Lyrica, or pregabalin, is used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy, nerve damage caused by diabetes, post-herpetic neuralgia (pain after having shingles) and fibromyalgia. Different doses of Lyrica are used to treat different diseases, and the medication can be taken with or without food, and on a full or empty stomach, according to drugs.com. As with all medications, some side effects may occur, but not everyone will have every side effect, and many are easily managed and may go away over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lyrica can include blurry vision, dizziness, hoarseness of the voice, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, sleepiness, dry mouth and swelling of hands and feet. Other side effects you may experience include feeling "high," weight gain, sensations of "pins and needles," constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, trembling, headache and muscle pain or soreness. Some people have an allergic reaction to Lyrica, which may include difficulty breathing, rash or hives, and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or neck.
Psychological Side Effects
Antiepileptic drugs such as Lyrica can cause suicidal or depressive thoughts; it can cause these side effects in one in 500 individuals, according to Pfizer. Symptoms of these thoughts may include new or worse depression or anxiety, aggressive or violent behavior, agitation, insomnia, irritability, suicide attempts and thoughts about dying. If you experience any of these side effects, or notice any other changes in mood or thinking, it is important to contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Do not stop taking the medication before you call your provider.
When to Call Your Provider
Sometimes Lyrica can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. If any of the following side effects occur, call your doctor immediately: tightness in the chest, wheezing, blistering or peeling of your skin, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, red skin lesions that have a purple center, sores or white spots in the mouth, fatigue or weakness that is unusual and difficulty swallowing. Your health care provider can tell you if you need medical attention or if there are things you can do at home to help reduce any of these side effects.
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