1. Pain, Pain, Go Away
First introduced as a seizure medication, Lyrica also treats the pain people experience from nerve damage as a result of diabetes. Patients with shingles, a blistering rash related to chicken pox, use Lyrica for the pain associated with their condition. Lyrica is also the first federally approved medication for the management of fibromyalgia, a condition that presents with fatigue, a hard time sleeping and joint and muscle pain.
2. Keep Taking It Until Your Doctor Says Differently
People who take Lyrica to control seizures shouldn't stop taking the medication cold turkey. Stopping Lyrica suddenly can lead to worse seizures or withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal from Lyrica include nausea, headache, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. Lyrica is a medication that may require weaning by steady reduction of the dosage. You should always speak to your physician before you change your dosage of Lyrica or stop using it altogether.
3. Don't Mix Lyrica With Alcohol
People taking Lyrica shouldn't drink alcohol. Common effects of Lyrica include slower reaction time and impaired thinking, and alcohol can worsen these symptoms. Sleeping pills, depression medications and muscle relaxants can also increase the sleepiness caused by Lyrica. Other side effects Lyrica can have include dryness in the mouth, dizziness, itchiness or a rash, pain in muscles or joints and pain in the stomach. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to see if a dosage change can alleviate your discomfort.
4. Don't Take It if You're Having Kids
Lyrica isn't recommended for people who plan to have children. Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before taking Lyrica to ensure that this medicine is the best course. When mothers take Lyrica, its effects on unborn children are unknown, but when fathers take Lyrica, animal studies show it can cause birth defects. You should inform your physician if you breastfeed your child while taking Lyrica, as you may or may not pass the drug through breast milk.
5. Discuss Allergies and Other Problems With Your Doctor
Pregabalin is the generic name of Lyrica. An allergy to pregabalin prevents the use of the drug for pain treatment. Let your physician know if you have an allergy to pregabalin or if you suffer from kidney disease, diabetes or congestive heart failure. Your doctor may administer more tests to determine if Lyrica is right for you. When you have a prescription for Lyrica to stop seizures, you should take the medication even when you feel well to prevent more frequent seizures.
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