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-Jul-31 3:59 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Jul-30 9:09 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*
- 3,341,000
- 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.
Recent alerts for Pregabalin
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Pregabalin during the past year.
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 24,700 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% |
mild
severe
|
| Fibromyalgia | 43% |
mild
severe
|
| Back/Neck Pain | 34% |
mild
severe
|
| Pain-Generalized | 31% |
mild
severe
|
| Restless Leg Syndrome | 7% |
mild
severe
|
| Osteoarthritis | 6% |
mild
severe
|
| Migraine/Headache | 2% |
mild
severe
|
| Anxiety | 2% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Pregabalin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 24,700 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 24,700 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 significant 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 took lyrica for 6 months for nerve pain, it worked for about half that time and had some major weight gain as a side effect. I would not take it again.
23 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-06-19 03:27:48
Question/Comment:
I have found Lyrica to be extremely proficient in controlling the peripheral nerve problems I have, especially in controlling the BURNING FEET problem. I have had some serious nerve problems and Lyrica helps greatly in many areas.
74 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-06-05 11:41:01
Question/Comment:
I have to take my Lyrica at night. I get too drowsy all day if I take it with my Wellbutrin for my sciatica.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-04-12 11:22:47
Question/Comment:
I took Cymbalta for a year; my neurologist took me off it "cold turkey" and I experienced brain zaps for about 3 days...did not know what was going on until I read about it at crazymeds.com. My neurologist claimed not to know about what might happen if you suddenly stop this drug. He is no longer my Dr. I do agree that it is a drug that should be taken with thought and care. Perhaps have a monitored leveling off when ending it.
I have also taken Lyrica for a while now for maybe 2 years. Started out on a low dose and worked up. Was taking the maximum dosage for a while until I had rage issues. I have had some success with a much lower dose and while it does not eliminate the neuropathic pain it does help. When I went on the lower dosage I did almost immediately(within a month) lose 13 lbs.
I do not have the rage issues with the lower dose, so far so good.
65 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-31 22:51:11
Answer/Reply:
I can't believe a doctor would actually tell you to cold turkey the cymbalta!!! You are so lucky you didn't flat out go into seizures!! I'm into day 31 of trying to come off of it by dosage lowering. Even that is hard!! Good luck, pain sucks and it is even worse when you have a doctor tha just doesn't get it!!
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-04-10 15:29:06
Question/Comment:
I have been on Lyrica for 1 month, gaining 4 lbs. My hands swell; I tried to stop taking it, and it was horrid. The pain all came back. I don't know if the reactions will wear off in time; the med has been a God send, but I lost 32 lbs. last year, and don't want to gain it back. Any ideas?
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-28 10:37:43
Answer/Reply:
Lyrica made me gain 30lbs and turned me into a raging lunatic. Needless to say, I am no longer taking it. The mood swings and the weight gain sucked! When you have back problems, weight gain is the last thing you need!
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-04-10 15:36:48
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Weight gain is a side effect of Lyrica, so it would be wise for you to carefully watch what you are eating and try to increase your activity/exercise. Some edema, or swelling, has been reported as well. Unfortunately, with most drugs there are side effects, and you and your doctor need to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks. One option is to ask your doctor about reducing your dose to see if that helps lessen the side effects. Do not make any changes to your medications without first talking with your doctor.
Posted: 2010-04-11 15:04:34
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
383
Patient Comments About
Pregabalin