Lyrica: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Lyrica is Pregabalin. Lyrica works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Lyrica is mainly used to relieve nerve pain as in diabetes due to diabetic neuropathy, nerve pain caused by shingles, fibromyalgia, epilepsy and it can also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Lyrica Side effects

Common side effects of Lyrica may include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, confusion, irritability, decreased sex drive, impotence in men, ataxia, tremor, abnormal coordination, problems with speech, memory or attention, blurred vision, constipation, vomiting, flatulence. dry mouth, and water retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling. Rare side effects of Lyrica may include hallucinations, agitation, restlessness, burning sensations, numbness, increased pulse rate, hot flushes, sweating, dry nose or eyes, shortness of breath, acid reflux, rash, and muscles stiffness.

Lyrica Warning

Lyrica may cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion or blurred vision and so may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Lyrica affects you.

Lyrica may increase the effects of alcohol.

There may be a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people taking Lyrica. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any changes in mood, thoughts about suicide.

Lyrica may cause skin and other allergic reactions.

Lyrica should be taken regularly as directed by your physician, because missing doses can trigger seizures in some people.

Lyrica should not be stopped suddenly unless by your physician. Lyrica should be reduced gradually over at least a week.

Some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, headache, nausea, diarrhea, flu, nervousness, depression, pain, sweating and dizziness after stopping treatment with Lyrica.

Lyrica Caution

Lyrica should be used with caution in elderly people, people with reduced kidney function, severe heart failure, and in Diabetes (Lyrica may cause weight gain during treatment, diabetics may need an adjustment in their dose of blood glucose lowering drug).

Lyrica is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Lyrica and Pregnancy

The safety of Lyrica during pregnancy has not been established. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Lyrica.

Lyrica Interaction

Avoid taking herb St John's Wort while taking Lyrica. This could increase the risk of seizures. Lyrica may increase drowsiness if it is combined with other drugs that can cause drowsiness, for example: Benzodiazepines
Painkillers such as Oxycodone
Muscle relaxants.

Lyrica Overdose

In case of Lyrica overdose, seek medical attention right away.

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