Side effects and how to manage them

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription drug that’s prescribed to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and seizures in certain situations. Lyrica can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include sexual side effects and weight gain.

Lyrica is prescribed to adults to treat:

• nerve pain from a spinal cord injury
• nerve pain after shingles
• fibromyalgia
• partial onset seizures, when taken in combination with other seizure medications
• diabetic nerve pain

Lyrica belongs to a drug class called antiepileptics. The drug is available in a generic version. Lyrica is available in these forms:

• oral capsule
• oral solution

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Lyrica. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Note: Lyrica CR is another brand-name form of pregabalin (Lyrica’s active drug). This version comes as an oral tablet. Lyrica CR isn’t prescribed for all of the same conditions as Lyrica, and it works differently than Lyrica. This article focuses on side effects of Lyrica, not of Lyrica CR. For details about Lyrica CR, including its side effects, you can talk with your doctor.

Lyrica can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lyrica in clinical trials:

• sleepiness
• swelling of the arms or legs
• dizziness*
• dry mouth*
• blurry vision*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Lyrica treatment. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Lyrica include:

• sleepiness
• swelling of the arms or legs
• sexual side effects
• difficulty with focus, attention, or concentration
• dizziness*
• dry mouth*
• blurry vision*
• weight gain*
• mild allergic reaction*

Side effects of Lyrica may differ based on which condition you’re taking the drug to treat. For example, if you’re taking Lyrica for nerve pain, you may have slightly different side effects than someone taking Lyrica for seizure treatment. However, overall, most side effects of Lyrica are similar.

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lyrica and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Most side effects of Lyrica are mild. However, Lyrica may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lyrica, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Symptoms can include:
  • worsening depression
  • feeling hopeless
  • not wanting to participate in activities that used to be enjoyable
• Muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms can include:
  • muscle cramps or aching
  • weakness
  • dark urine
• Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Symptoms can include:
  • bruising easier than usual
  • nosebleeds
  • bleeding longer than usual from a cut or wound
• Severe allergic reaction.*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

It’s possible for children taking Lyrica to experience similar side effects to those in adults. However, additional side effects reported in children included increased appetite. Sleepiness and weight gain were also common side effects reported in children taking Lyrica.

Note that the only condition Lyrica is approved to treat in children is partial onset seizures in those ages 1 month and older.

If you’re concerned about the side effects of Lyrica in your child, talk with your child’s doctor.

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause sexual side effects. In clinical trials, decreased libido, or lower sex drive than usual, was commonly reported. An increased libido was also reported, although this side effect was rare.

It’s also possible that a change in your libido may be due to other side effects of Lyrica. For example, Lyrica can cause you to feel sleepy or dizzy. This may cause a decrease in your libido as well.

If you have concerns about sexual side effects during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Lyrica may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Do the side effects of Lyrica vary based on which strength I take, such as 25 mg, 50 mg, or 75 mg?

It’s possible that you may be at an increased risk of side effects if you take a higher dose of Lyrica. This is because taking a higher dose of medication exposes your body to more drug. And having more drug in your body can increase the possibility of side effects.

Lyrica is available in the following strengths:

• 25 milligrams (mg)
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg
• 225 mg
• 300 mg

Lyrica also comes as an oral solution that’s available in one strength: 20 mg of the drug per milliliter of liquid.

So, it’s possible that people taking a dose of 25 mg may have less side effects than someone taking a 200 mg dose. If you experience side effects during your treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Is there a higher risk of side effects in older adults taking Lyrica?

In most cases, older adults (age 65 years or older) will experience the same risk of side effects as younger adults. In clinical trials, there weren’t any differences in the safety or effectiveness of Lyrica in elderly or older adults, compared to younger adults.

However, in older adults taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia, the following side effects were reported more often than in younger adults:

• dizziness
• blurry vision
• difficulty with balance or coordination
• body tremors
• confusion
• sleepiness

If you’re an older adult and you’re concerned about the side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk of side effects and what to watch out for.

Can Lyrica cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause long-term side effects or even permanent side effects. However, long-term side effects from this medication are not common.

Some examples of long-term side effects are depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Rhabdomyolysis (which can cause damage to your organs, such as kidneys) can also lead to long-term side effects.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk of side effects with you and the best ways to treat them. In some cases, if you’re aware of the symptoms of certain side effects and treat them right away, they may not be long-term.

