From the Guidelines
Lyrica, also known as pregabalin, is a highly effective medication for treating neuropathic pain, with a recommended starting dose of 75mg twice daily, which can be increased gradually to 300-600mg daily divided into two or three doses based on response and tolerability, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Pregabalin works by binding to calcium channels in the nervous system, reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters that cause pain and seizures.
- Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and blurred vision.
- Patients should take Lyrica consistently with or without food, avoid abrupt discontinuation (which can cause withdrawal symptoms), and be aware that it may interact with alcohol and other CNS depressants.
- Those with kidney impairment typically require dose adjustments, as noted in the study 1.
- Improvement may take several weeks, and patients should continue taking it as prescribed even if feeling better.
Treatment Duration and Evaluation
- Treatment duration is often long-term for chronic conditions, with regular evaluation of effectiveness.
- The study 1 recommends reassessing pain and health-related quality of life frequently, and adjusting treatment accordingly.
Comparison with Other Medications
- Pregabalin has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy, with a recommended dose of 150-600 mg/day, as supported by the study 1.
- Other medications, such as duloxetine and gabapentin, may also be effective for neuropathic pain, but pregabalin has been shown to have a more favorable side effect profile, as noted in the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pregabalin is indicated for: Management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy Management of postherpetic neuralgia Adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older Management of fibromyalgia Management of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury The answer to the question about Lyrica, which is also known as pregabalin, is that it is used to treat several conditions, including:
- Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury 2
From the Research
Overview of Lyrica
- Lyrica, also known as pregabalin, is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain conditions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It is an α2δ ligand, which is a class of drugs that bind to a specific subtype of calcium channels in the nervous system 3.
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism of action of Lyrica is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by reducing the release of certain neurotransmitters that transmit pain signals 3.
- Lyrica does not bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, unlike some other medications used to treat neuropathic pain 3.
Efficacy and Safety
- Studies have shown that Lyrica is effective in reducing pain intensity in patients with neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia 4, 7.
- Lyrica has been compared to other medications, such as gabapentin, and has been found to have superior efficacy and safety profiles in some studies 7.
- Common side effects of Lyrica include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness 7.
Combination Therapy
- Lyrica can be used in combination with other medications, such as gabapentin, to enhance therapeutic response and reduce side effects 3, 5.
- Combination therapy with Lyrica and other medications has been found to have a synergistic effect in some studies, particularly in the treatment of mechanical allodynia 5.