Learn About Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Ladies, pregabalin is going to help with seizures! You need a prescription for this one. It'll often be sold as the brand Lyrica, but there are others! It's an oral med, so you can take it as a capsule, extended-release tablet, or liquid. It's a controlled substance, though. Your doctor has to keep a very close eye on you to make sure you don't get dependent on it!
Pregabalin is a common part of epilepsy treatment. Remember, it helps with seizure prevention! Ladies, expect it to be among recommended medications for seizures when you're talking to your doctor. Don't be surprised to hear it mentioned as a fibromyalgia treatment either. It gets rid of pain! It's also a medication for diabetic nerve pain. This medication also acts as a nerve damage treatment for shingles and spine injuries! Of course, you need to know more about it first.
How It Works
Ladies, this is an anticonvulsant, so it'll treat seizures and nerve issues! It's very effective. However, it's not clear how pregabalin actually achieves its goal! Currently, the evidence says that it calms electrical pulses. This means it works on overactive and damaged nerves! Ladies, when it calms your nerves, this med lessens the pain you experience. You won't deal with as many seizures either! This med is very helpful to you if you have epilepsy. It'll reduce the abnormal electrical pulses in your brain!
This med interrupts pain signals. It'll get them along the spine or inside the brain. This is how it reduces nerve pain! Ladies, you can even take this med for certain anxiety disorders. It'll make sure your brain doesn't release anxiety chemicals! Get ready for results in a few weeks, ladies.
Uses
Seizures are a big symptom of epilepsy. They happen because of electrical activity flooding the brain the way it shouldn't! Ladies, if you have epilepsy, consider this med! It's a major one. It'll slow the flood and make seizures less likely. This isn't the only use for it, though. Pregabalin also treats fibromyalgia! It'll get rid of the pain in this condition. It's one of the only meds approved for it!
This medication even helps nerve damage from herpes zoster. It'll help get rid of diabetic nerve pain as well, ladies! Don't let an old spinal cord injury bother you anymore. This med will fix it! It can even work against partial seizures. Yes, there are 'off-label' uses too, including for anxiety!
Side Effects
Ladies, this med has side effects, just like any other! Pay attention in the first weeks. You're going to deal with feeling dizzy, sleepiness, and a little blurry vision. These are common! Don't drive until you adjust to this med. Of course, these aren't the only effects! Expect to experience dry mouth, concentration problems, and weight gain. Your hands and feet will often swell too. The good news, ladies, is that these are mild side effects!
There are serious side effects too, so ladies, watch for heart issues. They'll present with chest pain and more swelling! A severe allergic reaction is possible too, with signs like a rash, swelling, and breathing problems. Keep an eye out for mood swings, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if these show up! You'll need to visit the emergency room.
Precautions
Take precautions with this med, ladies! Remember, an allergic reaction needs emergency attention, but there's more. Don't drink alcohol on this med. It increases your risk of feeling drowsy and dizzy! If you have kidney issues, you're going to need a lower dose of this one. Your kidneys won't clear it as fast. This means you're more likely to see side effects on an average dose!
If you have a heart condition, you may not be able to take this one. Talk to your doctor first! It's because it can make your condition worse. And if you have a mental health condition? Make sure your loved ones keep a close eye on you. Your doctor too! It has mood effects you need to be on top of. It's also a controlled substance and can be misused, ladies. Your doctor's going to have some strict instructions because of this!
Medication Interactions
Yes, pregabalin has medication interactions! Ladies, this applies to prescription meds, vitamins, and supplements. Make a list of everything you take! Give it to your doctor to review. They're going to make sure you're in the clear and don't have interactions. Examples? Diabetes medications like pioglitazone make your risk of side effects higher. It'll also make them stronger! So you'll gain more weight and see more swelling with these 2 meds. Watch out for anxiety medication and narcotic pain relievers if you need pregabalin. Taking them together means more fatigue and dizziness! You'll get more swelling and hives if you take this medication alongside blood pressure meds like lisinopril.