What are the potential side effects of Lyrica?

Side effects of Lyrica vary with each individual. However, some side effects are more common and do not need medical attention, unless they worsen or become bothersome. Milder side effects of Lyrica include: dizziness or headaches, constipation, gas or bloating, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, fatigue or muscle weakness, increased appetite or weight gain, confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, muscle twitching or uncontrolled shaking of a body part, an elevated mood, back pain or loss of coordination, dry mouth and slight anxiety. Lyrica may also have more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These side effects may be a sign of an allergic reaction or another dangerous interaction. Call your doctor if you experience the following severe side effects: Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet; difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath; blisters or rash that may itch; chest pain; unexplained muscle soreness accompanied by a fever; frequent bleeding or bruising; rapid weight gain or an increase in depressive or suicidal thoughts or actions. This is indicated by a discouraging mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or planning of ways to hurt yourself or end your life. Because Lyrica works differently for everyone, you may experience side effects that are not on this list. Tell your doctor about any reactions you have to Lyrica.

Taking Lyrica may cause side effects including dizziness or drowsiness, blurred vision, weight gain, swelling of your hands and  feet, dry mouth and trouble concentrating. About one out of every 500  people who take Lyrica experience suicidal thoughts or actions. If you  have a history of depression or mood problems, or have ever thought  about suicide, it's important to talk to your doctor about these  conditions before taking Lyrica. Muscle aches, pain or weakness may also occur while taking Lyrica.

If you experience any of these  side effects while taking Lyrica, call your doctor immediately, but don't stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Lyrica may need to be done gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms like trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, upset stomach, headaches or seizures. In rare cases, people have experienced allergic reactions to Lyrica, causing swelling of the face, mouth and throat, hives, and/or trouble breathing. Such reactions should be  treated as medical emergencies. Stop taking Lyrica and call your  doctor or 911 immediately.

LYRICA is used to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles, however, there are considerations for safe use, and Lyrica is not for everyone. 

Considerations include: 

• Allergic reaction
• Abdominal pain
• Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Swelling of your hands, legs and feet (this can be serious for people with heart problems)
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Paresthesias (numb feeling)
• Feeling sick and feverish
• Visual changes
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Impotence & inability to have an orgasm
• Urinary frequency and inability to hold urine
• Weight gain
• Trouble concentrating
• Dry mouth
• Euphoria
• Diabetic skin sores
• Increased seizure if discontinued abruptly
• Decreased platelet count (Platelets have to do with coagulation of blood)
• PR interval prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality)
• Contraindication in pregnancy and nursing mothers

Post marketing reporting

• Headache
• Breast enlargement
• Nausea and diarrhea

(accessed 4-3-12, http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=561)

There are some medication interactions with Lyrica. It is important to discuss any symptoms or intolerance with your physician. Lyrica should be tapered in dose. If your condition is emergent, please seek immediate help.

You will find links to investigate safe use of all your medications at http://thesethree.com/Helpful_Links_WXOJ.html in the subsection “Checking Medication Safety.”

All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com

Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD

http://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=121_0_1_59

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