Lyrica

Lyrica is a drug used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy. While it is not clear exactly how the drug works to treat these conditions, it is known to bind to certain parts of calcium channels in the central nervous system. The drug comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth, usually two or three times a day. Side effects of Lyrica can include dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain.

Lyrica Drug Information

What Is Lyrica?

Lyrica^® (pregabalin) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:

Epilepsy -- The drug is approved for use along with other seizure medications to treat a certain type of seizure called partial seizures
Fibromyalgia -- Lyrica helps relieve the pain associated with this condition
Nerve pain -- It is approved to treat the chronic nerve pain that occurs after an outbreak of shingles (known medically as postherpetic neuralgia) or due to diabetes (known medically as diabetic neuropathy).

(Click Lyrica Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Lyrica is made by Pfizer, Inc.

How Does the Medication Work?

It is not known exactly how Lyrica works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. Nor is it known how the drug works for nerve pain or fibromyalgia. Lyrica does bind to certain parts of calcium channels in the central nervous system, and this may be how it works for seizures, nerve pain, and anxiety. Although the medication is not approved for anxiety treatment, it has anti-anxiety properties and may be an effective anxiety medication.

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