Lyrica (pregabalin) is a medication used to manage seizures, to help with the widespread pain of fibromyalgia and to ease the numbness or tingling resulting from diabetic neuropathy. It is also used for post-herpetic neuralgia, which causes residual pain after treatment for shingles. Typically, the starting dose for Lyrica is 50 mg three times a day, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
Lyrica can commonly affect the digestive tract and cause constipation, vomiting, flatulence (gas) and bloating, says MedlinePlus. Prolonged constipation can lead to bowel obstruction. Drink prune juice and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber to stimulate your digestive system. If these home remedies do not work, a physician can recommend an over-the-counter laxative or prescription-strength medication. Lyrica can also affect the psyche and cause confusion, anxiety and memory problems. These symptoms should typically resolve after your body becomes acclimated to Lyrica. Call your doctor if they persist for three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says Lyrica's serious side effects include muscle pain and weakness, easy bleeding or bruising and edema (swelling) of the feet or hands. Easy bleeding and bruising are typical manifestations of thrombocytopenia, a condition of lowered platelet counts. According to MedlinePlus, Lyrica can also lead to chest pain, wheezing and trouble breathing. It can also cause heart failure, in which the heart does not pump enough blood to the rest of the body. In some instances, Lyrica can also increase risk for developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These are life-threatening side effects that require immediate attention. Call your physician at the onset of any of these side effects.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Lyrica can also cause hypotension (low blood pressure), melena (black stools) and rectal bleeding. Hypotension can lead to fainting episodes because not enough blood reaches the brain. Black stools typically indicate upper intestinal bleeding, while rectal bleeding indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Lyrica can also cause anemia (low red blood cells), leukopenia (low white blood cells) and kidney stones. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and pale skin, while leukopenia makes you susceptible to infections. It is important to phone your doctor when you notice these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
People who are allergic to pregabalin should not take Lyrica. They may develop trouble breathing, hives and swelling of the face or tongue, all manifestations of an allergic reaction. It is unclear whether Lyrica can harm an unborn baby or an infant who is breast-feeding, so women who are pregnant or are nursing should not take it. Patients taking Lyrica should not use alcohol. MedlinePlus says Lyrica should not be used by people who are taking benazepril, captopril, fosinopril and ramipril. People should consult with their doctor about other contraindications.
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