Please Note: Lyrica is a controlled substance and not able to be prescribed online. Lyrica is classified as a controlled substance (Schedule V prescription drug) by the FDA. PlushCare cannot write prescriptions for Lyrica online due to its status as a controlled substance.
Have you seen an ad for Lyrica recently and wondered if you might benefit from taking it?
Before you make an in-person appointment with your doctor, here is some information about Lyrica, what it's used for, and reviews from actual users so you can decide whether or not you should talk to your doctor about using it as part of your treatment plan.
Keep in mind that Lyrica isn't appropriate for everybody, and this article should not act as a substitute for a conversation with your doctor. Lyrica cannot be prescribed online. This article is intended for informational purposes only.
What is Lyrica?
Lyrica is a prescription medication that calms damaged or overactive nerves to reduce pain.
While scientists aren't certain how Lyrica works, it may do so by reducing "extra" electrical signals sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
Individual results vary, but pain relief may be experienced in as little as one week. More than 9 million people have been prescribed Lyrica since the FDA approved it in 2007, but it isn't appropriate for everyone.
What is Lyrica Prescribed For?
Lyrica is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat:
Fibromyalgia (chronic pain all over the body)
Diabetic nerve pain
Pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pain in the feet and hands from damaged nerves caused by diabetes)
Spinal cord injury nerve pain
Pain after shingles
Partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy (alongside other seizure medications)
Lyrica Side Effects
Like all medications, Lyrica may cause side effects. These may be temporary and go away as your body gets used to the medication, or they may last until you stop taking the medication.
The most common side effect of Lyrica is dizziness, which affected 30% of all users in scientific studies. The next most common side effect of Lyrica is sleepiness, which affected 23% of users.
Other side effects of Lyrica may include:
Dry mouth
Confusion
Edema
Weight gain
Bloating or gas
Constipation
Anxiety
Swelling in hands or feet
Balance disorder
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Back pain
Increased appetite
Muscle twitching
Speech problems
Blurred vision
Weakness
Exaggerated feeling of happiness or wellness
Suicidal thoughts (only occurs in about 1 in 500 people)
Lyrica may also cause allergic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects or allergy symptoms after taking Lyrica:
Difficulty breathing
Rash
Blisters
Hives
Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat, or neck
Stopping Lyrica
If you intend to stop taking Lyrica, you should talk to your doctor, who will likely reduce your dose slowly. Stopping Lyrica suddenly may cause effects like:
Headache
Insomnia
Diarrhea
Nausea
What to Discuss With Your Doctor First
Lyrica isn't right for everybody. It can interact with some medications or medical conditions.
Tell your doctor all medications (including OTC), supplements, and vitamins you take.
Also tell your doctor if you:
Have kidney problems or get kidney dialysis
Have or have had mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior
Have a low blood platelet count or a bleeding problem
Have heart problems, including heart failure
Have abused prescription medications, alcohol, or street drugs in the past
Have ever had swelling of your mouth, gums, tongue, face, neck, lips, or throat
Plan to father a child
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Also talk to your doctor if you take:
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is used to treat many conditions, like high blood pressure.
Avandia (rosiglitazone), Avandamet (contains rosiglitazone and metformin), or Actos (pioglitazone), which are used for diabetes.
Any narcotic pain medicine (like oxycodone), tranquilizers, or medicines for anxiety (like lorazepam).
The information in this article should not be substituted for a conversation with a medical professional about this medication, your symptoms, or your diagnosis.
Please Note: Lyrica cannot be prescribed online. You will need to meet with a physician in person for a medical evaluation to request a prescription for Lyrica.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Lyrica.com. Lyrica FAQ. Accessed May 26, 2020 https://www.lyrica.com/frequently-asked-questions#what-lyrica
Pubmed. Lyrica For Acute Fibromyalgia Pain. Accessed May 26, 2020 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763265/?from
