Get Informed: Lyrica
Active Ingredient(s)
Pregabalin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain, fibromyalgia and epilepsy. It works at different sites in the nervous system, although its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-14 11:16 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-14 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Lyrica
- Pregabalin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 30 Dec 2004
- Est US Patients*
- 3,399,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Lyrica or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Lyrica Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Lyrica interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Lyrica used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 22,500 patients that use Lyrica (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropathic Pain | 57% | 
|
| Fibromyalgia | 43% |
|
| Back/Neck Pain | 34% |
|
| Pain-Generalized | 31% | 
|
| Restless Leg Syndrome | 7% | 
|
| Osteoarthritis | 6% |
|
| Migraine/Headache | 2% |
|
| Anxiety | 2% | 
|
How well does Lyrica work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,500 users taking Lyrica (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iGuard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Lyrica outweigh the bad things.
- 14%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Lyrica.
Common Side Effects of Lyrica
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,500 users taking Lyrica (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
59% of patients experience side-effects on Lyrica
16% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Lyrica
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Weight Gain
-
Drowsiness
-
Swelling/Edema
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Vision Changes
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
Fatigue
-
Dryness
-
Constipation
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Erectile Problems, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Loss of Libido, Mood/Behavior Changes, Numbness/Tingling, Tremor, Weakness, Withdrawal Problems
Global Patient Feedback for Lyrica (Pregabalin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Lyrica for 2 years for SLE and it doesn't kill the pain, it just takes the edge off. I am now twice the weight I should be and I cannot sit or stand for more than a few minutes before the pain becomes unbearable. I used to take tramodol when the pain became severe but I became allergic. I am also allergic to codeine so I am at a loss for some clue as to how I am supposed to live like this. At the moment, I can do very little without resting and I often spend half my day sleeping because the pain can make you feel nauseous and eventually you wear yourself out and collapse into a restless sleep. Thank-you for letting me know it's the Lyrica that's making me gain so much weight-I thought it was just me being greedy without reason.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-26 04:59:37
Question/Comment:
I want to know what efeccts lyrica has on the eyes.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-19 12:14:26
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Lyrica can cause blurred vision, double vision, distorted vision, and nystagmus, which is a wobbling of the eyes. The blurred vision can be dose related, so if this is the issue, let your doctor know and perhaps your dose can be adjusted.
Posted: 2010-02-24 10:46:56
Question/Comment:
Is it safe to take Lyrica and Provigil together?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-04 10:32:47
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There is not a known drug interaction between the Provigil and the Lyrica. However if you are taking Lyrica to treat a seizure disorder, then you should always be cautious when adding any other medications. If you experience a rash or swelling or any kind, you should report those symptoms immediately. You should also discuss your treatment with your doctor before making any changes. Make sure you each of your physicians has your full medication list.
Posted: 2010-02-04 22:41:19
Question/Comment:
I just started taking lyrica for DPN, 50mg 3x day. My question is this: Is it common for the tingle/numbness to increase at first while on this? I have just been taking it for the last 3 days, but the pain in my hands and feet has gotten markedly worse since the middle of the second day. Is this common and if it is, how soon till it goes away? Any ideas what I can do at home to help ease it?
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-16 17:30:49
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Less than 1% of iGuard patients have reported numbness or tingling while taking Lyrica. If this symptom continues or becomes worse, please follow with your doctor.
Posted: 2010-01-17 21:08:53
Answer/Reply:
This was posted 2 weeks ago, and if you haven't by now, I hope that you call your doctor right away about the increased pain. The numbness/tingling is a side affect that usually doesn't last (didn't with me and a couple friends anyway) but by reading your question, it sounds like Lyrica isn't a good fit for you and your doctor IMO should try something else. I'm no medical expert for sure - I've just been juggled on meds so much I have learned. Good luck & God bless.I pray you're feeling better
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-31 18:35:36
Question/Comment:
I injured my back 3.5 years ago and have significant nerve damage to my leg and foot - resulting in significant "pins and needles" and/or burning 24/7. My surgeon had me try Lyrica, however 100mg at a time was and still is far too much for my system to handle. I become a drooling zombie. However, I do now take 50mg 3x a day - it does not take away all the nerve pain, but enough that I can function through it.
I already was overweight, so I have had to really watch it because Lyrica gives me a serious case of munchies. If you are trying to lose - good luck, because Lyrica will not help with that.
I have found that mixing my bedtime dose with Flexeril is not for the weak at heart - trippy dreams and you feel hungover a good 12hrs afterward.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-01 18:55:23
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380
Patient Comments about
Lyrica