Are there any dangers of taking Lyrica?

Yes, there are some dangers of taking Lyrica. For example, this medication can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. This can impact your everyday life, including your ability to drive a car or other machinery. Due to these possible risks, it’s not recommended to drive a car, work with machines, or perform other activities until you know how the drug may affect you.

In addition, Lyrica can cause side effects, some of which can be dangerous. For example, the drug can increase your risk of depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It can also increase your risk of rhabdomyolysis, which can cause long-term effects.

Lyrica is also a controlled substance. Controlled substances are regulated by the government because of their risk of misuse or dependence. Misuse of a drug means taking it in a way that’s different than how it was prescribed to you. Drug dependence can occur when your body needs a medication to function as usual. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse or dependence.

However, it’s important to note that Lyrica is FDA approved and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for the conditions that it was approved for. If you’re concerned about the dangers of taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there side effects of switching from gabapentin to Lyrica?

Typically, you shouldn’t experience side effects from switching from gabapentin to Lyrica. However, abruptly stopping gabapentin may make symptoms worse. In rare cases, it may lead to new or worsening seizures.

It’s possible for your doctor to recommend switching from gabapentin to Lyrica. Both Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are FDA approved to treat certain seizure conditions and conditions causing nerve pain. For example, if you’re taking gabapentin and it isn’t working to manage your nerve pain or your seizures, your doctor may recommend trying Lyrica instead.

To avoid abruptly stopping or switching your medication, your doctor may develop a plan to slowly take you off gabapentin.

It’s important to note that you should never switch medications on your own. Only stop treatment with gabapentin and switch to Lyrica if recommended by your doctor. They can advise you on the best way for you to switch medications.

If you have additional questions about switching from gabapentin to Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Lyrica may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Lyrica.

Weight gain

You may experience weight gain during your treatment with Lyrica. Weight gain was a common side effect that people taking Lyrica reported in clinical trials.

You may be at an increased risk of weight gain if you’re taking a higher dose of Lyrica for a longer period of time. However, it’s important to note that short-term trials didn’t show an increase in blood pressure or blood sugar in people who gained weight during Lyrica treatment. And, it’s not known what effects Lyrica weight gain may have long-term.

One of the side effects of Lyrica is swelling of the arms or legs. This may increase your risk of weight gain.

In addition, children and some adults taking Lyrica may experience an increase in appetite. This appetite increase may also lead to weight gain.

What you can do

If you experience unexpected weight gain during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine ways to reverse weight gain or how to manage your weight.

Dizziness

It’s possible to experience dizziness from taking Lyrica. Dizziness was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Lyrica. Symptoms of dizziness may include lightheadedness, loss of balance, or feeling like you’re spinning.

What you can do

If you experience dizziness during your treatment with Lyrica, tell your doctor. It’s not recommended to drive a car, work with machines, or perform other activities that may be dangerous while you’re taking Lyrica until you know how the drug may affect you. Your doctor can help determine when it may be safe for you to perform any of these activities after starting Lyrica.

Your doctor may also be able to help treat your dizziness. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Dry mouth

It’s possible to experience a dry mouth from taking Lyrica. Dry mouth was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of Lyrica. Symptoms of dry mouth may include feeling thirsty, dry tongue, or sores or cracks at the corners of your mouth or on your lips.

What you can do

Tell your doctor if you experience dry mouth during treatment with Lyrica. They may recommend certain treatments for your dry mouth, such as:

• decreasing caffeine
• chewing gum or candy to help your saliva
• sipping water
• stopping smoking or chewing tobacco
• using an over-the-counter mouthwash to moisten your mouth

Your doctor can help determine the best ways to treat your dry mouth.

Blurry vision

You may experience blurry vision from taking Lyrica. Blurry vision was one of the most common side effects that people taking Lyrica reported in clinical trials.

What you can do

If you notice any changes in your vision during your treatment with Lyrica, including blurry vision, talk with your doctor. They may recommend having your vision checked by an eye doctor. If your blurry vision is severe or bothersome, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itching
• flushing
• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet (angioedema)
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Lyrica. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lyrica. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It’s possible for Lyrica to increase your risk of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. And, if you have a history of these conditions, you may be at an increased risk of worsening symptoms. Your doctor can help determine if Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.

