Pharmacologic class: Miscellaneous anticonvulsant
Therapeutic class: Anticonvulsant
Pregnancy risk category C
Unclear. Binds with high affinity to CNS alpha2-delta site (auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels), possibly resulting in antinociceptive and antiseizure effects.
Capsules: 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg
➣ Adjunct for partial-onset seizures in adults
Adults: Initially, 75 mg P.O. b.i.d. or 50 mg P.O. t.i.d.; may increase to maximum of 600 mg P.O. daily given in divided doses based on response and tolerance
➣ Neuropathic pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Adults: Initially, 50 mg P.O. t.i.d. in patients with creatinine clearance of at least 60 ml/minute; may increase to maximum of 100 mg P.O. t.i.d. within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerance
➣ Postherpetic neuralgia
Adults: Initially, 75 mg P.O. b.i.d., or 50 mg P.O. t.i.d. in patients with creatinine clearance of at least 60 ml/minute; may increase to maximum of 300 mg P.O. daily within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerance. Tolerant patients who don't obtain sufficient pain relief after 2 to 4 weeks of 300 mg daily may receive up to 300 mg b.i.d. or 200 mg t.i.d. Reserve dosages above 300 mg daily for patients with ongoing pain who tolerate 300 mg daily.
➣ Fibromyalgia
Adults: Initially, 75 mg P.O. b.i.d. in patients with creatinine clearance of at least 60 ml/minute; may increase to 150 mg P.O. b.i.d. within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerance. If patient doesn't obtain sufficient benefit at 300 mg daily, dosage may be increased further to 225 mg b.i.d. Dosages above 450 mg daily aren't recommended.
• Renal impairment
• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
Use cautiously in:
• abnormal creatinine clearance
• concurrent use of thiazolidinedione antidiabetics
• history of angioedema episode
• concurrent use of drugs associated with angioedema (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)
• elderly patients
• children (safety and efficacy not established).
• Give with or without food.
• To discontinue drug, withdraw gradually over at least 1 week to reduce risk of increased seizure frequency in patients with history of seizure disorders.
CNS: dizziness, somnolence, euphoria, balance disorder, abnormal thinking, asthenia, neuropathy, ataxia, vertigo, confusion, incoordination, abnormal gait, tremor, amnesia, nervousness, headache, speech disorder, twitching, myoclonus, fatigue, feeling drunk, hypertonia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, lethargy, anxiety, disorientation, depression, depersonalization, stupor
EENT: abnormal or blurred vision, diplopia, nystagmus, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tinnitus, pharyngolaryngeal pain
GI: vomiting, constipation, flatulence, abdominal distention, gastroenteritis, dry mouth
GU: urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, decreased libido, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction
Metabolic: hypoglycemia, fluid retention
Musculoskeletal: back pain, myasthenia, arthralgia, muscle spasms
Respiratory: dyspnea, bronchitis
Skin: ecchymosis, pruritus
Other: increased appetite, weight gain, edema, peripheral edema, accidental injury, pain, chest pain, infection, allergic reaction, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactoid reactions (rare)
Drug-drug. Gabapentin: slight decrease in pregabalin rate of absorption
Lorazepam, oxycodone: exacerbated effects on cognitive and gross motor functioning
Drug-diagnostic tests. Serum glucose: decreased level
Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: exacerbated effects on cognitive and gross motor functioning
☞ Monitor patient closely for hypersensitivity reaction and angioedema; if these effects occur, discontinue drug and begin emergency measures immediately.
• Know that patients with history of drug or alcohol abuse may be more likely to misuse or abuse drug.
• Instruct patient to take drug with or without food.
☞ Teach patient to recognize signs and symptoms of angioedema and to discontinue drug and seek immediate medical care if these arise.
☞ Inform patient that drug may cause hypersensitivity reactions, such as wheezing, dyspnea, rash, hives, and blisters. Advise patient to discontinue drug and seek medical care if these reactions occur.
• Inform patient that drug may cause weight gain and edema.
• Advise patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until drug's effects on vision and alertness are known.
• Caution patient to avoid alcohol while taking drug.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and behaviors mentioned above.
Q. Had FMS for almost twenty years now, tried almost everything. Is Lyrica in the "steroid" family? Any one in this community could help me? I have given my few questions to find out an answer. I Had FMS for almost twenty years now, tried almost everything. I'm considering Lyrica but I'd like more info. Is Lyrica in the "steroid" family? If you go on Lyrica for a while & see no improvement with pain, is going off of it a big deal like with other med's, or can you simply just stop taking it? I take Ambien, will that have any interactions? I'm seeing my Doc about this at the end of the month, but I was hoping to get some personal experiences about it. Thanks for any thoughts! Thanks for your answers, keep them coming!
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