Lyrica 75mg 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, thereby reducing neuronal excitability and pain signaling.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience 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 high (excessive laughter and euphoria)
Twitching

If you feel extremely sleepy, dizzy, or pass out, seek medical help immediately. Caregivers or others should seek medical help right away if the patient is unresponsive, uncommunicative, or unable to wake up.

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions

Like other seizure medications, this drug may rarely increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in individuals with a history of suicidal behavior. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, or mood changes, contact your doctor right away. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, seek medical help immediately.

Low Platelet Counts

This medication may rarely cause low platelet counts, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you experience 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 and they bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
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 your safety, 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 medications 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 medication affects you.

If you experience changes in your seizures or if they worsen after starting this medication, consult your doctor promptly.

Do not abruptly stop taking this medication 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 taper off the dose.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

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

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.

Severe respiratory problems, which can be fatal, have occurred in individuals taking this medication, particularly when combined with opioid pain medications or in those with pre-existing lung or breathing issues. The risk may be higher in people over 65 years old. If you have concerns, consult 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 the potential risks with their doctor, as this medication has been shown to decrease fertility and cause sperm changes in male animals, and birth defects have occurred in the offspring of male animals treated with this medication. Although it is unknown whether these effects occur in humans, it is crucial to have this conversation.

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, other sedatives): Increased risk of additive CNS depression (dizziness, somnolence, respiratory depression, coma, death).
• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone): Increased risk of peripheral edema and weight gain.

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril): May increase risk of angioedema.
• Other drugs causing dizziness/somnolence: Additive effects.

• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain
• Peripheral edema (swelling of hands/feet)
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
• Signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat)

Pregabalin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are reports of major birth defects and miscarriage in human observational studies, but a causal relationship has not been definitively established. A pregnancy exposure registry is available.

Pregabalin is excreted into breast milk. The amount transferred to the infant is low, and adverse effects in breastfed infants are generally not expected. Monitor infants for sedation or poor feeding.

Safety and efficacy have not been established for all indications in pediatric patients. For partial onset seizures, dosing is weight-based for children 4 years and older. Use with caution and close monitoring for adverse effects.

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as dizziness, somnolence, and falls. Dose adjustments are required based on renal function, which often declines with age. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly.

• Pregabalin should be tapered slowly over at least 1 week when discontinuing to avoid withdrawal symptoms (e.g., insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, seizures).
• Patients should be advised of the potential for dizziness and somnolence, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how the drug affects them.
• There is a potential for misuse and dependence, particularly in patients with a history of substance abuse. Prescribe with caution in this population.
• Angioedema (swelling of the face, mouth, neck) has been reported, sometimes after the first dose. Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
• Peripheral edema and weight gain are common side effects, especially when co-administered with thiazolidinediones.
• Creatine kinase elevations and rhabdomyolysis have been reported rarely; advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by malaise or fever.

• Other anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine) for neuropathic pain or seizures.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline) for neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia.
• SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine) for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, or GAD.
• Topical analgesics (e.g., lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream) for localized neuropathic pain.
• NSAIDs or acetaminophen for general pain management (less effective for neuropathic pain).
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling (e.g., CBT) for chronic pain conditions.

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 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.