Get Informed: Pregabalin
Active Ingredient(s)
Pregabalin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain, fibromyalgia and epilepsy. It works at different sites in the nervous system, although its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-21 2:38 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Lyrica
- Pregabalin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 30 Dec 2004
- Est US Patients*
- 3,393,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Pregabalin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Pregabalin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Pregabalin interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Pregabalin used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 22,600 patients that use Pregabalin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropathic Pain | 57% | 
|
| Fibromyalgia | 43% |
|
| Back/Neck Pain | 34% |
|
| Pain-Generalized | 31% | 
|
| Restless Leg Syndrome | 7% | 
|
| Osteoarthritis | 6% |
|
| Migraine/Headache | 2% |
|
| Anxiety | 2% | 
|
How well does Pregabalin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,600 users taking Pregabalin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Pregabalin outweigh the bad things.
- 14%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Pregabalin.
Common Side Effects of Pregabalin
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,600 users taking Pregabalin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
59% of patients experience side-effects on Pregabalin
16% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Pregabalin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Weight Gain
-
Drowsiness
-
Swelling/Edema
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Vision Changes
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
Fatigue
-
Dryness
-
Constipation
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Erectile Problems, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Loss of Libido, Mood/Behavior Changes, Numbness/Tingling, Tremor, Weakness, Withdrawal Problems
Global Patient Feedback for Pregabalin ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I was prescribed Lyrica by my Dr back in Dec. I started retaining water... 34 lbs worth. I started out low and then worked my way up to 600 mgs twice a day. It worked for the pain.... cause I felt like I was drunk. So as far as the pain goes... none on Lyrica. You just walk around Zombie-like and my kids thought I was drinking or on drugs. I do NOT like the way it made me feel and the fact that I couldn't do anything with my kids except look dumb while they are holding me up. Thumbs DOWN Lyrica!
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-19 16:45:28
Question/Comment:
I too suffer from "atypical connective tissue disease" as other problems (i.e., neck, lower spine; sciatica (having emergency surgery last year for that), worse pain I've ever experienced. And, numerous other same illnesses as yourselves.
I also take Lyrica 3 times a day; 200 mg a pop. This to me is a miracle drug. Without it, I can't function. My hands absolutely refuse to work at all until I take it. However, my main point I want to make to all of you who may suffer w/the water retention is to take some type of prescription water pill. I take "Lasix" as needed when my hands, feet, ankles swell. They did that a good bit when I first began taking Lyrica, not so much anymore. However, I always keep my Lasix on hand just in case. My docs know this about me. If I am in need of something, they will usually accomodate me b/c they know I hate taking any type of pills. However, due to 3 auto wrecks (none any fault of my own), having 2 neck surgeries b/c of them, and recently had to have emergency back surgery for my lower spine problem(s)/sciatica after falling at work unplugging an extension cord that some goof ball left sprawled all over the training room floor (OSHA problem!)as I unplugged the cord my left foot landed on the power strip causing me to fall backwards, doing the splits. I really hurt myself as I threw my weight to the left b/c tables/chairs were behind me and I was afraid of busting my head open. I was shocked, needless to say as it happened so quickly. I figured I'd be ok so didn't say anything until my pain doc asked me is somethign had occurred. I told him and he made me file workmans comp. I've never been thru this ordeal; a total nightmare. My employer denied my WC claim b/c they said it was not filed in a timely manner. I won't go into how insane that made me and still does, so due to their stupidity, I've had to "lawyer up." I am determined to win. I hurt all the time. I actually b/c paralized on my right side b/f my surgery. I was scared to death. I can at least stand again, however, I live in so much pain. I take Opana (morphine) for most of my pain, and it helps a lot. If I didn't have that and my Lyrica, I'd not be able to function at all. I too have sleep apnea and take Provigil for that. My life saver drugs are Opana, Provigil, and Lyrica. I take the highest dosages of all but it's worth it. I am looking at having to go out on "disability retirement" soon. I have so many mixed emotions right now b/c I love my job. My body is saying one thing while my mind is saying something else. I have a voc rehab counselor who is wonderful. However, she too sees how badly pushing myself is affecting my entire life. I am single and have always been very hard driven, self-supportive, and active. Now, I can hardly put 1 foot in front of the other. I'm really scared and have no support. At times I really don't want to go on. I was placed on Cymbalta a few months ago and I was "pucky ill." I already have stomach problems and that literally doubled me over. My doc asked me to try and ride it out, saying the benefits outweigh the stomachache. Well, I tried, but I quit. I just can't take it. I also take Phenergen for my stomache and it wasn't touching my problems while taking Cymbalta. That is the worse meds on this planet if you ask me. I gave it a shot; 30 mg, then he wanted me to take 60mg week 2. If I can't deal w/30, go figure. Doctors are complete nuts at times. That's why at the end of the day, we all have to look at our own lives, bodies, etc. and make a decision that we ourselves feel good about and can live with. It totally infuriates me when a doctor states that "we are not really having pain." And people wonder why others go postal????
Thanks for listening. Sorry so long but maybe 1 of you can relate.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-17 13:22:21
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Lyrica for 2 years for SLE and it doesn't kill the pain, it just takes the edge off. I am now twice the weight I should be and I cannot sit or stand for more than a few minutes before the pain becomes unbearable. I used to take tramodol when the pain became severe but I became allergic. I am also allergic to codeine so I am at a loss for some clue as to how I am supposed to live like this. At the moment, I can do very little without resting and I often spend half my day sleeping because the pain can make you feel nauseous and eventually you wear yourself out and collapse into a restless sleep. Thank-you for letting me know it's the Lyrica that's making me gain so much weight-I thought it was just me being greedy without reason.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-26 04:59:37
Question/Comment:
I want to know what efeccts lyrica has on the eyes.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-19 12:14:26
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Lyrica can cause blurred vision, double vision, distorted vision, and nystagmus, which is a wobbling of the eyes. The blurred vision can be dose related, so if this is the issue, let your doctor know and perhaps your dose can be adjusted.
Posted: 2010-02-24 10:46:56
Answer/Reply:
The Lyrica made my vision wacky as well. I caouldn't see anything with peripheral vision. It was all blurry and wierd, I couldn't drive myself anywhere cause I couldn't see the road it was one big puddle of blurry. I know how ya feel and changing the dose doesn't help. I had to stop the Lyrica altogether. The blurry vision isn't worth it when you have to drive and you end up hitting a child or something. I would rather suffer in pain. ask about Sodium Oxybate. My Dr has suggested this to me to try, and I think I might do it. very little to no side effects from what I have looked up. I took the Lyrica for the Fibromyalgia, and yeah it took the edge off, but I want to be able to function and take my kids places and be able to see the sky clearly as well as the path ahead of me.
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-19 16:49:57
Question/Comment:
Is it safe to take Lyrica and Provigil together?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-04 10:32:47
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There is not a known drug interaction between the Provigil and the Lyrica. However if you are taking Lyrica to treat a seizure disorder, then you should always be cautious when adding any other medications. If you experience a rash or swelling or any kind, you should report those symptoms immediately. You should also discuss your treatment with your doctor before making any changes. Make sure you each of your physicians has your full medication list.
Posted: 2010-02-04 22:41:19
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Pregabalin