taken for more than a few consecutive weeks, especially at higher doses, treatment should not end abruptly; dosage should be gradually reduced over the course of several weeks.

Precautions & Side Effects

Unfortunately some individuals are at significantly increased risk of experiencing potentially serious side effects from Lyrica. Discuss risks with a doctor before starting treatment if there is any history of:

• Allergic reaction to gabapentonoid medications
• Cardiovascular issues
• Diabetes
• Kidney impairment
• Severe depression, self-harm, or suicidal behaviors
• Addiction

Many drugs, including Lyrica, are cleared from the body by the kidneys. It is important that kidney function be evaluated by a doctor at regular intervals throughout treatment to ensure levels of the medication don't build up beyond recommended levels.

Many patients occasionally experience mild side effects, particularly at the start of treatment, including:

• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Fluid retention
• Mild weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Mild constipation

The above side effects are not cause for alarm unless severe enough to be disruptive. In most cases side effects will stop occurring after several weeks of treatment as the body adjusts.

Rarely more serious complications occur; seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Widespread pain
• Severe or persistant blurred vision
• Unexplained bleeding or changes to bleeding
• Rapid swelling in limbs
• Allergic reaction---swelling in face or throat, hives, difficulty breathing

Lyrica is known to interact with a few other medications, which may require adjusted doses or even rule Lyrica out completely. Double-check with a doctor or pharmacist if also taking:

• Any medications in the thiazolidinedione class
• Any blood pressure medications
• Any heart medications

It's a good idea when taking any medications to check with a doctor or pharmacist about potential complications before adding, removing, or altering the dosage of any of them.

The effects of Lyrica on unborn or nursing babies are unclear so the medication is best avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding, if possible. Keep in mind, however, that abruptly ending treatment can cause negative effects. If you discover you are pregnant or decide to try to become pregnant while taking Lyrica, speak with a doctor about the best course of action.