What is Lyrica: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Updated Oct. 7,
2021 • Published Dec. 30,
2020
What is Lyrica used for?
Lyrica is a brand-name GABA analogue drug manufactured by Pfizer. It’s an anticonvulsant (to prevent seizures) and an analgesic (painkiller). In 2004, Lyrica was initially only approved as an anticonvulsant to treat partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy (in conjunction with other medications).
Later, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lyrica as a neuropathic pain agent to treat fibromyalgia and nerve pain related to spinal cord injuries. Lyrica is now prescribed broadly as a pain reliever to treat chronic nerve and muscle pain from various conditions, including diabetes and shingles. Physicians have embraced Lyrica as one of the few non-opioids, non-acetaminophen, and non-NSAID options that work for chronic pain relief.
The generic version of Lyrica is called pregabalin.
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Lyrica is a controlled, schedule V prescription drug (similar to promethazine with codeine cough syrup). A prescription for Lyrica must be issued in accordance with federal and state laws for schedule IV substances. Lyrica has a high potential for abuse, especially if the patient has a personal or family history of substance abuse.
Lyrica for nerve pain
Nerve pain typically feels like a burning, sharp, stabbing sensation. It may also feel like the tingling sensation you feel with partial numbness. Many people with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy, which results in painful nerve damage in the hands or feet. Additionally, Lyrica can benefit those with nerve pain that doesn't go away after shingles or a spinal cord injury.
Lyrica for muscle pain
If you have fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes muscle pain, muscle stiffness, and tenderness, you may be prescribed Lyrica. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and treat.
Although it’s not a cure for fibromyalgia, Lyrica does help. It is often used with medications like amitriptyline that also treats nerve pain and can help with depression. Some patients with fibromyalgia report significantly less pain after taking Lyrica for just a week. Others find no improvement in taking Lyrica.
How does Lyrica work?
Lyrica works to treat nerve pain by changing and improving how neurotransmitters communicate with each other. Research suggests that Lyrica helps to block muscle and nerve pain by interfering with the pain signals that travel through the brain and down the spine. This decreases the number of nerve signals sent out by damaged nerve cells by calming down some of the overly sensitive nerve cells. Doing this helps to alleviate some of the nerve pain associated with the conditions that Lyrica treats.
As an epilepsy treatment, it is believed to stop seizures by cutting down some of the brain's abnormal electrical activity that can trigger seizures.
As an anxiety treatment, it’s thought to stop your brain from releasing certain chemicals that can make you feel anxious.
What are common Lyrica doses?
Capsule 25MG
Capsule 50MG
Capsule 75MG
Capsule 100MG
Capsule 150MG
Capsule 200MG
Capsule 225MG
Capsule 300MG
Bottle 473ML of 20MG/ML
Common Lyrica prescriptions
Lyrica
120 capsules bottle
Lyrica
15 capsules bottle
Lyrica
30 capsules bottle
Lyrica
473ml of 20mg/ml bottle
Lyrica
56 capsules bottle
Lyrica
60 capsules bottle
Lyrica
90 capsules bottle
Lyrica
100mg capsule
Lyrica
150mg capsule
Lyrica
200mg capsule
Lyrica
225mg capsule
Lyrica
25mg capsule
Lyrica
300mg capsule
Lyrica
50mg capsule
Lyrica
75mg capsule
How to take Lyrica
Lyrica can be taken with or without food, either as an oral capsule or oral suspension. You should plan to spread your doses evenly throughout the day, taking it two to three times per day. Dosing varies between 150 mg and 600 mg per day. If you’re taking capsules, swallow them whole with water or juice. Do not chew them.
If you take Lyrica as a liquid, 2.5 ml is usually equivalent to a single 50 mg capsule. You'll need to measure your dose with a precise syringe, spoon, or medicine cup that will come with your medication. Don't use kitchen utensils to measure your dose because it won't be accurate.
Ask your doctor for medical advice or refer to the medication guide for more information on Lyrica dosages.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Lyrica and gradually increase your dose over the first few days to minimize the potential for side effects. You may have to try several different dosages before you settle at the right dosage.
Once you find an amount that works, it will usually stay consistent. Patients with epilepsy often continue taking Lyrica for many years. If you take Lyrica to alleviate nerve pain or anxiety, you may take Lyrica for several months even after symptoms improve to keep them from coming back.