Bleeding conditions. It’s possible for Lyrica to cause low platelet levels, which can increase your risk of bleeding. If you have any bleeding conditions, you may be at an even higher risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine if Lyrica may be a safe treatment option for you.

Kidney problems. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems that you have, including if you’re on dialysis, before starting Lyrica. This medication is removed from your body by your kidneys. And, if they aren’t working properly, you may be exposed to too much Lyrica, which can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Lyrica if you have kidney problems.

Breathing problems. Taking Lyrica may increase your risk of respiratory depression, or difficulty breathing. If you have a breathing problem that may already cause difficulty breathing, taking Lyrica may make your condition worse. In some cases, this can be very severe or even life-threatening. If you have any breathing problems, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if it’s safe for you to take Lyrica.

Heart problems. If you have any heart problems, tell your doctor before taking Lyrica. This medication can cause swelling of the arms or legs. If you have certain heart conditions, such as heart failure, this swelling may cause your heart condition to worsen. Be sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have before starting Lyrica. They can determine if this medication is safe for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lyrica or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lyrica. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

History of drug or alcohol misuse. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse. Lyrica is a controlled medication, which may cause misuse or dependence. If you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse, taking Lyrica may increase your risk. Your doctor can help determine if Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.

Angioedema. It’s possible for Lyrica to cause angioedema, which is swelling of your face, neck, or other areas of your body. Angioedema can be severe or even life-threatening. If you have a history of angioedema, tell your doctor before taking Lyrica. It’s possible that you may be at an increased risk of this side effect.

Alcohol with Lyrica

You should not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from Lyrica, such as dizziness, sleepiness, and blurry vision.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor if you have questions about drinking alcohol during your treatment with Lyrica.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lyrica

Here’s some information about pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lyrica.

Pregnancy. It’s not known if Lyrica is safe to take during pregnancy. At this time, there isn’t enough information on the safety of Lyrica during pregnancy to determine if the drug is safe.

Animal studies show that there may be an increased risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) in animals who took Lyrica during pregnancy. In addition, there may be an increased risk of pregnancy loss. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica.

Lyrica pregnancy registry

There’s a pregnancy registry available for people who become pregnant while taking Lyrica. A pregnancy registry is a collection of data to determine if a drug may be safe to take during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to help determine what effects the drug may have if it’s taken during pregnancy.

To sign up for the registry, call 888-233-2334 or visit the registry website.

Breastfeeding. It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Lyrica. This medication likely passes into breast milk. It’s not known what effects Lyrica may have on a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica. They can discuss your treatment options and the best way to feed your child.

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause drug misuse. Misusing a drug means taking it in a way other than how it was prescribed to you. Lyrica is a controlled substance because it has the possibility to cause misuse or dependence. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do.)

Misusing a drug can increase your risk of overdose. Lyrica overdose symptoms can be life threatening and may include:

• depression or anxiety
• decreased consciousness
• confusion
• agitation
• restlessness
• seizures
• heart problems

If you’re having trouble taking Lyrica as prescribed or if you have concerns about Lyrica misuse, talk with your doctor. They can help find a different treatment option for your condition and recommend ways to avoid misuse.

It’s possible to experience side effects from taking Lyrica. In most cases, these side effects will be mild. However, it’s possible for severe side effects to occur.

If you’d like to learn more about Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

• More information about Lyrica. For details about other aspects of Lyrica, refer to this article.
• Drug comparison. To learn how Lyrica compares with gabapentin, read this article.
• Dosage. For information about the dosage of Lyrica, view this article.
• Interactions. For details about Lyrica’s interactions, see this article.
• A look at your condition. For details about your condition, see our:
  • diabetes hub
  • epilepsy and seizures hub
  • list of fibromyalgia articles
  • list of shingles articles
  • list of neurology and neuroscience articles

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Side effects and how to manage them

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription drug that’s prescribed to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and seizures in certain situations. Lyrica can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include sexual side effects and weight gain.

