What Is Lyrica (Pregabalin)?
Lyrica is a medication given to patients who suffer from nerve damage due to diabetes or shingles. Also known by its generic name pregabalin, Lyrics has been shown to give relief to patients suffering from pain caused by these issues.
Starting your Lyrica treatment may come with some side effects. Common side effects of pregabalin use are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, constipation and weight gain. Let your doctor know if these pregabalin side effects get worse or last a long period. Although uncommon, some Lyrica patients do experience more serious side effects from using pregabalin. Serious Lyrica side effects are vision changes, unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, fever, unusual tiredness as well as swelling of the hands, ankles or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if you begin noticing these serious pregabalin side effects.
In some rare cases, Lyrica patients may start to experience depression, suicidal thoughts, mental problems or mood changes after starting treatment. These symptoms should be taken very seriously. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these signs in yourself or your loved ones.
How Is Lyrica (Pregabalin) Used?
Lyrica should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. Many patients take pregabalin once daily after they eat their evening meal. Lyrica tablets should be swallowed whole, without splitting, crushing or chewing the medication. If Lyrica is not swallowed whole, some patients may experience a higher risk of the side effects mentioned above. Pregabalin should be taken regularly to receive all its benefits.
Do not adjust your Lyrica doses or treatment schedule without consulting your doctor first, as some conditions may worsen if pregabalin treatment is suddenly stopped. Some withdrawal symptoms of Lyrica include difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache and diarrhea. To prevent experiencing Lyrica withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor about gradually lowering your pregabalin dose over time so your body can adjust to less and less of the medication.
Horizant Lyrica (Pregabalin) Addiction
There is potential to develop a dependence on or addiction to Lyrica even if you are taking it exactly as prescribed. Get help as soon as possible if you recognize these pregabalin addiction signs in yourself or someone you love: becoming obsessed with finding and taking Lyrica or losing interest in daily life or the activities you once enjoyed. Identifying Lyrica addiction in its early staged will help you or your loved one gain a head start on living a substance-free life.
The Importance Of Aftercare
There is always a risk of a recurrence of use when patients are recovering from Lyrica addiction or another substance use disorder. It is important to find an aftercare program that fits your needs so you can best avoid the recurrence of use. If you do use the drug again, it is not the end of the world. Sometimes recurrence of use is necessary for patients to adjust their treatment program accordingly.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.