Lyrica is a medicine which goes by the name of pregabalin that is manufactured by pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Pregabalin is used as an anti-seizure or anticonvulsants for the treatment of neuropathic pain. It is also used to treat patients who are suffering from partial seizure that are common in those who have temporal lobe epilepsy.

This medicine is also used for the treatment of anxiety disorder in Europe.

The US has approved Lyrica as a treatment for epileptic patients, post–herpetic neuralgia or the pain experienced after shingles as well as for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy pain.

Medical practitioners in the US are also allowed to prescribe Lyrica to patients of fibromyalgia. This is a medical condition where patients suffer from extreme pain in their connective tissues and muscles to the point that the area is too painful to be touched.

Side effects of Lyrica

Patients who take Lyrica experience symptoms of drowsiness or dizziness as the medicine’s side effects. And as such, those who operate heavy machineries or those who want to drive after taking this drug are advised not to do so until they are sure that they won’t suffer these side effects of the drug. It is reported that around 10 percent of patients who have taken Lyrica has experienced dizziness and drowsiness as a side effect.

Lyrica may also cause visual problems, disorder of speech, memory problems, lethargy, abnormal coordination of muscle movements, dry mouth, euphoria, constipation, loss of sexual appetite, weight gain and erectile dysfunction. It is reported that about one to 10 percent of those who have taken this drug have experienced any or some of the side effects mentioned.

In addition, roughly one percent of individuals have reported feeling depressed, confused and agitated after taking this medicine. Others also experience rapid heart rate, muscle cramps, joint pains, twitching, sweating and excessive salivating as side effects.