Lyrica is prescribed to adults to treat:

• nerve pain from a spinal cord injury
• nerve pain after shingles
• fibromyalgia
• partial onset seizures, when taken in combination with other seizure medications
• diabetic nerve pain

Lyrica belongs to a drug class called antiepileptics. The drug is available in a generic version. Lyrica is available in these forms:

• oral capsule
• oral solution

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Lyrica. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Note: Lyrica CR is another brand-name form of pregabalin (Lyrica’s active drug). This version comes as an oral tablet. Lyrica CR isn’t prescribed for all of the same conditions as Lyrica, and it works differently than Lyrica. This article focuses on side effects of Lyrica, not of Lyrica CR. For details about Lyrica CR, including its side effects, you can talk with your doctor.

Lyrica can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lyrica in clinical trials:

• sleepiness
• swelling of the arms or legs
• dizziness*
• dry mouth*
• blurry vision*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Lyrica treatment. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Lyrica include:

• sleepiness
• swelling of the arms or legs
• sexual side effects
• difficulty with focus, attention, or concentration
• dizziness*
• dry mouth*
• blurry vision*
• weight gain*
• mild allergic reaction*

Side effects of Lyrica may differ based on which condition you’re taking the drug to treat. For example, if you’re taking Lyrica for nerve pain, you may have slightly different side effects than someone taking Lyrica for seizure treatment. However, overall, most side effects of Lyrica are similar.

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lyrica and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Most side effects of Lyrica are mild. However, Lyrica may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lyrica, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Symptoms can include:
  • worsening depression
  • feeling hopeless
  • not wanting to participate in activities that used to be enjoyable
• Muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms can include:
  • muscle cramps or aching
  • weakness
  • dark urine
• Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Symptoms can include:
  • bruising easier than usual
  • nosebleeds
  • bleeding longer than usual from a cut or wound
• Severe allergic reaction.*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

It’s possible for children taking Lyrica to experience similar side effects to those in adults. However, additional side effects reported in children included increased appetite. Sleepiness and weight gain were also common side effects reported in children taking Lyrica.

Note that the only condition Lyrica is approved to treat in children is partial onset seizures in those ages 1 month and older.

If you’re concerned about the side effects of Lyrica in your child, talk with your child’s doctor.

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause sexual side effects. In clinical trials, decreased libido, or lower sex drive than usual, was commonly reported. An increased libido was also reported, although this side effect was rare.

It’s also possible that a change in your libido may be due to other side effects of Lyrica. For example, Lyrica can cause you to feel sleepy or dizzy. This may cause a decrease in your libido as well.

If you have concerns about sexual side effects during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Lyrica may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Do the side effects of Lyrica vary based on which strength I take, such as 25 mg, 50 mg, or 75 mg?

It’s possible that you may be at an increased risk of side effects if you take a higher dose of Lyrica. This is because taking a higher dose of medication exposes your body to more drug. And having more drug in your body can increase the possibility of side effects.

Lyrica is available in the following strengths:

• 25 milligrams (mg)
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg
• 225 mg
• 300 mg

Lyrica also comes as an oral solution that’s available in one strength: 20 mg of the drug per milliliter of liquid.

So, it’s possible that people taking a dose of 25 mg may have less side effects than someone taking a 200 mg dose. If you experience side effects during your treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Is there a higher risk of side effects in older adults taking Lyrica?

In most cases, older adults (age 65 years or older) will experience the same risk of side effects as younger adults. In clinical trials, there weren’t any differences in the safety or effectiveness of Lyrica in elderly or older adults, compared to younger adults.

However, in older adults taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia, the following side effects were reported more often than in younger adults:

• dizziness
• blurry vision
• difficulty with balance or coordination
• body tremors
• confusion
• sleepiness

If you’re an older adult and you’re concerned about the side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk of side effects and what to watch out for.

Can Lyrica cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause long-term side effects or even permanent side effects. However, long-term side effects from this medication are not common.

Some examples of long-term side effects are depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Rhabdomyolysis (which can cause damage to your organs, such as kidneys) can also lead to long-term side effects.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk of side effects with you and the best ways to treat them. In some cases, if you’re aware of the symptoms of certain side effects and treat them right away, they may not be long-term.

Are there any dangers of taking Lyrica?

Yes, there are some dangers of taking Lyrica. For example, this medication can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. This can impact your everyday life, including your ability to drive a car or other machinery. Due to these possible risks, it’s not recommended to drive a car, work with machines, or perform other activities until you know how the drug may affect you.

