Pregabalin
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Lyrica
Years on the market:
In the US since 2005
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
1-2 hours
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
1-2 days
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
Gradually
How long does it stay in the body?
6 hours
How is it eliminated?
Kidneys
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
Partial Epilepsy
FDA approved for:
Adjunctive therapy for adult patients with partial onset seizures
Common side effects:
• Skin: none
• Bones: none
• Blood: none
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: increased appetite, dry mouth, constipation
• Heart: none
• Brain: dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty with coordination, tremor, memory impairment, difficulty with speech, lack of coordination, difficulty walking, twitching, confusion,
• Mood: none
• Others: blurred vision, abnormal vision, accidental injury, pain, weight gain, leg swelling
Serious side effects:
Severe allergic reactions can occur
Swelling of the throat, head and neck can occur
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
Take this medication only as prescribed by your doctor. The symptoms of a pregabalin overdose are not known. No serious reactions have been reported so far.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
You should not stop taking pregabalin suddenly. This may cause an increase in the number and severity of your seizures.
Who should not take this medication?
You should not take pregabalin if you know that you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Adults: 150-600 mg/day (divided twice a day or three times a day)
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of Lyrica:
None anticipated
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of Lyrica:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
None anticipated
Blood work required?
CBC and CPM?
No
Are medication levels in blood useful?
Not commonly used
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
Unknown
Are safe in pregnancy?
There is not enough data in pregnant women to establish if it is safe or not. Animal studies suggest that it is safe with the dose ranges typically used with people. Discuss this with your doctor.
Category
Pregnancy Category C
Can breastfeed?
Pregabalin will be present in breastmilk in small amounts. It is unknown if the medication has a harmful effect on the baby. Overall the risk to the child is thought to be low and outweighed by the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should observe the child carefully for excessive sleepiness and poor appetite.
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
Unknown
Affects fertility?
Unknown
Use other than epilepsy:
Management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Management of postherpetic neuralgia
Management of fibromyalgia