Lyrica Side Effects

Most people tolerate Lyrica well. However, as with any medication, side effects can occur during treatment with the drug. Common side effects of this drug can include dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation. Some of the more serious Lyrica side effects include difficulty breathing, an irregular heart rhythm, and double vision. If you experience these or any other serious side effects of Lyrica, it's important to notify your healthcare provider immediately.

 

An Introduction to Lyrica Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lyrica® (pregabalin); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Lyrica quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lyrica. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lyrica side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Lyrica

Lyrica has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the most common Lyrica side effects included:
 
  • Dizziness -- in up to 45 percent of people
  • Drowsiness -- up to 28 percent
  • Coordination problems -- up to 20 percent
  • Weight gain -- up to 16 percent (see Lyrica and Weight Gain)
  • Dry mouth -- up to 15 percent (see Lyrica and Dry Mouth)
  • Infections -- up to 14 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 14 percent
  • Accidental injury -- up to 11 percent
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 11 percent.
     
Some other common Lyrica side effects, occurring in 1 percent to 10 percent of people, included:
 
  • Memory loss, problems concentrating, or slow thinking
  • Constipation
  • Speech problems
  • Weakness
  • Increased appetite
  • Problems walking
  • Twitching
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Chest pain
  • Gas
  • Unexplained pleasant or happy feelings (euphoria)
  • Vomiting
  • Back pain
  • Bladder control problems
  • Flu-like symptoms (such as body aches and chills)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Nervousness
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling abnormal or drunk
  • Sinus infections
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle spasms.
     
(Lyrica Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation