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Lyrica is a reimbursed drug available in pharmacies and issued on prescription. The active substance in Lyrica is pregabalin, a compound that belongs to the group of medicines called antiepileptic drugs. How does Lyrica work and what are the indications for its use? When should I not use Lyrica and when should I be especially careful?
Lyrica – composition and action of the drug
The main ingredient in Lyrica is pregabalin, which belongs to the group of antiepileptic drugs. Pregabalin is an organic chemical compound, a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA for short. There are also other excipients in Lyrica, such as lactose monohydrate. Lyrica, after oral administration on an empty stomach, is very well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and the maximum concentration in the blood serum is reached one hour after taking the drug. The active substance in Lyrica does not bind to plasma proteins but crosses the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and into food.
Lyrica – indications and contraindications
Lyrica is a prescription-only medicine, which means that it can only be used by patients on the express recommendation of a doctor. For example, an indication for the use of Lyrica is peripheral and central neuropathic pain. Lyrica is also prescribed in patients with symptoms of epilepsy, and is especially indicated for the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures in adults with or without secondary generalization. Lyrica is also used for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. A contraindication to the use of Lyrica is hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any of the excipients in the preparation. The drug should also not be used in children under 12 years of age. Particular care should be taken when using Lyrica in cases of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant and lactating women. Lyrica is also not indicated for patients who are prone to addiction or struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Lyrica – recommended dosage of the drug
The dosage of Lyrica is always determined by the doctor after detailed consultation with the patient and following the symptoms of the disease. The dose of Lyrica ranges from 150 mg to 600 mg a day, but the correct dose depends on the condition being treated. For neuropathic pain, treatment can be started at a dose of 150 mg per day divided into 2-3 separate doses. Depending on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 307 mg daily after 300 days. It should be remembered that the gradual increase in the dose should not exceed the upper limit of normal, i.e. 600 mg. For epilepsy, the first dose should also be 150 mg a day, and after one week the dose may be increased to 300 mg, while the maximum dose may be given after another week of Lyrica treatment. When you stop taking Lyrica, it should be done gradually over a period of at least one week. You should not stop using Lyrica overnight.
Lyrica – possible side effects
The use of Lyrica may cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are dizziness and somnolence. The side effects were most often of moderate or mild intensity. Eyesight problems such as blurred or double vision may occur when using Lyrica. Some patients have complained of vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or dry mouth. Diagnostic tests indicated an increase in body weight.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.