Lyrica

Lyrica

     * Generic Name: pregabalin
     * Brand Name: Lyrica


     * What is pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of pregabalin (Lyrica,
       Lyrica CR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * How should I take pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica
       CR)?
     * What other drugs will affect pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?
     * Where can I get more information (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

What is pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an
   anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that
   cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain that
   send pain signals across the nervous system.

   Pregabalin is used to treat pain caused by fibromyalgia, or nerve
   pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes
   zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury.

   Pregabalin is also used with other medications to treat partial onset
   seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

   Pregabalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Pregabalin can cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this
   medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives or
   blisters on your skin; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
   behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble
   sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile,
   aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have
   thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * vision problems;
     * skin sores (if you have diabetes);
     * easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
     * swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain (especially
       if you have diabetes or heart problems); or
     * unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
       (especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark
       colored urine).

   If you have diabetes, tell your doctor right away if you have any new
   sores or other skin problems.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, drowsiness;
     * swelling in your hands and feet;
     * trouble concentrating;
     * increased appetite;
     * weight gain;
     * dry mouth; or
     * blurred vision.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pregabalin
(Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Pregabalin can cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this
   medicine and seek emergency medical help if you have hives or blisters
   on your skin, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face, mouth, or
   throat.

   Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking pregabalin. Stay
   alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening
   symptoms to your doctor.

   If you have diabetes or heart problems, call your doctor if you have
   weight gain or swelling in your hands or feet while taking pregabalin.

   Do not stop using pregabalin suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping
   suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

   Lyrica Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

   Fibromyalgia Overview Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Fibromyalgia Quiz
   Fibromyalgia Treatments and Tips to Ease Pain and Other Symptoms

   Fibromyalgia Slideshow: 12 Tips for Coping

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pregabalin
(Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   You should not use pregabalin if you are allergic to it.

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * a mood disorder, depression, or suicidal thoughts;
     * heart problems (especially congestive heart failure);
     * a bleeding disorder;
     * low levels of platelets in your blood;
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
     * diabetes (unless you are taking pregabalin to treat diabetic
       neuropathy);
     * drug or alcohol addiction; or
     * a severe allergic reaction (angioedema).

   Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking pregabalin. Your
   doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family
   or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or
   symptoms.

   Follow your doctor's instructions about taking seizure medication
   if you are pregnant. Seizure control is very important during
   pregnancy, and having a seizure could harm both mother and baby. Do not
   start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice, and
   tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

   If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to
   track the effects of pregabalin on the baby.

   This medication can decrease sperm count and may affect fertility
   in men (your ability to have children). In animal studies, pregabalin
   also caused birth defects in the offspring of males treated with
   this medicine. However, it is not known whether these effects would
   occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

   You should not breast-feed while using pregabalin.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Pregabalin
   is not approved for seizures in anyone younger than 4 years old.

How should I take pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all
   medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally
   change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

   Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
   whole.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   Do not stop using pregabalin suddenly, even if you feel fine, or you
   could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's
   instructions about tapering your dose for at least 1 week before
   stopping completely.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

   In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let
   others know you take seizure medication.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Lyrica Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

   Fibromyalgia Overview Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Fibromyalgia Quiz
   Fibromyalgia Treatments and Tips to Ease Pain and Other Symptoms

   Fibromyalgia Slideshow: 12 Tips for Coping

What happens if I miss a dose (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase certain side effects of
   pregabalin.

   Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine
   will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Using pregabalin with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this
   effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping
   pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
     * oral diabetes medicine--pioglitazone, rosiglitazone; or
     * an ACE inhibitor--benazepril, captopril, enalapril,
       fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril,
       ramipril, or trandolapril.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pregabalin, including
   prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal
   products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about pregabalin.
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