Lyrica
Pregabalin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lyrica
Lyrica is an anti-epileptic medication. It acts by slowing down the impulses in the human brain that are the reason of seizures. Furthermore this medication is also affects chemicals in the brain that send impulses through the nervous system.
Therapeutic Uses of Lyrica
The medicine is intended to treat various pain caused by nerve damage appeared as a result of diabetes and shingles infection. The medication is also possible to apply in treating patients experiencing fibromyalgia. Furthermore Lyrica may be prescribed for those patients experiencing certain types of seizures.
Direction of use of Lyrica
Carefully read the leaflet enclosed with the drug and consult with your doctor before starting Lyrica therapy.
The drug should be taken orally two or three times a day or according to your doctor directions. It is possible to take it before, within as well as after the meal. After you start treatment your doctor may slowly increase dosage with an aim to avoid side effects like dizzines and drowsiness. Don’t change the dosage as doctor directs it according to your medical condition and response to the treatment.
Take the medication strictly according the schedule prescribed to get the best benefit from it. This is caused by the fact that the drug is more efficient when it is kept on the same level in the body. Thus it is advised to take thee drug at equal periods of time.
Do not stop taking the medication without previous talk to your doctor.
Taking the drug within a prolonged period of time may cause dependence, thus don’t stop taking the drug suddenly as you may experience certain withdrawal reactions (like complicated sleep, nausea, headache and diarrhea). Contact your doctor at once in case you experience any of them. So, the end of treatment with this drug may need gradual reduction of the dosage taken with an aim to avoid withdrawal reactions.
It’s quite rare situation however the drug may cause serious addictions, so don’t increase your dosages or take the medication more frequent or longer than it is prescribed by your doctor. Follow your doctor directions in taking the drug and this will help you to decrease the possibility of becoming addicted to the drug.
Contact your health-care provider in case your condition remains the same or worsens.
Dose of Lyrica, if Missed
In case you have missed to take the drug do it at the time you have remembered about it. However in case it is the time for the next dosage then skip the missed one and follow you common dosage schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at once.
How to Store Lyrica
The medication should be stored at the temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dark and dry place beyond the reach of the children and pets. It is also possible to keep the medication between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) for a short period of time. Avoid keeping the medication in the bathroom.
Avoid flushing the drug in the toilet in case your therapy finished or you don’t need the drug anymore. Contact you health-care provider to find out how to discard the medication properly.
More Information About Lyrica
Your doctor may already know about the drugs you use and thus aware of all possible interactions. Thus don’t start, stop or change the dosage of the medication taken without previous consultation with your doctor.
Let your doctor know about any drugs and herbal products you use before starting the therapy.
Let your doctor know in case you use any drugs that may cause drowsiness (antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, anti-seizure drugs, medicines for sleep, muscle relaxants or pain relievers, psychiatric medications and tranquilizers.
Look through the labels of the drugs taken as it may be said there about any drowsiness-causing components.
Contact your doctor at once in case you think you experience overdose.
Avoid sharing the medication with anyone else as this may be dangerous and it is illegal.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lyrica
Let your doctor know about any allergies you have before starting the therapy.
Furthermore tell your doctor about your medical history especially about any heart problems, kidney disease, any blood disorders, and allergic reactions.
The use of the medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness as well as blurred vision. Use the drug with caution in case you operate any machinery. Don’t take any alcoholic beverages as this may increase the possibility of side effects of the drug.
The elderly patients should use the drug with caution as they may be more sensitive to it side effects.
In case you are pregnant or within breast feeding period – don’t take the medication without previous consultation with the doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
The use of the drug may cause such side effects as drowsiness, dizzines confusion, difficulty concentrating, unsteadiness, fatigue, swollen arms/legs, increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. Contact your doctor in case you experience any of these side effects.
Commonly side effects don’t occur at all. Don’t forget that your doctor prescribed you the medication as he decided that the benefit of it will increase its side effects.
In case you experience any of the following side effects contact your doctor at once: change in amount of urine, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, mental/mood changes, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, stomach/abdominal pain, uncontrolled movements, unusual tiredness, vision changes.
The use of the drug may also cause mood or behavior changes, such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, pressured/rapid speech, or thoughts of suicide. Let your doctor know in case you have any of these side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately in case you have any of the following serious side effects: unusual bleeding/bruising, slow or irregular heartbeat.
The use of the drug may also cause very serious side effects though they are quite rare. But contact you health-care provider at once in case you have any signs of allergic reactions like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/lips/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.