Lyrica (LEER-ri-kah)
Lyrica (pregabalin [pre-GAB-a-lin]) is primarily used to treat fibromyalgia, pain from shingles, or nerve pain from diabetes or spinal cord injury. This drug is also used to treat partial onset seizures in cases of adult epilepsy involving one or more seizure medications.
Lyrica Warnings
This medication and other antiepileptic drugs may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors. While taking Lyrica, your doctor should monitor you for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or any other changes in mood.
This medication is a controlled substance, with the potential to be abused. It is important to discuss with your physician any history of drug or alcohol abuse before taking this product.
Stopping this drug quickly may increase the likelihood of seizures.
Lyrica may cause blurred or double vision.
This medication may cause weight gain or fluid retention.
It is important to note that there are several side effects associated with gabapentinoids like Lyrica including causing brain decline by blocking the formation of new brain synapses. This may include dizziness, tiredness, and can make it harder to concentrate, among many other potential side effects.
Why Is Lyrica Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Lyrica may be prescribed in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) to alleviate pain and discomfort.
How Should Lyrica Be Used?
Take Lyrica by mouth as directed by your physician. Your physician may start you at a low dose and increase the dose over time.
This medication is usually administered two to three times daily with or without food. This medication can be taken before or after meals.
The dose depends on your diagnosis, reaction to treatment, and kidney functioning.
If using this medication as a liquid, measure the dose carefully.
To benefit the most from Lyrica, use this medication regularly. Take this medication at regular intervals throughout a 24-hour period.
Consult your physician before stopping this medication to reduce the amount of side effects that may occur.
Other Uses for Lyrica
This medication is used to treat pain that results from nerve damage in relation to diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury. It is also used to alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Lyrica may be used with other medications to treat certain kinds of seizures.
This medication may be used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and general anxiety disorder.
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
Inform your physician if you are allergic to Lyrica before beginning treatment. Also tell your doctor about any other allergies you have. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
Before taking Lyrica (pregabalin) for prostatitis, provide a medical history to your doctor, especially with regard to:
- Heart problems/heart failure
- Kidney disease
- History of allergic reaction that involves itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- History of drug or alcohol use
Be sure to know how you respond to Lyrica before driving or performing any dangerous activity, such as operating machinery, as it may cause drowsiness.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, as it may make you dizzy, sleepy, or cause blurred vision.
Before having any surgeries, inform your physician of all prescription and nonprescription products you use.
Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects while taking Lyrica, especially sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion.
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Lyrica?
Continue a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water while on this medication.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Lyrica for Prostatitis?
If any of these side effects persist or worsen while taking Lyrica, tell your physician:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Problems with concentration
- Weight gain
- Accumulation of fluid (Edema)
If any of these more severe side effects occur, tell your physician immediately:
- Blurred vision
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Shakiness
- Confusion
- Pain, tenderness or weakness in muscles (possibly with fever)
- Swollen extremities
- Change in urine amount
A minor amount of patients who take anticonvulsants may experience the following serious reactions:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Other mood changes
While taking Lyrica, these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may rarely occur:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Inform your physician of these or other serious side effects immediately.
If you stop taking Lyrica suddenly without gradually reducing the dose, you may have problems sleeping, experience nausea, headache or diarrhea.
Does Lyrica Have Special Storage Instructions?
This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.
It is unknown what exact side effects can be expected from an overdose of this medication. Studies of high doses of this drug (up to 8000 mg) either did not cause problems or resulted in the usual side effects listed above.
You can expect to experience severe drowsiness and dizziness from an overdose.
High doses of Lyrica are more likely to be life-threatening if taken in conjunction with other medications or substances, including alcohol, narcotics, and other medications.
What Else Should I Know about Lyrica (Pregabalin) for Prostatitis?
Many other drugs interact with Lyrica (pregabalin) for prostatitis. Discuss what medications you are taking with your doctor before beginning treatment.