In addition, Lyrica can cause side effects, some of which can be dangerous. For example, the drug can increase your risk of depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It can also increase your risk of rhabdomyolysis, which can cause long-term effects.

Lyrica is also a controlled substance. Controlled substances are regulated by the government because of their risk of misuse or dependence. Misuse of a drug means taking it in a way that’s different than how it was prescribed to you. Drug dependence can occur when your body needs a medication to function as usual. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse or dependence.

However, it’s important to note that Lyrica is FDA approved and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for the conditions that it was approved for. If you’re concerned about the dangers of taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there side effects of switching from gabapentin to Lyrica?

Typically, you shouldn’t experience side effects from switching from gabapentin to Lyrica. However, abruptly stopping gabapentin may make symptoms worse. In rare cases, it may lead to new or worsening seizures.

It’s possible for your doctor to recommend switching from gabapentin to Lyrica. Both Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are FDA approved to treat certain seizure conditions and conditions causing nerve pain. For example, if you’re taking gabapentin and it isn’t working to manage your nerve pain or your seizures, your doctor may recommend trying Lyrica instead.

To avoid abruptly stopping or switching your medication, your doctor may develop a plan to slowly take you off gabapentin.

It’s important to note that you should never switch medications on your own. Only stop treatment with gabapentin and switch to Lyrica if recommended by your doctor. They can advise you on the best way for you to switch medications.

If you have additional questions about switching from gabapentin to Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Lyrica may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Lyrica.

Weight gain

You may experience weight gain during your treatment with Lyrica. Weight gain was a common side effect that people taking Lyrica reported in clinical trials.

You may be at an increased risk of weight gain if you’re taking a higher dose of Lyrica for a longer period of time. However, it’s important to note that short-term trials didn’t show an increase in blood pressure or blood sugar in people who gained weight during Lyrica treatment. And, it’s not known what effects Lyrica weight gain may have long-term.

One of the side effects of Lyrica is swelling of the arms or legs. This may increase your risk of weight gain.

In addition, children and some adults taking Lyrica may experience an increase in appetite. This appetite increase may also lead to weight gain.

What you can do

If you experience unexpected weight gain during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine ways to reverse weight gain or how to manage your weight.

Dizziness

It’s possible to experience dizziness from taking Lyrica. Dizziness was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Lyrica. Symptoms of dizziness may include lightheadedness, loss of balance, or feeling like you’re spinning.

What you can do

If you experience dizziness during your treatment with Lyrica, tell your doctor. It’s not recommended to drive a car, work with machines, or perform other activities that may be dangerous while you’re taking Lyrica until you know how the drug may affect you. Your doctor can help determine when it may be safe for you to perform any of these activities after starting Lyrica.

Your doctor may also be able to help treat your dizziness. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Dry mouth

It’s possible to experience a dry mouth from taking Lyrica. Dry mouth was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of Lyrica. Symptoms of dry mouth may include feeling thirsty, dry tongue, or sores or cracks at the corners of your mouth or on your lips.

What you can do

Tell your doctor if you experience dry mouth during treatment with Lyrica. They may recommend certain treatments for your dry mouth, such as:

• decreasing caffeine
• chewing gum or candy to help your saliva
• sipping water
• stopping smoking or chewing tobacco
• using an over-the-counter mouthwash to moisten your mouth

Your doctor can help determine the best ways to treat your dry mouth.

Blurry vision

You may experience blurry vision from taking Lyrica. Blurry vision was one of the most common side effects that people taking Lyrica reported in clinical trials.

What you can do

If you notice any changes in your vision during your treatment with Lyrica, including blurry vision, talk with your doctor. They may recommend having your vision checked by an eye doctor. If your blurry vision is severe or bothersome, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itching
• flushing
• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet (angioedema)
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Lyrica. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lyrica. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It’s possible for Lyrica to increase your risk of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. And, if you have a history of these conditions, you may be at an increased risk of worsening symptoms. Your doctor can help determine if Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.

Bleeding conditions. It’s possible for Lyrica to cause low platelet levels, which can increase your risk of bleeding. If you have any bleeding conditions, you may be at an even higher risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine if Lyrica may be a safe treatment option for you.

Kidney problems. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems that you have, including if you’re on dialysis, before starting Lyrica. This medication is removed from your body by your kidneys. And, if they aren’t working properly, you may be exposed to too much Lyrica, which can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Lyrica if you have kidney problems.

