What Is Pregabalin (Lyrica)?

Possible Side Effects

Similar to most medications, this one seems to have several possible side effects. The most common side effects that patients may experience include dizziness, blurry vision, and sleepiness. These side effects appear to be why doctors recommend avoiding driving until patients adjust to the medication. Patients taking pregabalin may deal with changes to their motor skills and cognition. They also seem to see issues with concentration, weight gain, and swelling in their feet and hands. They may also experience dry mouth.

Patients should be lucky and only experience mild side effects. However, severe side effects can happen. Patients may need emergency medical care for them. Serious side effects of this medication seem to include major allergic reactions and heart problems. Heart issues appear to be hard to spot and may mean chest pain and increased limb swelling. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include problems breathing, significant swelling, and a rash. Abnormal mood swings, irritability, and suicidal thoughts seem to be possible side effects as well. They should also be treated as an emergency.

Discover some possible precautions linked to this medication next.

Possible Precautions

Patients should know about the precautions that they may need to take with this medication. Severe allergic reactions, for instance, need emergency care. They may want to call 911 immediately to get this started. Patients taking this medication also appear to be at a higher risk of dizziness and feeling drowsy if they drink alcohol alongside this medication. Thus, they may need to avoid this. Kidney patients may not be able to take an average dose as their body can have issues clearing this medication. Thus, they may experience side effects more often unless their doctor adjusts their dose.

This medication may also make pre-existing heart problems worse. Thus, these individuals may need a different medication. It is also possible that this medication can make mental health issues worse, which may also mean alternative medications. Mental health patients who still take this one may need to have their doctor and loved ones monitor them closely. This medication also seems to come with a risk of misuse. This potential misuse appears to be why it is considered a controlled substance. As such, patients need a prescription and to be monitored quite closely when taking it. Doctors may also choose a different medication first.

Uncover information on potential medication interactions next.