Lyrica (Pregabalin) Side Effects: What to Know

Lyrica is the brand name of pregabalin, a drug used to treat fibromyalgia, epilepsy and nerve pain. Like all drugs, Lyrica has the potential to cause side effects in patients who use the product for its intended purpose. While under half of the population that uses the drug ever experience adverse symptoms, the possibility is still present. These side effects range from minor discomfort to major health issues which need to be addressed by a doctor.

Considerations

• In order to determine the side effects of the drug called Lyrica, a number of clinical trials are used to find the general level of the effects the percentage of population afflicted.

Common Effects

• According to pharmacy doctor Kristi Monson, nearly 45 percent of people who take Lyrica suffer from dizziness. Over a quarter of all those who use the drug also suffer from drowsiness. Other common effects include weight gain, headaches and tremors.

Other Effects

• Under 10 percent of those who use the drug suffer from rarer side effects. These effects include constipation, weakness, euphoria, vomiting, back pain, bladder-control problems and vertigo.

Warning

• Occasionally, Lyrica will cause very dangerous effects which need to be addressed by medical practitioners. Side effects of this level include heart failure, arrhythmia, vision change or anxiety.

Significance

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Lyrica can produce a similar effect in the human brain as Valium. This can lead to the abuse of the drug as well as overall addiction.