What to do if you miss a dose of Lyrica
You must take Lyrica as directed because of its high potential for abuse. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you are less than two hours away from your next dose, leave out the missed dose, and take your next one on time.
Most people start seeing benefits after taking Lyrica for a week or two. When you take Lyrica, it is quickly processed by the kidneys. It usually remains in your system for about 33 hours.
For those relying on Lyrica as an anticonvulsant, missing a dose may trigger a seizure, so it’s important to take it regularly. Set an alarm or other reminder to make sure that you take Lyrica as prescribed.
Overdose
Do not take two doses of Lyrica at the same time. Accidentally overdosing on Lyrica can be harmful and cause several unpleasant side effects. If you overdose and experience any of the following, call your doctor and head to the hospital right away:
Sleepiness
Agitation or confusion
Having a seizure
Passing out
Lyrica contraindications
Lyrica is only prescribed for adults. It should not be given to children or adolescents younger than 18 years of age.
To ensure that Lyrica is safe for you, tell your doctor if any of the following apply:
You’ve had an allergic reaction to Lyrica or another type of medicine before.
You have a personal or family history of substance abuse.
You're trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You’re on a controlled potassium or sodium diet, or you have kidney disease. Lyrica is quickly processed by the kidneys, and it also contains sodium and potassium, which can be hard on them.
You've had heart problems (like heart failure).
Lyrica warnings
In 2019, the FDA warned that there is a risk for serious breathing difficulties in patients taking pregabalin, especially in those who have respiratory risk factors.
The effects of pregabalin has been extensively studied, along with other anti-epileptic drugs, for a potential increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts. However, no black box warning has been officially issued to this effect.
Lyrica is a schedule V controlled drug, meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and abuse. People with a history of substance abuse should inform their doctor before taking it. Lyrica should only be taken as prescribed.
Taking Lyrica in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can increase the risk of birth defects and the rate of miscarriage. Lyrica is in pregnancy category C, meaning that there are no well-controlled studies to prove safety during pregnancy. Therefore, it should only be used if the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. Lyrica is known to pass through breast milk while breastfeeding.
Lyrica can make you drowsy or dizzy, so do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how it affects you. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Avoid alcoholic beverages or marijuana because they can make these symptoms worse.
As with other anti-epileptic drugs, do not stop using Lyrica suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, your healthcare provider will taper your dosage before you stop taking Lyrica completely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to this drug's side effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, lack of balance, confusion, and slow or shallow breathing.
Lyrica interactions
The following drugs may cause serious interactions when taken with Lyrica. Some negative interactions can cause slow and shallow breathing, serious breathing problems, or severe drowsiness. Since they can be potentially life-threatening, avoid taking Lyrica with these substances. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Opioid pain and cough medicine (codeine, hydrocodone, etc.): Opioids slow down your GI tract, potentially allowing your body to absorb more of the Lyrica that you ingest. Lyrica may change the way your body reacts to opioids, too.
Alcohol
Marijuana (cannabis)
Drugs for sleep or anxiety (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem)
Muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)
Oral diabetes medicines (metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
If you are prescribed Lyrica, make sure to check the labels on over-the-counter allergy or cough and cold medicine that may contain ingredients to induce drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about how to use those products safely while taking Lyrica.
There are no known food interactions with Lyrica.
Lyrica side effects
Common side effects of Lyrica include:
Lyrica can have several serious side effects. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
Blurred vision
Severe dizziness or drowsiness
Swelling
Irregular heartbeat
Allergic reactions (itching, hives, swelling, chest tightness, trouble breathing)
Blisters, peeling, red skin rash
Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Chest pain
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Sudden changes in mood, unusual moods or behavior including extreme unhappiness or depression, suicidal attempts or ideation
Rapid weight gain
Tremors
Signs of kidney problems (like a change in the amount of urine)
Lyrica alternatives
In July 2019, the FDA approved nine generic versions of pregabalin, which is Lyrica. These approvals were granted to increase affordable access to this medication by increasing competition in the marketplace. Depending on your medical condition, the following drugs also serve as alternatives to Lyrica.
Neurontin, Gralise (gabapentin):
Cymbalta (duloxetine):
Savella (milnacipran HCl):
Amitriptyline:
Topamax (topiramate):
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