Everything You Need To Know About Lyrica

The most common Lyrica side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Coordination problems
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Infections
• Headaches
• Accidental injury
• Shakiness (tremors)

Some other common side effects of Lyrica include:

• Memory loss, problems concentrating, or slow thinking
• Constipation
• Speech problems
• Weakness
• Increased appetite
• Problems walking
• Twitching
• A spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Chest pain
• Gas
• Unexplained pleasant or happy feelings (euphoria)
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Bladder control problems
• Flu-like symptoms (such as body aches and chills)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Nervousness
• Fatigue
• Feeling abnormal or drunk
• Sinus infections
• Joint pain
• Muscle spasms.
• Signs of congestive heart failure, including difficulty breathing, water retention or swelling (especially in the hands, legs, or feet)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Any vision changes, including blurred vision or double vision
• A need to take more Lyrica than prescribed, especially if you think you may be dependent or addicted to Lyrica
• Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever and fatigue
• Anxiety or confusion
• Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, and unexplained swelling
• Suicidal thinking

Rare side effects of Lyrica are also possible. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it can be difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by Lyrica or by factors unrelated to the medication.

These less common side effects include:

• Sensitivity to the sun
• A stiff neck
• Hangovers
• Canker sores
• Anemia
• Hiccups
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Taste changes
• Kidney stones
• Menstrual problems

Lyrica is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Lyrica also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.


Important information about Lyrica

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Lyrica. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not change your dose of Lyrica without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
If you stop taking Lyrica suddenly, you may become worse or you may have withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Do not stop using Lyrica suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Lyrica, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Before taking Lyrica

You should not use Lyrica if you are allergic to pregabalin.
Before using Lyrica, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• congestive heart failure;
• diabetes; or
• kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Lyrica.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Lyrica. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.
It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Lyrica without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.