Lyrica 100mg Capsules

Pregabalin binds with high affinity to the alpha2-delta (α2-δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding modulates the influx of calcium into nerve terminals, thereby reducing the release of several excitatory neurotransmitters, including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P. This action is thought to contribute to its analgesic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you or your caregiver notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Changes in eyesight
Muscle pain or weakness
Balance problems
Confusion
Shakiness
Breathing difficulties, including slow or shallow breathing
Blue or gray discoloration of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes
Memory problems or loss
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Skin sores or any changes in skin condition
Difficulty speaking
Sleep disturbances
Walking difficulties
Feeling excessively euphoric (easily laughing and feeling good)
Twitching

If you experience extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, seek medical help immediately. Caregivers should seek medical attention right away if the patient is unresponsive, uncommunicative, or unable to wake up.

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions

Like other medications used to treat seizures, this drug may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in individuals with a history of such thoughts or actions. If you or your caregiver notice any new or worsening symptoms, such as:

Depression
Anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
Panic attacks
Mood or behavioral changes

contact your doctor immediately. If you experience suicidal thoughts or actions, seek medical help right away.

Low Platelet Counts

This medication may rarely cause low platelet counts, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you notice any unexplained bruising or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

Other Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects, but many people experience none or only mild symptoms. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor:

Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
Headache
Dry mouth
Constipation
Increased appetite
Upset stomach
Joint pain
Nose or throat irritation

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have kidney disease, as this may affect your ability to take this medication.
* If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Additionally, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. Therefore, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Before operating a vehicle or engaging in any activity that requires alertness and clear vision, wait until you understand how this medication affects you.

If you experience a change in the frequency or severity of seizures after starting this medication, consult your doctor promptly.

Do not abruptly discontinue this medication without first consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of experiencing side effects. If it is necessary to stop taking this medication, your doctor will provide guidance on how to gradually taper off the dosage.

While taking this medication, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol.

Before using marijuana, other cannabis products, or prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

A rare but potentially life-threatening reaction called angioedema has been associated with this medication. Symptoms may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, or unusual hoarseness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Severe respiratory problems have occurred in individuals taking this medication, particularly when combined with other medications such as opioid pain relievers, or in those with pre-existing lung or breathing difficulties. The risk may be higher in individuals over 65 years of age, and in some cases, these respiratory problems have been fatal. If you have concerns, consult your doctor.

If you are 65 years of age or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

Men who are planning to father a child should discuss the potential risks with their doctor, as this medication has been shown to reduce fertility and cause sperm abnormalities in animal studies, and has also been linked to birth defects in the offspring of male animals treated with this medication. However, it is not known whether these effects occur in humans.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

• Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine): Increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and death.
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, alprazolam): Increased risk of CNS depression (sedation, dizziness).

• Ethanol (alcohol): Additive CNS depressant effects.
• Other CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, sedating antihistamines, muscle relaxants): Additive CNS depressant effects.
• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone): May exacerbate peripheral edema and weight gain.

• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Peripheral edema (swelling of hands/feet)
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety, agitation)
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Unusual bruising or bleeding (rare, but possible blood dyscrasias)
• Muscle pain or weakness (rhabdomyolysis, rare)
• Signs of hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., rash, hives, angioedema, difficulty breathing)

Pregabalin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data from pregnancy registries and observational studies have not identified a clear association with major birth defects, but animal studies have shown developmental toxicity. A pregnancy exposure registry is available.

Pregabalin is excreted into human milk. The amount of pregabalin ingested by a breastfed infant is low. Monitor breastfed infants for sedation and poor feeding. Use with caution.

Approved for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month to <17 years of age. Dosing is weight-based and adjusted for renal function. Safety and efficacy for other indications (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia) have not been established in pediatric patients.

Dose adjustment is necessary in elderly patients due to age-related decline in renal function. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly.

• Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance due to potential for abuse and dependence, though lower than Schedule IV.
• Withdrawal symptoms can occur if discontinued abruptly, especially after long-term use or high doses. Taper slowly over at least 1 week.
• Significant dose adjustments are required for renal impairment; always check CrCl before initiating and during therapy.
• Patients should be warned about potential for dizziness, somnolence, and blurred vision, especially at initiation and with dose increases.
• Monitor for signs of angioedema (swelling of face, mouth, throat) which can be life-threatening.
• Weight gain and peripheral edema are common side effects; monitor patients, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Co-administration with opioids or other CNS depressants significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression and sedation.

• For Neuropathic Pain: Gabapentin, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Carbamazepine (for trigeminal neuralgia).
• For Fibromyalgia: Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Amitriptyline, Cyclobenzaprine.
• For Partial-Onset Seizures: Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Valproic acid, Topiramate, Lacosamide.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication.

This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information about its use. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.