Lyrica is prescribed to patients with pain associated with diabetic nerve pain and shingles. It is also prescribed to patients with fibromyalgia. Lyrica can also be used to treat partial seizures when combined with other seizure medication. It is not for use in children under the age of 18 years.
Pain associated with diabetes is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or diabetic nerve pain. Nerves can be damaged by high blood sugar levels. The pain resembles stabbing, tingling, or burning.
Shingles is a painful rash on the skin caused by a virus, and it can damage nerves and cause nerve pain as well. The pain feels like burning, stabbing or electrical shocks. Pain can come from touching things even as soft as clothing.
Fibromyalgia affects more than 6 million people in the U.S., and its causes are still not known. Patients with fibromyalgia experience pain in their entire bodies, especially in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs. They also experience muscle tenderness, soreness and flu-like aching.
What are some important things I should know about Lyrica?
Lyrica can cause dizziness and sleepiness, eyesight problems, unexplained muscle problems, and dry mouth. Lyrica may cause injury to unborn and breastfeeding babies, so talk to your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Lyrica. Lyrica can also cause fertility problems in men, and can result in birth defects if either parent takes Lyrica.
Lyrica is prescribed to people older than 18 years with pain associated with diabetes, shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It is also prescribed to patients with fibromyalgia and people who suffer from partial seizures. Lyrica has not been studied in children under the age of 18 years, and therefore is not approved by the FDA for children.
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- blurry vision
- weight gain and swelling
- muscle soreness and weakness
- infertility problems
- birth defects
- skin sores or skin problems in people with diabetes
- drug interactions
- withdrawal symptoms
Contact your doctor if you experience blurry vision or other problems with your eyesight, if you develop skin sores, if you become pregnant or you plan to father a child, if your muscles feel sore or weak for no reason, or if you gain weight unexpectedly.