Lyrica Fact Sheet
Printable Version
Medication Name (brand):
Lyrica
Medication Name (clinical):
pregabalin
Manufacturer:
Pfizer
Indications:
Diabetic neuropathic pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, and adjunctive treatment of epilepsy.
- Approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Europe as of March 2006.
Mechanism:
Enhances presynaptic release of GABA; close chemical cousin of Neurontin (gabapentin).
Dosing:
Supplied in 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, and 300 mg capsules.
- Dosing recommendations based on controlled trials for GAD: Start at around 100 mg BID and increase as tolerated to a maximum of 300 mg BID.
- No dose adjustment required in liver impairment. Reduce dose in patients with renal impairment and in elderly with some degree of renal impairment.
Side Effects:
High rates of dizziness (about 30%) and sedation (22%).
- Other common side effects: blurred vision, weight gain of about 5 pounds, peripheral edema, and impaired concentration/attention.
- Has some limited abuse liability and is a Schedule V controlled substance (in the same category as cough suppressants containing codeine). Can cause a withdrawal syndrome of nausea, insomnia and headache if not gradually tapered.
Drug-drug Interactions:
No drug-drug interactions.
- Not metabolized by the liver, is excreted unchanged by the kidney.
Pearls:
Half-life 6 hours.
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