Lyrica (Pregabalin)

The medical name for this drug is Pregabalin, but most people refer to it as Lyrica. It’s hailed for its numerous medical uses and contains properties such as analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-epileptic, and more. Based on this information alone, it’s evident why so many people may need the prescription.

Although researchers are still working through the drug’s full mechanism of action, they’ve learned plenty about the drug throughout the years. In this article, you’ll benefit from an overview of how Lyrica works and what makes it unique for various use cases in healthcare.

The basics of Lyrica

Selectively binding to alpha2delta (A2D) subunits of presynaptic calcium channels that are voltage-dependent, Lyrica heavily operates in the central nervous system.

The reason why the binding process is so important is that it helps to prevent the influx of calcium. It also pertains to the subsequent calcium-dependent release of numerous neurotransmitters.

It should also be understood that synaptic transmission inhibition leads to a decrease in neuronal excitability. Regarding treatments, Lyrica is utilized in patients who are dealing with convulsions or painful neuropathy.

Another reason Lyrica is seen as patient-friendly is the fact that there’s no record of the drug causing injury to the liver. From a functional standpoint, Lyrica is related to GABA, as are many other drugs on the market.

How administration works

The Lyrica drug is available in a decent variety of formats. Patients can take the prescription drug in capsule form, extended-release tablet, or as an oral solution.

These different options for administration add to the drug’s bioavailability, which is important to cater to a wide demographic of patients.

Most people take the oral solution or capsules for Lyrica two to three times per day. Some patients may find this to be a hassle, but it’s essential for the efficacy of the drug. If someone is taking extended-release tablets, these are usually taken only once each day.

The prescription label for the drug will instruct you to take it on the same day every day until the bottle is empty. It's also crucial to note that the medicine should not be crushed, chewed, or cut into smaller pieces.

It isn't uncommon for doctors to start patients with a low dose and incrementally increase it over time. This helps a patient get used to the drug while reaping the health benefits that it has to offer.

To avoid any confusion, Lyrica doesn’t aim to cure any ailments or health conditions, as it simply helps control symptoms. Patients find this to be more than enough, as some health conditions can be lifelong no matter what you do.

You also want to follow your administration schedule to help avoid any encounter with withdrawal symptoms. These can make life much more debilitating.

If you’re looking to taper off the drug, speak with a doctor to decide what schedule will work best for your health’s interest. As always, Lyrica may not be a viable solution for everyone, which is why patients should always discuss the details with their doctor.

Although the patient’s input matters, doctors are able to look at healthcare from a bird’s eye view to find the best course of action.

Before taking Lyrica

Patients should have a long conversation with their doctor when looking for a Lyrica prescription.

The drug focuses on health issues pertaining to fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and more. These are all serious conditions that many people suffer from, but taking Lyrica shouldn’t be a rushed process.

Discussing your allergies should be one of the first points to cover with your doctor. Allergic reactions to certain medications can range from mild to life-threatening, with little time to act. You also want to be transparent about other prescription, non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements you might currently be ingesting.

Herbal products fall into this category as well, and talking about ACE inhibitors, sedatives, tranquilizers, or opioid pain medication can all affect how Lyrica works. This information sounds like a lot of ground to cover, but it’s all in the interest of your own health.

Those who partake in alcohol or recreational drugs should also be transparent about the matter, as this can significantly affect Lyrica’s performance.

Taking prescription medications requires cooperation between you and your doctor at every stage. Once you get started, you also want to inform them of any side effects you may be experiencing, whether large or small.

Children are more susceptible to suicidal thoughts when taking Lyrica, and the drug should be approached with caution regarding adolescents. Age and current health factors can have a direct correlation to the effectiveness of Lyrica, and the drug may work better for some people than others.

It's common for patients to be utilizing more than one type of prescription medication, which may require adjustments to dosage when it comes to Lyrica. You also don't have to stress about remembering every little detail in this article, as a competent doctor will ensure every point is covered.

However, for the best results, taking a cooperative approach will always work better for you in the long term. Finally, you want to discuss the potential side effects that have been recorded from years of research around Lyrica’s efficacy, mechanism of action, and administration.

What side effects should I know about?

Unfortunately, Lyrica comes with a long list of known side effects. Patients may experience side effects and health risks differently based on their particular situation.

Nevertheless, researchers don’t hide from the fact that there are a few health complications related to taking Lyrica. Whereas some people experience side effects, others may never encounter them at all.

Although you’ll find more side effects that are relatively minor, there’s also a decent list of side effects that can have a significant impact on your health. Below, you can find a substantial list containing many of the common side effects associated with Lyrica.

• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Gas
• Anxiety
• Speech problems

The list goes on from there. It may seem rather intimidating, but each side effect can be potentially avoided with the help of a viable administration schedule. Doctors will put their patients on the right path to help you avoid such health concerns, but that doesn't mean they won't ever occur to some degree.

Here are a few of the more severe side effects that are found with taking Lyrica:

• Hives
• Double vision
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Swelling of various body parts
• Blisters
• Itching
• Rash
• Bluish-tinged skin

These are definitely more uncommon, but years have research have shown that their occurrence is entirely possible. Side effects are generally caused by misuse of a prescription drug.

By following the exact instructions provided by your doctor, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of these known side effects and health risks. Each patient’s body functions in a unique way that can come with a lot of surprises.

With ample collaboration between doctors and patients, both can do their best to use Lyrica safely and effectively.

In Conclusion

Lyrica is a unique prescription drug that has benefited the lives of many people, but it’s definitely not an all-in-one, perfect solution. Exploring what Lyrica can do for your health is the first step in understanding if you need the drug at all.

Above all else, consult with a doctor for a more direct answer to your health concerns.