Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Lyrica

Generic Name: pregabalin (Pronunciation: pre GAB a lin)

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

What is pregabalin (Lyrica)?

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 control seizures and to treat fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) or herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia).

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

Lyrica 100 mg

orange, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 100

Lyrica 150 mg

white, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 150

Lyrica 200 mg

orange, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 200

Lyrica 225 mg

orange, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 225

Lyrica 25 mg

white, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 25

Lyrica 300 mg

orange/white, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 300

Lyrica 50 mg

white, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 50

Lyrica 75 mg

orange/white, imprinted with Pfizer, PGN 75

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired);
• vision problems;
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• loss of balance or coordination;
• problems with memory or concentration;
• breast swelling;
• tremors; or
• dry mouth, constipation.

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)?

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

If you are taking pregabalin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine.

Do not stop using pregabalin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using pregabalin.

Do not change your dose of pregabalin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take pregabalin. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

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