Breathing problems. Taking Lyrica may increase your risk of respiratory depression, or difficulty breathing. If you have a breathing problem that may already cause difficulty breathing, taking Lyrica may make your condition worse. In some cases, this can be very severe or even life-threatening. If you have any breathing problems, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if it’s safe for you to take Lyrica.

Heart problems. If you have any heart problems, tell your doctor before taking Lyrica. This medication can cause swelling of the arms or legs. If you have certain heart conditions, such as heart failure, this swelling may cause your heart condition to worsen. Be sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have before starting Lyrica. They can determine if this medication is safe for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lyrica or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lyrica. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

History of drug or alcohol misuse. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse. Lyrica is a controlled medication, which may cause misuse or dependence. If you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse, taking Lyrica may increase your risk. Your doctor can help determine if Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.

Angioedema. It’s possible for Lyrica to cause angioedema, which is swelling of your face, neck, or other areas of your body. Angioedema can be severe or even life-threatening. If you have a history of angioedema, tell your doctor before taking Lyrica. It’s possible that you may be at an increased risk of this side effect.

Alcohol with Lyrica

You should not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from Lyrica, such as dizziness, sleepiness, and blurry vision.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor if you have questions about drinking alcohol during your treatment with Lyrica.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lyrica

Here’s some information about pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lyrica.

Pregnancy. It’s not known if Lyrica is safe to take during pregnancy. At this time, there isn’t enough information on the safety of Lyrica during pregnancy to determine if the drug is safe.

Animal studies show that there may be an increased risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) in animals who took Lyrica during pregnancy. In addition, there may be an increased risk of pregnancy loss. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica.

Lyrica pregnancy registry

There’s a pregnancy registry available for people who become pregnant while taking Lyrica. A pregnancy registry is a collection of data to determine if a drug may be safe to take during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to help determine what effects the drug may have if it’s taken during pregnancy.

To sign up for the registry, call 888-233-2334 or visit the registry website.

Breastfeeding. It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Lyrica. This medication likely passes into breast milk. It’s not known what effects Lyrica may have on a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica. They can discuss your treatment options and the best way to feed your child.

It’s possible for Lyrica to cause drug misuse. Misusing a drug means taking it in a way other than how it was prescribed to you. Lyrica is a controlled substance because it has the possibility to cause misuse or dependence. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do.)

Misusing a drug can increase your risk of overdose. Lyrica overdose symptoms can be life threatening and may include:

• depression or anxiety
• decreased consciousness
• confusion
• agitation
• restlessness
• seizures
• heart problems

If you’re having trouble taking Lyrica as prescribed or if you have concerns about Lyrica misuse, talk with your doctor. They can help find a different treatment option for your condition and recommend ways to avoid misuse.

It’s possible to experience side effects from taking Lyrica. In most cases, these side effects will be mild. However, it’s possible for severe side effects to occur.

If you’d like to learn more about Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

• More information about Lyrica. For details about other aspects of Lyrica, refer to this article.
• Drug comparison. To learn how Lyrica compares with gabapentin, read this article.
• Dosage. For information about the dosage of Lyrica, view this article.
• Interactions. For details about Lyrica’s interactions, see this article.
• A look at your condition. For details about your condition, see our:
  • diabetes hub
  • epilepsy and seizures hub
  • list of fibromyalgia articles
  • list of shingles articles
  • list of neurology and neuroscience articles

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Pregabalin, lyrica, gabana – drug or medicine? – Drug addiction treatment

Pregabalin is a rather young substance. Invented by Pfizer in 2004, it was originally intended to treat epilepsy as an anti-seizure remedy. Later, its properties were discovered to cope with depression and anxiety, as promised by the manufacturers, without addiction. Due to which it began to be used in narcological practice as a means of getting rid of the withdrawal syndrome (“withdrawal”).

Like any drug with the effect of changing the psychological, mental state, it has become a legal source of “high” for drug addicts.

• As early as 2010, people with persistent physical addiction began to enter rehabilitation centers. That is, there was an abstinence similar to opium.
• 2012 saw the peak of drug use.
• In 2015, its non-prescription sale was discontinued. But this does not prevent its distribution through unscrupulous pharmacies.

