Lyrica 200mg 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 is thought to modulate the release of several excitatory neurotransmitters, including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P, leading to antinociceptive, 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, such as 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 also seek medical attention if the patient is unresponsive, uncommunicative, or unable to wake up.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Like other medications used to treat seizures, this drug may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in individuals with a history of such behaviors. 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 right away. If you experience suicidal thoughts or actions, seek medical help immediately.

Low Platelet Count

This medication may rarely cause a decrease in platelet count, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you notice any unexplained bruising or bleeding, contact your doctor right away.

Other Side Effects

Most people taking this medication do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor if they bother you or do not resolve on their own:

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 about side effects, 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 how your body processes the medication.
If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Additionally, to ensure safe treatment, it is crucial to discuss all of your:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
* Health problems

with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require alertness or clear vision, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you.

If you experience changes or worsening of seizures after starting this medication, consult your doctor promptly. Do not abruptly stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of side effects. If you need to discontinue this medication, your doctor will instruct you on how to gradually stop taking it to minimize potential risks.

While taking this medication, avoid consuming alcohol. Additionally, consult your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may cause drowsiness or impaired reaction times.

Be aware that a severe and 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, as well as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or unusual hoarseness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

There is a risk of severe breathing problems when taking this medication, particularly in individuals who are also taking opioid pain medications or have pre-existing lung or breathing issues. This risk may be higher in people over 65 years old, and in some cases, breathing problems have been fatal. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

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

Men who plan to father a child should discuss this with their doctor, as this medication has been shown to reduce fertility and cause sperm changes in male animals, as well as increase the risk of birth defects in their offspring. Although it is not known if these effects occur in humans, it is crucial to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

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

• CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates, other sedatives): Increased risk of additive CNS depression, including respiratory depression and sedation.
• Gabapentin: Additive effects due to similar mechanism.

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril): May enhance the risk of peripheral edema.
• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone): May enhance the risk of weight gain and peripheral edema.

• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Peripheral edema (swelling of hands/feet)
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unusual mood changes (e.g., agitation, depression, anxiety)
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Muscle pain or weakness (rhabdomyolysis symptoms)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Signs of hypersensitivity (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing)
• Respiratory depression (especially with concomitant CNS depressants)

Pregabalin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown developmental toxicity (skeletal malformations, growth retardation) at doses higher than human therapeutic doses. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pregabalin is excreted into human milk. The effects on the breastfed infant are unknown. The decision to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug should take into account the importance of the drug to the mother and the potential risks to the infant.

Safety and efficacy have not been established for most indications in pediatric patients. Approved for partial onset seizures in children ≥1 month of age. Dose adjustments are weight-based. Children may be more susceptible to certain side effects.

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

• Titrate pregabalin dose slowly to minimize CNS side effects like dizziness and somnolence.
• Discontinuation should be gradual (over at least 1 week) to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, and diarrhea.
• Patients should be monitored for signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat) and hypersensitivity reactions, which require immediate discontinuation.
• Pregabalin can cause weight gain and peripheral edema; monitor patients for these effects, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• There is a potential for abuse and misuse, particularly in patients with a history of substance abuse. Prescribe with caution in this population.
• Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants due to additive effects.

• For Neuropathic Pain: Gabapentin, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Carbamazepine (for trigeminal neuralgia).
• For Fibromyalgia: Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Amitriptyline, Cyclobenzaprine.
• For Partial Onset Seizures: Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Valproic Acid.
• For Generalized Anxiety Disorder: SSRIs (e.g., Escitalopram, Sertraline), SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine, Duloxetine), Buspirone, Benzodiazepines (short-term).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. 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 is a crucial patient fact sheet. Please read it carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, we encourage you 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 detailed information, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.