pregabalin ER
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication, but it's not used for seizures. Instead, pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is a first-choice option used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetes and shingles. Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth once every evening after a meal. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is a controlled substance that has a risk of misuse and dependence.
What is Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)?
What is Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) used for?
- Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) in adults
- Nerve pain from shingles in adults
How Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) works
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is classified as an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication. But unlike the immediate-release form of pregabalin (Lyrica), pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) isn't used to treat seizures.
It's not fully known how pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) works to treat nerve pain. But it's thought to lower the activity of nerve cells by blocking certain nerve signals.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions and angioedema
- Risk factors: Having angioedema in the past | Taking ACE-inhibitors
Severe allergic reactions to pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Additionally, pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can also cause angioedema, which is swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, and tongue. The risk for angioedema is higher if you're taking an ACE inhibitor (medications that end in -pril, like lisinopril). Get medical attention immediately if you experience any of these life-threatening symptoms.
Depending on the manufacturer, some pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) might contain FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). If you have a known allergy to this ingredient or aspirin, this medication might not be a good option for you. Let your healthcare team know and they can talk with you about other options.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Though rare, antiepileptic medications (like pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)) can raise the risk of having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. To be safe, your healthcare team might screen you for depression and suicidal thoughts every so often. If you or anyone around you notice that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR), call your prescriber right away.
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Risk factors: Taking medications that can cause slow breathing | Drinking alcohol | Medical conditions that cause breathing problems (e.g., COPD, asthma)
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can slow your rate of breathing, which can be serious or even life-threatening. This risk is higher if you have a history of lung problems or take pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) with other medications that can slow your body down or with alcohol. If you develop signs or symptoms of respiratory depression (e.g., daytime sleepiness, fatigue, shallow breathing, ten or less breaths per minute), get medical attention right away.
Risk for withdrawal symptoms
Suddenly stopping pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms to happen. These symptoms can include nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and diarrhea. Withdrawal symptoms might be more likely to happen if you've taken the medication for a long time and you suddenly stop treatment. Don't change your dose or stop taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) without talking to your prescriber first. They'll help you lower your dose slowly over the course of a week before you can stop the medication.
Difficulty concentrating, sleepiness, and dizziness
- Risk factors: Taking high doses of pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. This can lower your ability to think, react, and focus. These side effects should get better as you continue to take the medication. Your risk for these side effects is higher if you're also taking other medications that can make you feel sleepy. Make sure you know how pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your prescriber right away if you feel too sleepy from the medication.
Swelling of hands and feet
- Risk factors: Taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) with certain diabetes medications | Heart failure
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can cause swelling of your hands and feet from fluids. You're at higher risk for swelling if you also take a glitazone medication for diabetes or if you have heart failure. If you have swelling that doesn't go away, contact your healthcare professional (HCP). Too much fluid in the body can worsen heart failure.
Weight gain
Though not common, some people experience weight gain after starting pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). Studies suggest that people who take a higher dose of pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) or who take this medication over a longer period of time are at higher risk for weight gain. Let your healthcare team know if you're concerned about weight gain during treatment. Work with your care team on coming up with a plan that includes balanced and nutritious meals and an exercise routine that's best for you to help manage your weight.
Vision problems
Some people might notice changes in vision after starting pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). Though not common, people have reported blurry vision during clinical studies. Let your healthcare team know right away if you notice changes in vision and they will examine you and let you know about next steps.
Low platelet count
Although rare, it's possible for pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) to lower your platelet count. Having lower platelet count raises your risk for bleeding that's difficult to stop. If your bleeding doesn't stop in a timely manner, or if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or feel like you're going to faint, get medical attention right away.
Side effects of Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (up to 17%)
- Sleepiness (up to 11%)
- Swelling of hands and feet (up to 5%)
- Weight gain (up to 4%)
- Headache (up to 4%)
- Tiredness (up to 4%)
- Blurred vision (up to 4%)
- Dry mouth (up to 4%)
- Vertigo (up to 4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Double vision
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough
- Erectile dysfunction
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions and angioedema (swelling): Hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness
- Slowed breathing: Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, shallow breathing, ten or less breaths per minute
The following Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Change in vision
- Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Weight gain
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Pros and cons of Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
Pros
- Taken once daily
- Taken by mouth
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Cons
- Stopping the medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
- Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
- Not a good option during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
- Take pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) in the evening after a meal. Taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) on an empty stomach can lower the amount of the medication that's absorbed into your body.
