Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- nerve pain from a spinal cord injury
- nerve pain after shingles
- fibromyalgia
- focal onset seizures, also known as partial onset seizures (for this use, it’s taken in combination with other seizure medications)
- diabetic nerve pain
Lyrica is also prescribed to treat focal onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older, along with other epilepsy medications.
Lyrica belongs to a drug class called antiepileptics. Lyrica is not an opioid, but it is a controlled substance. (See the FAQ titled “Are there any dangers of taking Lyrica?” for more information.)
Lyrica comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution. The drug is available in a generic version.
Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Lyrica.
Note: Lyrica CR is another brand-name form of pregabalin (Lyrica’s active ingredient). This version comes as an oral tablet. Lyrica CR isn’t prescribed for all of the same conditions as Lyrica, and it works differently from Lyrica. This article focuses on side effects of Lyrica, not of Lyrica CR. For details about Lyrica CR, including its side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lyrica can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lyrica in clinical trials:
- sleepiness
- swelling of the arms or legs
- dizziness*
- dry mouth*
- blurry vision*
* For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section.
Mild side effects can occur with Lyrica treatment. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Lyrica include:
- sleepiness
- swelling of the arms or legs
- difficulty with focus, attention, or concentration
- dizziness*
- dry mouth*
- blurry vision*
- weight gain*
- mild allergic reaction*
* For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section.
Side effects of Lyrica may differ based on which condition you’re taking the drug to treat. For example, if you’re taking Lyrica for nerve pain, you may have slightly different side effects than someone taking Lyrica for seizure treatment. However, overall, most side effects of Lyrica are similar.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Lyrica and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Most side effects of Lyrica are mild, but the drug may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lyrica’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Symptoms can include:
- worsening depression
- feeling hopeless
- not wanting to participate in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms can include:
- muscle cramps or aching
- weakness
- dark urine
- Low platelet level (thrombocytopenia). Symptoms can include:
- bruising more easily than usual
- bleeding for longer than usual from a cut or wound
- nosebleeds
- Severe allergic reaction.*
If you develop serious side effects while taking Lyrica, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section.
It’s possible for children taking Lyrica to experience similar side effects to those that can affect adults. However, one additional side effect reported in children was increased appetite. Sleepiness and weight gain were also common side effects reported in children taking this medication.
Note: The only condition Lyrica is approved to treat in children is focal onset seizures in those ages 1 month and older.
If you’re concerned about the side effects of Lyrica in your child, talk with their doctor.
It’s possible but uncommon for Lyrica to cause sexual side effects. Decreased libido (lower sex drive than usual) was not commonly reported in the drug’s clinical trials. An increased libido was also reported, but this side effect was rare.
It’s also possible that a change in your libido may be due to other side effects of Lyrica. For example, Lyrica can cause you to feel sleepy or dizzy. This may cause a decrease in your libido as well.
If you have concerns about sexual side effects during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lyrica’s side effects and their answers.
Do Lyrica’s side effects vary based on which strength I take, such as 25 mg, 50 mg, or 75 mg?
It’s possible that you may have an increased risk of side effects if you take a higher dose of Lyrica, because you’ll have more of the drug in your system.
Lyrica is available in the following strengths:
- 25 milligrams (mg)
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
- 225 mg
- 300 mg
Lyrica also comes as an oral solution that’s available in one strength: 20 mg of the drug per milliliter of liquid.
It’s possible that people taking a 25-mg dose may have fewer or weaker side effects than someone taking a 200-mg dose. If you experience side effects during your treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor.
Is there a higher risk of side effects in older adults taking Lyrica?
In most cases, older adults (ages 65 years and older) will experience the same risk of side effects as younger adults. In clinical trials, there weren’t any differences in the safety or effectiveness of Lyrica in elderly or older adults compared with younger adults.
However, in older adults taking Lyrica for fibromyalgia, the following side effects were reported more often than in younger adults:
- dizziness
- blurry vision
- difficulty with balance or coordination
- body tremors
- confusion
- sleepiness
If you’re an older adult and you’re concerned about side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk and what symptoms to watch for.
