Brand Name(s): Lyrica

Generic Name Pregabalin

What are Pregabalin capsules?

Pregabalin (Lyrica®) is used to help relieve certain types of nerve pain. Pregabalin is useful for treatment of nerve pain due to diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Pregabalin may be prescribed by your health care provider for other uses. Generic pregabalin capsules are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Pregabalin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• a history of drug abuse
• kidney disease
• an unusual reaction to pregabalin, gabapentin, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take pregabalin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If pregabalin upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not share this medicine with anyone.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Pregabalin?

• alcohol found in drinks or some medicines
• antihistamines such as Benadryl®
• barbiturates, such as phenobarbital or butabarbital
• entacapone or tolcapone, medicines used for Parkinson's disease
• medicines used to help you sleep or relax such as Ativan® (lorazepam), Xanax® (alprazolam), or Valium® (diazepam)
• pain medications, such as morphine or codeine
• phenothiazines used for certain mental disorders or for nausea/vomiting (for example, Compazine® or Mellaril®)
• tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil® or Tofranil®

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Pregabalin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• jerking or unusual movements of any part of your body
• swelling of lips or tongue
• rash

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• swelling of ankles or hands
• constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• weight gain

What should I watch for while taking Pregabalin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. You may want to keep a personal record at home of how you feel your condition is responding to pregabalin treatment. You may want to share this information with your prescriber or health care professional at each visit.

You may get drowsy or dizzy while using pregabalin. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how pregabalin affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking pregabalin.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.