What is Lyrica and what is it for?

Lyrica, also known as pregabalin, is a drug that is often used to treat seizures and other disorders related to nervous problems. It mainly serves to calm ailments caused by nerves that do not work properly, so it also serves the function of a pain reliever.

In this article you will find the uses for pregabalin, its effects, recommended doses and contraindications. Despite this, this is only an informative reference. Like any drug, this antiepileptic must be prescribed by a doctor. We do not recommend under any circumstances to self-medicate with Lyrica, as it can be risky and harmful to health.

What is the Lyrica for?

Lyrica is used to relieve pain caused by diseases of the nervous system and other disorders of the body. Especially, it is used to treat fibromyalgia, being one of the most recommended drugs for patients suffering from this chronic condition. In addition, it is used as an anticonvulsant, in cases of epileptic seizures; and it also works to mitigate the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Certainly, this drug is prescribed for various diseases. However, these conditions are very specific, since lyrica is only effective when pain or symptoms are directly derived from nerve damage or nerve malfunction. For other conditions, such as muscle or bone complications, lyrica is not an effective treatment and does not offer any relief.

Lyrica as an antidepressant?

It is well known that various antiepileptic drugs are often used as mood stabilizers. This is why many people may mistake pregabalin for an antidepressant. This thesis is supported by the fact that the tablets are used in individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. However, this meaning is not correct, since the Lyrica does not act as a psychotropic to control mood.

Therefore, the drug should not be administered to treat mood or behavior disorders or disturbances. Likewise, before giving it any use, we suggest consulting first with a trusted doctor.

Mechanism of action of pregabalin

Pregabalin acts as a modulator in the body. In addition, it is involved in the release of neurotransmitters that can affect damaged neurons. Due to its mechanism of action, the patient may feel sleepy while being treated with the drug.

On the other hand, although pregabalin works effectively, it sometimes contains lactose, which can be counterproductive. If you are lactose intolerant, you should report it to a health center to avoid further complications.

Presentations of pregabalin

The presentations of pregabalin are various. This usually comes in tablets or pill tablets. This means that it is administered orally. Sometimes the medicine comes as a solution. The time and the dose to be taken must be prescribed by a health specialist.

Generally, the form of Lyrica that doctors usually prescribe is 25 mg. But this is always subject to what your specialist thinks or recommends. Keep in mind that you will likely find pills that can be at least 300 mg. Consequently, the most advisable thing is to visit the doctor to find out about the one that best suits your condition.

It is also possible to get Lyrica 50, 75, 100, 200 and 225 mg, which should be administered according to your doctor’s prescription. In oral solution, most often the composition of the drug is 20 ml.

Considerations for Lyrica 25 mg

Usually, the 25 mg Lyrica is presented in capsules that must be ingested daily, once or twice at the same time. However, this will depend on the patient’s condition and what the doctor has prescribed.

This presentation of Lyrica is one of the lowest and is frequently recommended to people who are beginning the treatment of diseases of the nervous system or neuropathies. Similarly, they are recommended to epileptics along with other anticonvulsants.

It is not mandatory, but it is advisable to have eaten before swallowing a 25 mg Lyrica capsule. If, for any reason, you forget to take the medicine, continue giving it as normal. Do not include the missed dose the next time you use it.

Recommended dose of Lyrica

The maximum daily dose of Lyrica should not exceed 600 mg. Patients who are starting to take tablets should also not take that many mg. It is rare for a doctor to prescribe more than 75 mg the first few times.

Do not exceed, at any time, the dose of Lyrica established by your specialist, since the consequences are highly detrimental to your health. When working with the nervous system, misuse of Lyrica can be extremely dangerous.

Symptoms of overdose

A person has overdosed on Lyrica when they: develop a skin rash, blisters on the hands and feet or extreme chest pain, experience double or blurred vision, vomiting, high fever, shortness of breath, and constant fainting. This way, if you suspect a Lyrica overdose, the first thing to do is call or go to the nearest hospital.

Pregabalin diet recommended

Not all patients are assigned a diet to follow. Lyrica or pregabalin can be used regardless of diet. However, in certain cases, specialists recommend changing the eating style, so that the medicine has a greater effect and contributes in a better way to the treatment of neuropathies. Therefore, people who start taking Lyrica are advised to avoid the following foods:

• Whole milk
• Yellow cheese
• Fried food
• Pork Meat
• Beef
• Butter
• Sugars
• Chocolates
• Industrial jams
• Fizzy drinks

In contrast, the diet prescribed by nutritionists includes proteins that serve to replace those that are being stopped with the foods from the previous list. These are the ones we leave below:

• Seeds
• Nuts
• Soy
• Rice
• Apples
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Tuna
• Vegetable oils

Do not skip any meals while you are taking Lyrica. Remember that all treatment stops working when you do not have a healthy and balanced diet. The truth is that eating healthy helps the human system to function properly.

Side effects of pregabalin

Pregabalin can cause a number of side effects that depend on the constitution and condition of the patient who is given it. Among the most common effects are:

• Weight gain
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Memory loss
• Sickness
• Concentration problems
• Soft spot
• Loss of balance
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Increased appetite

If you notice that any of these effects persist for more than three weeks, stop using the medicine and go to the nearest doctor’s office, as they may need to change the dose or prescribe another drug.

Finally, it is very important that you do not take Lyrica or pregabalin in any of their presentations if you have not previously obtained a doctor’s order. You must be aware of the risks of a person taking the drug incorrectly.

If at the time of buying the tablets you have any doubts about their use, do not refrain from asking the pharmacist and following his instructions. Protect your nervous system from possible inconveniences and adverse effects.