Lyrica is a prescription medication used to help manage pain associated with shingles, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Lyrica may also be used to treat partial onset seizures in adults who also have epilepsy and take at least one medication for seizures. Lyrica can cause serious, life threatening side effects. Do not take Lyrica unless your doctor prescribes it for you.
Common Side Effects
Lyrica can cause side effects such as dry mouth, swelling of hands, legs and feet, dizziness, sleepiness and vision problems. You may also experience other side effects such as weight gain, difficulty concentrating and blurred vision. The Lyrica website warns that you may feel "high" when taking Lyrica. Lyrica does not cause high cholesterol; it does not affect cholesterol in any way.
Uses
Lyrica, also known as pregabalin, is typically used to help control symptoms associated with pain related to autoimmune disorders, such as fibromyalgia. Lyrica does not cure any condition, but helps make life more manageable by decreasing pain. Most physicians will normally start you on a low dose of the medication to begin helping control your pain and allow your body to slowly adjust to the medication. Your doctor provider may gradually increase your dose. Lyrica is habit forming, so take it only as directed.
Warnings
You should not operate heavy machinery or a vehicle until you know how Lyrica will affect you. Do not stop taking Lyrica without your doctor's supervision. Your doctor may slowly wean you off your medication to lesson withdrawal side effects, according to PubMed.gov. Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions may occur when you begin taking Lyrica. Do not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica as it may increase drowsiness already caused by your medication.
Considerations
Let your doctor know of all other medications that you take, even if they're not prescribed medications. Your physician can determine whether it is safe for you to take Lyrica while taking nonprescription medications. If cholesterol is a concern for you, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your cholesterol level. -- you may need cholesterol medication. If you have kidney disease, a bleeding disorder, low levels of platelets, congestive heart failure or have a history of drug or alcohol addiction, let your doctor know before taking Lyrica.
