Lyrica Information and Uses

Lyrica is a medication used to treat seizures, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain associated with diabetes or shingles. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available with a prescription from healthcare providers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Lyrica FAQ


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What is Lyrica used for?

Lyrica is used to treat pain caused by fibromyalgia, or nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia ), or spinal cord injury. Lyrica may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Lyrica can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Is Lyrica a narcotic?

No, Lyrica isn’t a narcotic. “Narcotics” is another term for opioid pain relievers, such as oxycodone (Roxicodone). Lyrica contains the active drug pregabalin, which isn’t an opioid. Pregabalin belongs to a class of medications known as antiepileptic drugs. That said, Lyrica is a controlled substance.

Is Lyrica a generic drug?

Lyrica is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug pregabalin. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic medication is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Is Lyrica a liquid?

Lyrica comes as capsules that you swallow. Lyrica capsules are available in the following strengths: It’s also available as a liquid solution that you take by mouth. However, this form of Lyrica is only available in one strength: 20 mg of the drug per milliliter of liquid (mg/mL). Is Lyrica a controlled substance?

What neuropathic pain is Lyrica used for?

Peripheral and central neuropathic pain: Lyrica is used to treat long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves. A variety of diseases can cause peripheral neuropathic pain, such as diabetes or shingles. Pain sensations may be described as hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness, pins and needles.

What are the side effects of Lyrica?

These effects include, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, feeling anxious, diarrhoea, flu like symptoms, convulsions, nervousness, depression, thoughts of harming or killing yourself, pain, sweating, and dizziness. These effects may occur more commonly or severely if you have been taking Lyrica for a longer period of time.

Does Lyrica contain sugar?

Lyrica contains lactose monohydrate If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. Lyrica contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per hard capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

Lyrica References

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