The main names of drugs that contain this chemical compound:

• “ Lyrica “.
• The same “ Pregabalin “.
• “ Algerica “.
• “ Gabana “.
• Neogabin.

Effects and effects of pregabalin

“ Lyrica tablets ” – how do they affect a person? And can they be a source of extraordinary pleasure for everyone?

This issue has not yet been studied by modern scientists. But, there are results of certain observations, studies:

• Only those people who have used other psychoactive substances before: alcohol or drugs feel the euphoric effect.
• The substance affects the same areas of the brain as tranquilizers. But, instead of complete calm, it causes physical and mental excitement unusual for them in some individuals. Here everyone describes their feelings in different ways … Someone compares them with a mixture of alcohol intoxication and the effects of club drugs. But more alive. Others do not feel anything at all, complain about the deterioration of sleep, memory, on the contrary, the development of anxiety and depression.

Other features of pregabalin:

• It does not start working immediately. It should take 2-3 hours after taking the drug for the effect to appear.
• Higher doses do not work harder.
• The duration of the “high” is 10 hours, after which the person falls into a sound sleep.
• “Withdrawal” begins after a month of use, does not occur immediately, but a day after it.
• With long-term use, the euphoric effect disappears. The drug becomes a necessity for life support.
• Mixed with alcohol and other substances increase the effect, but lead to overdose.

Harm to the body in terms of problems with potency, liver, development of epilepsy is not justified by any evidence. These are just the intrigues of the media, which since 2015 began to actively use this information.

But, its effect on the kidneys is undeniable. Patients do complain of swelling of the body, pain in the lower back. And according to the results of ultrasound, almost everyone had both sand and stones.

An experiment was also carried out on mice. According to its results, pregabalin interferes with the development of cellular connections in the brain, which is fraught with dementia.

Also, although there are no official statistics on this subject, narcologists say that the abuse of the drug can provoke the use of other drugs.

Dependence on Lyrica and other medicines

Note that the manufacturers themselves do not indicate anything about dependence on Lyrica, although this is obvious.

• Seizures are activated in patients with epilepsy when the drug is stopped abruptly.
• Those who use pregabalin as a source of pleasure end up with withdrawal symptoms similar to heroin, opium, morphine, and so on.
• Tolerance is growing. The longer a person uses, the less “high” he feels.

No drug test shows this substance, so you can only find out if your relative is sick with the help of observations and consultation with doctors.

What should alert you, prompt you to turn to specialists?

• Staggering gait, as if the individual were slightly tipsy. But at the same time, the absence of the smell of alcohol.
• Dilated pupils.
• Excessive activity.
• Inspiration changing to apathy.
• Too deep sleep.
• Frequent requests on the patient’s phone “ tablets with narcotic effect ”, “ habana analogs ”, “ lyric drug ” and the like.
• A drug addict’s requests to buy pills with strange names (partially indicated at the beginning of the article).

Pregabalin addiction treatment

Pharmaceutical substance addiction is no different from “regular” drug addiction. The algorithm of its treatment is practically the same. With the exception of a more detailed selection of drugs to overcome withdrawal symptoms. They should not consist of pregabalin, as they will only continue to anesthetize the patient.

“Healthy Youth Center Ukraine” deals directly with the treatment of addiction, resorting to the help of narcologists at the initial stages of treatment.

The process of getting rid of pregabalin addiction is as follows:

1. Determination of the stage of addiction, as well as the presence of other diseases.
2. Purification of the body from a harmful substance, if there are no contraindications.
3. Psychotherapeutic work aimed at informing the addict about drug addiction and how to deal with it (rehabilitation).
4. Assistance in finding one’s place in the social environment (resocialization).
5. Accompanying relatives and friends in the treatment of codependency, training in communication with a drug addict.

This holistic approach promotes long-term sobriety for the addict with minimal discomfort due to substance cravings.

If you are interested in information about what pregabalin is and how to treat addiction to it, call the numbers on our website. The consultation is anonymous and free.

Smart drugs and bad experiences with them

• Benjamin Zand
• BBC Victoria Derbyshire

January 6, 2016

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Image caption,

Many “smart” pills are conventional drugs

So-called “smart” drugs are becoming more and more popular, especially among students. But how effective and safe are they?

I first learned about these medicines from a friend. “Everyone does it. They’re just pills that help you concentrate,” she said.

