What is Lyrica? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lyrica

Lyrica can be taken with or without food, either as an oral capsule or oral suspension. You should plan to spread your doses evenly throughout the day, taking it two to three times per day. Dosing varies between 150 mg and 600 mg per day. If you’re taking capsules, swallow them whole with water or juice. Do not chew them.

If you take Lyrica as a liquid, 2.5 ml is usually equivalent to a single 50 mg capsule. You'll need to measure your dose with a precise syringe, spoon, or medicine cup that will come with your medication. Don't use kitchen utensils to measure your dose because it won't be accurate. 

Ask your doctor for medical advice or refer to the medication guide for more information on Lyrica dosages.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Lyrica and gradually increase your dose over the first few days to minimize the potential for side effects. You may have to try several different dosages before you settle at the right dosage.  

Once you find an amount that works, it will usually stay consistent. Patients with epilepsy often continue taking Lyrica for many years. If you take Lyrica to alleviate nerve pain or anxiety, you may take Lyrica for several months even after symptoms improve to keep them from coming back. 

What to do if you miss a dose of Lyrica

You must take Lyrica as directed because of its high potential for abuse. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you are less than two hours away from your next dose, leave out the missed dose, and take your next one on time.

Most people start seeing benefits after taking Lyrica for a week or two. When you take Lyrica, it is quickly processed by the kidneys. It usually remains in your system for about 33 hours. 

For those relying on Lyrica as an anticonvulsant, missing a dose may trigger a seizure, so it’s important to take it regularly. Set an alarm or other reminder to make sure that you take Lyrica as prescribed. 

Overdose

Do not take two doses of Lyrica at the same time. Accidentally overdosing on Lyrica can be harmful and cause several unpleasant side effects. If you overdose and experience any of the following, call your doctor and head to the hospital right away: 

• Sleepiness

• Agitation or confusion

• Having a seizure

• Passing out

Lyrica contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lyrica?

Lyrica is only prescribed for adults. It should not be given to children or adolescents younger than 18 years of age. 

To ensure that Lyrica is safe for you, tell your doctor if any of the following apply:

• You’ve had an allergic reaction to Lyrica or another type of medicine before.

• You have a personal or family history of substance abuse.

• You're trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• You’re on a controlled potassium or sodium diet, or you have kidney disease. Lyrica is quickly processed by the kidneys, and it also contains sodium and potassium, which can be hard on them.

• You've had heart problems (like heart failure).

Lyrica warnings

• In 2019, the FDA warned that there is a risk for serious breathing difficulties in patients taking pregabalin, especially in those who have respiratory risk factors. 

• The effects of pregabalin has been extensively studied, along with other anti-epileptic drugs, for a potential increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts. However, no black box warning has been officially issued to this effect. 

• Lyrica is a schedule V controlled drug, meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and abuse. People with a history of substance abuse should inform their doctor before taking it. Lyrica should only be taken as prescribed.

• Taking Lyrica in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can increase the risk of birth defects and the rate of miscarriage. Lyrica is in pregnancy category C, meaning that there are no well-controlled studies to prove safety during pregnancy. Therefore, it should only be used if the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. Lyrica is known to pass through breast milk while breastfeeding.

• Lyrica can make you drowsy or dizzy, so do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how it affects you. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Avoid alcoholic beverages or marijuana because they can make these symptoms worse.

• As with other anti-epileptic drugs, do not stop using Lyrica suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, your healthcare provider will taper your dosage before you stop taking Lyrica completely.

• Older adults may be more sensitive to this drug's side effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, lack of balance, confusion, and slow or shallow breathing.

Lyrica interactions & what to avoid when taking Lyrica

The following drugs may cause serious interactions when taken with Lyrica. Some negative interactions can cause slow and shallow breathing, serious breathing problems, or severe drowsiness. Since they can be potentially life-threatening, avoid taking Lyrica with these substances. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: 

• Opioid pain and cough medicine (codeine, hydrocodone, etc.): Opioids slow down your GI tract, potentially allowing your body to absorb more of the Lyrica that you ingest. Lyrica may change the way your body reacts to opioids, too.

• Alcohol

• Marijuana (cannabis)

• Drugs for sleep or anxiety (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem)

• Muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) 

• Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine)

• ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)

• Oral diabetes medicines (metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)

If you are prescribed Lyrica, make sure to check the labels on over-the-counter allergy or cough and cold medicine that may contain ingredients to induce drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about how to use those products safely while taking Lyrica. 

There are no known food interactions with Lyrica.