Brand Name

Lyrica {Pfizer}

Generic Name

pregabalin, pronounced pre GAB a lin

What is Lyrica?

Lyrica is an anti-epileptic medication that treats adults and children with epilepsy and seizures by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that can cause seizures. Lyrica also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system. Adults with nerve pain that is caused by diabetes or diabetic neuropathy may be prescribed Lyrica for pain relief. Lyrica is also effective for nerve pain associated with herpes zoster, or post-herpetic neuralgia.

Lyrica may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Lyrica

Lyrica may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults age 18 and older.

Taking Lyrica may cause you to have thoughts about suicide, or mood changes like anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity (mental or physical). You should tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these conditions, or if your seizures worsen.

You should not stop taking Lyrica for seizures or epilepsy without talking to your doctor, even if you think you are better. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause you to have increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you want to stop taking Lyrica and he or she will gradually taper you off of this medication

You should have a medical ID card or wear a medical ID bracelet to let others know that you are taking Lyrica. Be sure to let any doctor or dentist know that you are taking Lyrica.

Lyrica is in pregnancy category C, which means that we do not know if Lyrica will harm an unborn baby. However, having a seizure during a pregnancy can harm both the mother and her unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not stop taking Lyrica without talking to your doctor first.

Lyrica can pass into breast milk, so you should not breast-feed while taking Lyrica.

Males taking Lyrica who father a child while on this medication may cause the child to have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with Lyrica.

Before You Take Lyrica

If you are allergic to pregabalin you should not take Lyrica.

If you have congestive heart failure, a bleeding disorder or low levels of platelets in your blood you should tell your doctor before taking Lyrica.

If you have diabetes, kidney disease or are on dialysis you should tell your doctor. However, you may be prescribed Lyrica to treat diabetic neuropathy.

Be sure that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor while you are taking Lyrica, and tell your family to be alert to any behavior changes you may have. If you have any concerns about your history of depression or mood disorders talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Lyrica.

You should tell your doctor if you have had or currently have a drug or alcohol addiction problem, depression or suicidal thoughts or a severe allergic reaction before starting treatment with Lyrica.

Be aware that Lyrica may cause your thinking and reaction time to be impaired. Take care to have someone with you when you are driving and first start taking Lyrica, until you know how you will react to this medication.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica, as it may exacerbate the side effects of this medication.

Lyrica Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• allergy or cold medications
• anxiety or depression medications
• heart or blood pressure medications like benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace)
• hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, Vicoprofen)
• morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph)
• rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, Avandaryl)
• sleeping pills

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Lyrica. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Lyrica

You should take Lyrica exactly your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Lyrica in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

You can take Lyrica with or without food.

If you are taking Lyrica oral solution use a special dose-measuring spoon or cup. Do not use a regular table spoon.

Lyrica capsules should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Lyrica you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

Lyrica Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Lyrica and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• easy bleeding or bruising
• muscle pain or weakness, especially if alongside a fever and exhaustion
• mood symptoms, such as anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or agitation
• swelling with rapid weight gain

Less serious side effects of Lyrica are:

• breast swelling
• concentration or memory problems
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• loss of balance or coordination problems
• tremors

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Lyrica. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Lyrica Description and Dosing

Lyrica is available in capsules and oral solution. The dosages are as follows:

25mg capsules are white, hard-gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 25” on the body.

50mg capsules are white, hard-gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “PGN 50” and an ink band on the body.

75mg capsules are white and orange, hard gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 75” on the body.

100mg capsules are orange, hard-gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 100” on the body.

150mg capsules are white hard gelatin, and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 150” on the body,

200mg capsules are light orange, hard gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 200” on the body.

225mg capsules are white and light orange, hard gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “PGN 225” on the body.

300mg capsules are white and orange, hard gelatin and printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “PGN 300” on the body.

The Lyrica Oral solution 20 mg/mL is clear, colorless and has a strawberry flavor.

Dosing of Lyrica is individualized based on individual patient needs. Your doctor will tell you what the appropriate dose of Lyrica is for you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Lyrica you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Lyrica

The main ingredient in Lyrica is pregabalin. Other inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, cornstarch, and talc as inactive ingredients. The capsule shells contain gelatin and titanium dioxide. In addition, the orange capsule shells contain red iron oxide and the white capsule shells contain sodium lauryl sulfate and colloidal silicon dioxide. Colloidal silicon dioxide is a manufacturing aid that may or may not be present in the capsule shells. The imprinting ink contains shellac, black iron oxide, propylene glycol, and potassium hydroxide.

The Oral solution contains pregabalin as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: glycerin, xylitol, purified water, and artificial cool strawberry anise flavor.

Back to Top

The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.