Lyrica

Drugs

Generic Name: Pregabalin
Product Name: Lyrica

Indication of Lyrica
Action of Lyrica
Dose Advice of Lyrica
Schedule of Lyrica
Common side effects of Lyrica
Uncommon side effects of Lyrica
Reference

Indication of Lyrica:

Lyrica may be used as:

An anticonvulsant drug for the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine is used to control repeated seizures or fits.
An add-on treatment for adult patients over the age of 18 years who have partial seizures
Treatment for neuropathic pain, which is pain associated with nerve damage or inflammation.

Lyrica may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medicine information.

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription. Your doctor will explain why Lyrica has been prescribed for you.

Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic Questionnaire (Pain Detect)
Take a more detailed questionnaire of your pain that you can show to your doctor.

Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic Questionnaire
Take a more detailed questionnaire of your pain that you can show to your doctor.

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Action of Lyrica:

Lyrica consist of an active ingredient known as pregabalin, which acts as an anticonvulsant. This agent works by slowing down the impulses in the brain that causes seizures or fits. Lyrica also has analgesic effects, which makes it a useful candidate for treating neuropathic pain such as burning, stabbing and shooting nerve pain.

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Dose Advice of Lyrica:

Lyrica is available in 75, 150 and 300 mg capsules. Your doctor will determine which dose is appropriate for your condition and how many capsules you need to take every day. This may depend on your age, your medical condition and your medication history. Continue taking this medicine for as long as directed by your doctor, even when you feel better. If this medicine is not helping you and/or your condition is deteriorating, tell your doctor immediately.

Important tips

Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Tell you doctor or other medical practitioner if you are taking any other medications, including non-prescription drugs from supermarket, pharmacy or health food shops.
Don't stop taking Lyrica unless advised by your doctor.
Tell you doctor if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.

For further information on the appropriate dose for your condition and if you are unsure or don't understand the instructions on how to take your medicine, contact your doctor for help.

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Schedule of Lyrica:

Lyrica is a Schedule 4 medication.^1,3

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Common side effects of Lyrica:

The most common side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. If possible, avoid taking alcohol while taking Lyrica as this combination can make you even more drowsy and dizzy. Other side effects such as vomiting, excessive wind and feeling drunk can develop in less than 10% of patients taking Lyrica.

These side effects are usually mild to moderate in intensity but if they are troublesome or cause any concern, contact your doctor.

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Uncommon side effects of Lyrica:

The following side effects occur in less than 1% of patients who are taking Lyrica, and are considered uncommon. Do not be alarmed by this list as you will not necessarily experience any of these side effects:

Increased appetite and weight gain
Confusion
Mood changes such as elevated or depressed mood or irritability
Memory impairment
Sexual problems such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Women experiencing breast pain or discharge
Shaky movements and unsteady walk
Abnormal coordination
Visual disturbance such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing fine details
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Dry nose
Hallucination
Insomnia - inability to sleep at night
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Hot flushes and sweating

	Click here to view the "Understanding Neuropathic Pain" pamphlet.
	Click here to view the IDPain screening tool pamphlet.
	Click here to view the DN4 patient questionnaire.

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Reference:

MIMS Online. Lyrica. [cited 2007 August 20]. Available from URL: http://mims.hcn.net.au
Australian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2006.
APPguide online. Lyrica. [cited 2007 August 22]. Available from URL: http://www.appco.com.au/ appguide/ default.asp
Pfizer Austalia Pty Ltd. Lyrica [product information]. West Ryde: Pfizer Austalia Pty Ltd; 2007.
Pfizer Austalia Pty Ltd. Lyrica [consumer medicine information]. West Ryde: Pfizer Austalia Pty Ltd; 2007.

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