- Swallow pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or split them. This can cause too much medication to be released into your body at once, which can cause serious side effects. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets, contact your prescriber to see if there's another medication that's easier for you to take.
- Take pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) exactly as your prescriber instructed you to. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your prescriber first. If you want to stop pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR), your prescriber will lower your dose over a week to prevent withdrawal symptoms, like difficulty sleeping, nausea, and headache.
- Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can raise the risk of having thoughts of self-harm. Contact your prescriber if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while you're taking this medication. And call 911 right away if you have any thoughts of harming yourself.
- Dizziness and sleepiness are common side effects of pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). These side effects can affect your ability to think clearly and react quickly. Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can also cause blurry or double vision. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.
- Avoid alcohol while taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). It can worsen many side effects of pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR), such as sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.
- Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take. Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can interact with many medications. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.
- Research suggests pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can potentially cause development problems to an unborn baby. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your prescriber to see if pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is right for you.
Common questions about Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
You might need to take pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) for a couple weeks before you notice a difference in your nerve pain. Based on the dosage recommendations from the manufacturer, you might feel pain relief within 1 week of starting the medication. And if you don't, your prescriber might raise your dose of this medication, depending on how well you're able to tolerate the side effects. But if you don't experience much improvement after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, your prescriber might ask you to consider other options instead. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is working to relieve your pain.
Ask your healthcare team how long you should continue pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) for nerve pain. Because pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is a controlled substance and carries a possible risk for dependence, your care team might ask you take this medication for a limited time to manage your nerve pain. Depending on whether you're taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) for nerve pain related to diabetes or shingles, your care team can talk with you about alternative options to ease your symptoms.
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is a pain medication, but it isn't an opioid or "narcotic." Opioids and pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) work in different ways in the body to treat pain.
Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both gabapentinoids that work in similar ways. And while Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is classified as a schedule V controlled substance (CS) by the federal government, gabapentin (Neurontin) isn't. However, gabapentin (Neurontin) is classified as a CS by some state governments. The medications are classified as a CS based on how likely they are to be abused or cause dependence.
Ask your healthcare team to help you check for interactions before you start treatment because pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can have some serious interactions with other medications. For example, you shouldn't take pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) with opioid pain medications because doing so can raise your risk of dangerously slowed breathing, sleepiness, and dizziness. Another example is that you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) because doing so can worsen drowsiness and raise the risk for falls and injuries. Ask your healthcare team if you have questions about any particular interaction.
Yes, it's possible to gain weight from pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR), but it isn't a common side effect. Why this happens isn't clear. Clinical studies show that pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) can cause an increase in appetite and swelling from fluids, and both might contribute to weight gain. Discuss with your care team about planning balanced and nutritious meals that include with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They can also work with you to build an exercise routine that's best for you to help manage your weight. Talk with your prescriber if you have more questions about pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) and weight gain.
Yes, sleepiness is one of the more common side effects of pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). You're more likely to experience drowsiness if you're also taking other medications that can cause this side effect. It's best to avoid driving or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) affects you. If pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) is making you feel too sleepy to go through your day, let your healthcare team know. They might talk with you about other options.
Ask your healthcare team what other pain medication you can take with pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). There are over-the-counter pain relievers that don't interact pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR). Examples include ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). But these medications might not be a good option for people who have certain medical conditions, such as heart or kidney problems or liver problems. Your healthcare team can recommend appropriate options to treat your pain.
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Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82.5mg | 30 tablets | $52.64 | $1.75 |
| 165mg | 30 tablets | $46.65 | $1.56 |
| 330mg | 30 tablets | $52.64 | $1.75 |
Typical dosage for Pregabalin ER (Lyrica CR)
The typical starting dose is 165 mg by mouth once daily. Your healthcare team might raise your dose after a week, depending on your symptoms and how well you're able to tolerate the side effects.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
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