What is Lyrica?
Lyrica is the brand name of pregabalin, an anticonvulsant and anti-seizure medication that is used to treat both neuropathic pain and partial seizures that are caused by temporal lobe epilepsy.
What is Lyrica Used For?
Lyrica is approved to treat a number of afflictions and pains in the United StatesLyrica is Commonly Used to Treat the Following Afflictions:
- Epilepsy
- Diabetic neuropathy pain
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following the shingles virus)
- Fibromyalgia, which causes pain in muscles and connective tissues as well as widespread pain. This also causes heightened and painful responses to touch.
Side Effects of Lyrica
The side effects of Lyrica range from moderate to severe, and their frequency varies as well. As with most side effects, if they become increasingly intense, anyone taking this drug should immediately contact a doctor.
Common Side Effects of Lyrica Include:
- Dizziness and/or drowsiness
- Problems with visual perceptions
- Disordered or slurred speech
- Tremor
- Lethargy
- Memory problems
- Euphoria
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight gain
Less Common, but more Serious Side Effects of Lyrica Iclude:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Kidney stones
Is Lyrica Addictive?
Lyrica is classified by the FDA as a controlled substance because drug users identified this drug as giving them a “high,†and people who were given this drug over a long period of time and were suddenly taken off experienced symptoms of withdrawals. Although the addiction potential for Lyrica is low, and it is considered a Schedule V controlled substance, it is still important that those who are prescribed pregabalin recognize the symptoms of withdrawal from this drug.
Symptoms of Lyrica Withdrawal
The symptoms of withdrawing from Lyrica are similar to symptoms of withdrawals from benzodiazepines and other classified drugs. These symptoms include seizures, insomnia, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. For those who suddenly stop a Lyrica regimen and begin to experience these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Lyrica Overdose
Although it is not considered possible to fatally overdose on Lyrica, it is still possible to cause damage to one’s body and mind by taking more Lyrica than is prescribed or necessary.The Symptoms of Overdosing on Lyrica Include:
- Excessive mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Increased confusion
- Depression
- Agitation
- Restlessness
Treatment for an Overdose on Lyrica
There is no specific antidote for the treatment of a Lyrica overdose. Sometimes, medical staff will induce emesis in order to rid the patient of the unabsorbed drug, and they will usually be placed in general supportive care in order to monitor vitals and other important signs. If there are any signs that you or a loved one has overdosed on Lyrica, contact healthcare professionals or a hospital immediately.
Medications Similar to Lyrica
As Lyrica pregabalin is a gabapentinoid, it is similar to gabapentin and other gabapentinoids. One such drug is the brand Neurontin. However, these drugs are not interchangeable, and as with any drug, consulting with your doctor before switching medications is necessary in order to ensure safety and proper dosage.
