Lyrica 25mg Capsules

Pregabalin binds with high affinity to the alpha2-delta (α2-δ) subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. While the precise mechanism of action is unknown, binding to the α2-δ subunit is thought to modulate the release of several excitatory neurotransmitters, including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P, which are involved in pain and seizure activity.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

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 right away:

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
Changes in balance
Feeling confused
Shakiness
Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing
Blue or gray color 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
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Skin sores or any skin changes
Trouble speaking
Trouble sleeping
Trouble walking
Feeling extremely happy or euphoric (easy laughing and feeling good)
Twitching

If you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:

Feeling extremely sleepy, dizzy, or passing out
Not responding, not answering, or not reacting normally
Not waking up

Like other seizure medications, this drug may rarely increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in people with a history of suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, such as:

Depression
Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
Panic attacks
Changes in mood or behavior
Suicidal thoughts or actions

Low platelet counts have been reported with this medication, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any unexplained bruising or bleeding.

Other Side Effects

Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:

Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
Weight gain
Difficulty focusing
Headache
Dry mouth
Constipation
Increased appetite
Upset stomach
Joint pain
Nose or throat irritation

This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
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, 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 includes:

All prescription medications you are currently taking
Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or antihistamines
Natural products, including herbal supplements or vitamins
* Any health problems you have, as they may interact with this medication

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions or adverse effects.

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 guide you on how to gradually stop taking it.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. Before using marijuana, cannabis products, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may impair your reactions, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

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, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, 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 certain other drugs, such as opioid pain medications, or those with pre-existing lung or breathing problems. 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 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Men who plan to father a child should consult their doctor, as this medication has been shown to reduce fertility and cause sperm changes in animal studies, and has also been associated with birth defects in the offspring of male animals treated with this drug. However, it is not known whether these effects occur in humans.

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

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

• Alcohol: Additive CNS depressant effects.
• Other CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants): Additive CNS depressant effects.
• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., rosiglitazone, pioglitazone): May exacerbate weight gain and peripheral edema.

• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Ataxia
• Peripheral edema
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat)
• Signs of hypersensitivity (rash, hives)
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (rare, but consider rhabdomyolysis)

Pregabalin is Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown developmental toxicity. A pregnancy registry is available.

Pregabalin is excreted into breast milk. The amount is relatively low, and infant exposure is generally low. Monitor breastfed infants for sedation, poor feeding, and weight gain. Use with caution, or consider alternatives, especially in neonates or preterm infants.

Approved for adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in patients ≥1 month of age. Dosing is weight-based. Safety and efficacy for other indications (e.g., neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia) have not been established in pediatric patients.

Dose adjustment is required for elderly patients with impaired renal function. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly.

• Titration is crucial: Start low and increase dose gradually to minimize CNS side effects (dizziness, somnolence).
• Do not discontinue abruptly: Taper dose over at least 1 week to avoid withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, seizures).
• Abuse potential: Pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance due to potential for abuse and physical dependence. Prescribe with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse.
• Weight gain and edema: Common side effects; monitor patients, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Respiratory depression: Increased risk when co-administered with opioids or other CNS depressants; monitor closely.
• Off-label uses: Sometimes used for restless legs syndrome, chronic cough, or alcohol withdrawal, though not FDA-approved for these indications.

• 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, Phenytoin, Topiramate, Lacosamide, Gabapentin.
• 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 safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call the poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.