It turned out that she needed them to cope with the stress of a particularly important day for her.

Many psychostimulants are conventional drugs used to treat a variety of illnesses or disorders.

So, one of the most popular “smart” drugs – modafinil is used to treat drowsiness caused by narcolepsy, as well as sleep disorders associated with work at different times of the day.

However, more and more people are taking modafinil to work more efficiently.

Side effects

Scientists at Harvard and Oxford called it “the world’s first safe” smart “drug”, believing that if taken for a short time, then the level of risk would be small.

However, this drug has side effects such as insomnia, headaches and potentially dangerous skin rashes. In addition, there is not too much data on what the use of modafinil may turn out to be in the long term.

However, after reading favorable reviews online, including some about how modafinil helped me get good grades in my university degree, I decided to try it out for myself.

British law prohibits the sale of modafinil without a doctor’s prescription, but its purchase is not punishable by law.

There were many sites on the Internet, including those registered in India, where one could order it.

My order arrived in less than a week. The package contained tablets that were not much different from regular paracetamol. After consulting with the doctor, who said that as a young and healthy person, this drug is unlikely to cause any particular harm to me, I decided that it was time to move from words to deeds.

First impressions

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I took my first modafinil pill in a laboratory at the University of Cambridge. A lab worker ran a series of tests to test my mental abilities – attention span, visual-spatial working memory, and episodic memory – before and after taking modafinil.

Professor Barbara Sahakyan was sure that the drug would have an effect on me: “The studies we conducted showed that after taking modafinil, cognitive processes improve, that is, the ability to mentally perceive and process external information. And it was about a variety of personalities – from doctors working night shifts to ordinary people taking tests in a controlled environment.”

Before taking modafinil, my data wasn’t that bad. For example, in my ability to concentrate, I was in the top 15-20% of my age group. By taking the pill, I improved my results and was already in the top 5-10% group in this indicator.

I felt much more cheerful and thought less about what might disappoint or upset me. Of course, other factors could have influenced the results of the test.

But the day went on, and my brain continued to work “to its fullest”. I had to travel home to Liverpool for four hours by train, but I did not feel any fatigue.

At this point, I have to finish listing the positive sensations from modafinil.

Insomnia and swelling

Image caption,

Trying to sleep failed, I was able to overcome insomnia only in the morning

The next day I had to get on the train again, and I was looking forward to how productively I would spend this time thanks to the miracle pill. But I was wrong.

First, I became more distracted than usual. Although the drug helped me concentrate, the object of my concentration was not what I needed.

For example, a video game on my smartphone.

After a while I had a severe headache, I lost my appetite and began to go to the toilet quite often, I can say that I hardly left it. My brain was in no hurry to work harder than usual, unlike my bladder.

In the evening, I felt the power of modafinil as an anti-drowsiness drug. Attempts to fall asleep did not lead to anything, I was able to overcome insomnia only in the morning.

In addition, I had a swelling on my leg, which itched a lot. The next day, the same “joy” appeared on my arm.

I seem to be out of luck, unlike, for example, Jason Old, an athlete and entrepreneur from Edinburgh. According to him, after taking modafinil, he feels as if nothing is impossible for him.

“It makes you feel like you’re functioning at 100%, that you’re giving it your all. Under normal circumstances, that seems impossible, but modafinil makes me feel that,” Old says.

Disappointment

After the first dose of the drug, I really felt a surge of energy and a high level of concentration, but at the end I didn’t feel very well.

My third and final use of modafinil was also disappointing. I had a whole day of editing, and the headaches returned.

I was dehydrated.

Even worse was that my friends constantly pointed out to me the bad condition of my skin. Modafinil kept me awake and I looked terrible.

Image caption,

People’s bodies react differently to chemicals and pills

Around 8 pm, when I least wanted it, the drug finally began to work. Until 11 o’clock I worked in the office as usual – I edited, filmed, wrote and did a lot of everything that previously seemed not to be done at all.

I felt I should keep working, but that doesn’t mean I wanted to.

In general, the negative effects of taking drugs far outweigh the positive ones, and this can be due to a number of reasons.

People and their bodies react differently to chemicals and pills. After talking with my doctor, I found out that, for example, my liver has developed a special enzyme to remove modafinil from my body.