Lyrica

Uses
Lyrica (Pregabalin) has a broad range of medical uses. It is used to control pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, postrherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by shingles), pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain in patients with a spinal cord injury. When used to provide pain relief, it can act rapidly to relieve symptoms. This is achieved by affecting neurotransmitters in the body, which are used to transmit pain signals throughout the body and nerves, resulting in less pain signals being sent by nerves which have become damaged.

This medicine is also used (alongside other medicines) in adults with epilepsy, to treat partial onset seizures in patients whose seizures have failed to be adequately managed by other drugs. It has been shown to lower the frequency of this type of seizure in patients who are also taking other seizure medicines. Other conditions for which patients have taken this drug include migraine, perioperative pain and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Some doctors have also prescribed it for back pain and chronic pain.

Dosage and Administration
Lyrica (Pregabalin) 150mg capsules should be taken in accordance with the dosage instructions that your doctor provides you with. The dosage for shingles pain will be different to the dosage required for fibromyalgia, and other conditions, such as epilepsy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord pain caused by injury will also need a different dosage regimen.

Adults treating diabetic nerve pain have sometimes been told to take 50mg, 3 times per day when starting treatment. The doctor may then decide to increase the dosage, however, patients are not normally prescribed doses exceeding 300mg per day. Other conditions, such as migraine, GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and chronic pain may be treated with different amounts of medicine, and it is important that patients only take the amount of medicine that their doctor tells them to take.

Side effects
Patients who are using Lyrica (Pregabalin) to treat any of the conditions listed here may sometimes experience side effects, such as:

• Shaking of the body
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Problems balancing properly
• Weight gain and a noticeable increase in appetite
• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating properly

See your doctor if you experience any side effects during the course of treatment. In rare cases, serious reactions may occur. You must get medical attention straight away if you experience ocular problems, swelling of the feet or ankles, fever or any other signs of a severe reaction.

Precautions
Your doctor will schedule regular medical checkups, to monitor your condition and to determine whether any dosage adjustments are required.

In some cases, patients may experience severe changes in their mental health during treatment. Although it is rare, you will need to tell your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Lyrica (Pregabalin) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.