What is Lyrica CR: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published May 27, 2022

Lyrica CR overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lyrica, Lyrica CR

Generic Names:

  • Pregabalin Er

Uses:

  • Treats nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia. Also treats partial-onset seizures.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant, Neuropathic Pain Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lyrica CR used for?

What form(s) does Lyrica CR come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Lyrica CR doses?

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 82.5MG

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 165MG

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 330MG

Common Lyrica CR prescriptions

  • Lyrica CR
    165mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • Lyrica CR
    330mg tablet extended release 24 hour

How to take Lyrica CR

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take it after an evening meal.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose of the extended-release tablet after your evening meal, take it before bedtime after a snack. If you miss the dose before bedtime, take it after your morning meal. If you do not take the dose the following morning, then take the next dose at your regular time after your evening meal. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lyrica CR

Lyrica CR contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to pregabalin.

Lyrica CR warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, a bleeding disorder, diabetes, sores or skin problems, or a low blood platelet count. Tell your doctor if you have a history of angioedema (severe swelling), alcohol or drug abuse, depression, or other mood problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Angioedema (severe swelling), which may be life-threateningChanges in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts or behaviorPeripheral edema (swelling of your hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs)Increased risk for cancer and bleedingSerious muscle problemsHeart rhythm changes

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe dizziness or drowsiness

  • Sudden mood changes, unusual thoughts or behavior such as extreme happiness or depression

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Swelling in your throat, head, or neck

  • Uneven heartbeat

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Lyrica CR interactions

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Some medicines can affect how pregabalin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: ACE inhibitor (including, benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)Oral diabetes medicine (including, metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using oxycodone or lorazepam.

Lyrica CR side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Uneven heartbeat

  • Sudden mood changes, unusual moods or behavior, including extreme happiness or depression, thoughts or attempts of killing oneself

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Blurry or double vision

  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, fever, general feeling of illness

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Swelling in your throat, head, or neck

  • Severe dizziness or drowsiness

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Confusion, trouble concentrating

  • Constipation