Can Lyrica cause long-term side effects?
It’s possible for Lyrica to cause long-term side effects or even permanent side effects. However, long-term side effects from this medication are not common.
Some examples of long-term side effects are depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Rhabdomyolysis (which can cause damage to organs such as your kidneys) can also lead to long-term side effects.
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss your risk of side effects with you and recommend the best ways to treat them. In some cases, if you’re aware of the symptoms of certain side effects and treat them right away, they may not be long term.
Are there any dangers of taking Lyrica?
Yes, there are some dangers associated with taking Lyrica. For example, this medication can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. This can affect your everyday life, including your ability to drive a car or operate other machinery. Due to these possible risks, it’s recommended that you avoid driving a car, working with machines, or performing certain other activities until you know how the drug may affect you.
In addition, Lyrica can cause some dangerous side effects. For example, the drug can increase your risk of depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It can also increase your risk of rhabdomyolysis, which can cause long-term effects.
Lyrica is a controlled substance, which means it’s regulated by the government because of the risks of misuse and dependence. (Misuse of a drug means taking it in a way that’s different than how it was prescribed for you. Drug dependence can occur when your body needs a medication to function as usual.) Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse or dependence.
Note: It’s important to note that Lyrica is FDA-approved and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for the conditions it’s approved for. If you’re concerned about the dangers of taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there side effects of switching from gabapentin to Lyrica?
Typically, you shouldn’t experience side effects if you switch from gabapentin to Lyrica. However, abruptly stopping gabapentin may make symptoms worse. In rare cases, it may lead to new or worsening seizures.
It’s possible your doctor may recommend switching from gabapentin to Lyrica. Both Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are FDA-approved to treat certain seizure conditions as well as conditions that cause nerve pain. So if you’re taking gabapentin and it isn’t working to manage your nerve pain or seizures, your doctor may recommend trying Lyrica instead, or vice versa.
To avoid abruptly stopping or switching your medication, your doctor may develop a plan to slowly take you off of gabapentin.
It’s important to note that you should never switch medications on your own. Only stop treatment with gabapentin and switch to Lyrica if your doctor recommends doing so. They can advise you on the best way to do so.
If you have additional questions about switching from gabapentin to Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Learn more about some of the side effects Lyrica may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Lyrica.
Weight gain
You may experience weight gain during treatment with Lyrica. This was a common side effect reported in the drug’s clinical trials.
You may have an increased risk of weight gain if you’re taking a higher dose of Lyrica for a longer period of time. However, it’s important to note that short-term trials didn’t show an increase in blood pressure or blood sugar in people who gained weight during Lyrica treatment. And it’s not known what long-term effects Lyrica weight gain may have.
One of the side effects of Lyrica is swelling of the arms or legs. This may increase your risk of weight gain.
In addition, children and some adults taking Lyrica may experience an increase in appetite, which may also lead to weight gain.
What you can do
If you experience unexpected weight gain during treatment with Lyrica, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine ways to reverse weight gain or recommend ways to manage your weight.
Dizziness
It’s possible to experience dizziness from taking Lyrica. Dizziness was a common side effect reported in the drug’s clinical trials. Symptoms may include lightheadedness, loss of balance, or feeling like you’re spinning.
What you can do
If you experience dizziness during Lyrica treatment, tell your doctor. It’s recommended that you avoid driving a car, working with machines, or performing certain other activities that may be dangerous while you’re taking Lyrica until you know how the drug may affect you. Your doctor can help determine when it may be safe for you to perform any of these activities after starting Lyrica.
Your doctor may also be able to help treat your dizziness. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment option for you.
Dry mouth
It’s possible to experience dry mouth from taking Lyrica. This was one of the most common side effects reported in the drug’s clinical trials. Symptoms of dry mouth may include thirst, dry tongue, and sores or cracks at the corners of your mouth or on your lips.
What you can do
Tell your doctor if you experience dry mouth during treatment with Lyrica. They may recommend tips to help manage this side effect, such as:
- decreasing your caffeine intake
- chewing gum or candy to help produce saliva
- sipping water
- stopping smoking or chewing tobacco
- using an over-the-counter mouthwash to moisten your mouth
Your doctor can help determine the best ways to help treat your dry mouth.
