Lyrica (pregabalin)
How does it work?
Lyrica capsules contain the active ingredient pregabalin, which is a medicine that is mainly used to treat epilepsy. It works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain.
The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This can result in seizures or fits.
Pregabalin prevents epileptic fits by preventing the excessive electrical activity in the brain. It does this by mimicking the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA.
Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are stored in nerve cells. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance. Pregabalin is structurally similar to GABA and so is thought to mimick its action. This helps calm the nerve activity in the brain.
Pregabalin is used as an add-on treatment for adults whose epilepsy has not been well controlled by other anti-epileptic medicines. It is used to prevent partial seizures, and partial seizures that spread to secondary generalised seizures.
As pregabalin stabilises electrical nerve activity, it can also be used to treat pain that occurs a result of damage to or a disturbance in the function of nerves (neuropathic pain). It can be used for peripheral neuropathic pain, ie nerve pain in the hands, legs or feet, or central neuropathic pain, eg as a result of a spinal cord injury.
Pregabalin can also used to treat generalised anxiety disorder.
What is it used for?
Warning!
Use with caution in
Not to be used in
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
Label warnings
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
This medicine is not known to interact significantly with other medicines. However, if it makes you feel sleepy or dizzy, this effect is likely to be increased if you take it in combination with other medicines that can cause drowsiness, for example:
This medicine does not affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill.
Other medicines containing the same active ingredient
There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain pregabalin as the active ingredient.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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