Blurry vision
You may experience blurry vision with Lyrica. This was one of the most common side effects reported in the drug’s clinical trials.
What you can do
If you notice any changes in your vision during your treatment with Lyrica, including blurry vision, talk with your doctor. They may recommend having your vision checked by an eye doctor. If your blurry vision is severe or bothersome, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing
- angioedema (swelling under your skin), typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it difficult to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Lyrica. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Lyrica. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors: It’s possible for Lyrica to increase your risk of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you have a history of these conditions, you may be at an increased risk of worsening symptoms. Your doctor can help determine whether Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.
Suddenly stopping Lyrica: You should not suddenly stop taking Lyrica or taper off it quickly. Doing so can cause symptoms such as anxiety, headache, excessive sweating, nausea, insomnia, and diarrhea. It also has the potential to increase the frequency of seizures in people with seizure disorders. If you want to stop taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor about slowly lowering your dose in order to help avoid negative side effects.
Bleeding conditions: It’s possible for Lyrica to cause a low platelet level, which can increase your risk of bleeding. If you have any bleeding conditions, you may be at an even higher risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine whether Lyrica may be a safe treatment option for you.
Kidney problems: Tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have, including if you’re receiving dialysis, before starting Lyrica. This medication is removed from your body by your kidneys. So if they aren’t working correctly, you may be exposed to too much Lyrica, which can increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Lyrica if you have kidney problems.
Breathing problems: Taking Lyrica may increase your risk of respiratory depression, or difficulty breathing. If you have a condition that may already make breathing difficult, Lyrica could make it worse. In some cases, this can be very severe or even life threatening. If you have any breathing difficulties, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether it’s safe for you to take Lyrica.
Heart problems: If you have any heart problems, be sure to tell your doctor before taking Lyrica. This medication can cause swelling of the arms or legs. If you have certain heart conditions, such as heart failure, this swelling may cause your heart condition to worsen. Your doctor can determine whether this medication is safe for you.
Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lyrica or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lyrica for you. Ask them about other medications that may be better options.
History of drug or alcohol misuse: Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse. Lyrica is a controlled medication that may cause misuse or dependence. If you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse, taking Lyrica may increase this risk. Your doctor can help determine whether Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.
Angioedema: It’s possible for Lyrica to cause angioedema, which is swelling of your face, neck, or other areas of your body. Angioedema can be severe or even life threatening. If you have a history of angioedema, tell your doctor before taking Lyrica, as you may have an increased risk of this side effect.
Alcohol with Lyrica
You should not drink alcohol during treatment with Lyrica. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from Lyrica, such as dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe during your treatment with Lyrica.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Lyrica
Here’s some information about pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lyrica.
Pregnancy: It’s not known whether Lyrica is safe to take during pregnancy. At this time, there isn’t enough information about the drug’s use in pregnant people to determine its safety.
Animal studies show there may be an increased risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) in animals given Lyrica during pregnancy. In addition, there may be an increased risk of pregnancy loss. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.
There’s a pregnancy registry available for people who become pregnant while taking Lyrica. A registry collects information about people who take certain drugs during pregnancy and the health outcomes for their children. To sign up, call 888-233-2334 or visit the registry website.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica.
Breastfeeding: It’s recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking Lyrica. This medication likely passes into breast milk, and it’s not known what effects it may have on a child who is breastfed.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica. They can discuss your treatment options with you, as well as the best way to feed your child.
Lyrica is a controlled substance because it has the potential to cause misuse and dependence. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it was prescribed for you. Drug dependence can occur when your body needs a medication to function as usual.
Misusing a drug can increase your risk of overdose. Lyrica overdose symptoms can be life threatening and may include:
- depression or anxiety
- decreased consciousness
- confusion
- agitation
- restlessness
- seizures
- heart problems
If you’re having difficulty taking Lyrica as prescribed or if you have concerns about misuse, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to avoid misuse or help find a different treatment option for your condition.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
