Lyrica is a drug, the purpose of which is elimination of epileptic and convulsive seizures, as well as the elimination of pain symptoms caused by damage to the cells of the nervous system.
It has been established that the drug causes drug addiction, so it is important to strictly adhere to dosage, which is set by a specialist, and follow the rules of gradual discontinuation tablets.
Record content:
- 1 Forms of release and composition of the drug
- 2 Pharmacological properties
- 3 Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
- 4 Indications for use
- 5 Contraindications
- 6 At what age can the drug be used?
- 7 Instructions for use, dosage
- 8 Side effects
- 9 Overdose
- 10 Potential consequences of long-term use
- 11 special instructions
- 12 Drug interactions
- 13 Analogs
- 14 Storage periods
- 15 Terms of sale, where can you buy the drug?
- 16 Price
- 17 Video about Lyrica tablets
Forms of release and composition of the drug
Lyrics are produced in gelatin capsules that contain white powder. The capsule caps are dark red and white. Moreover, depending on the dosage, the capsules can be either with red or white caps, or only with red or only with white caps.
The dosage of the capsules is engraved in black ink on one cap, but the other, also in black ink, bears the words "Pfizer". This inscription symbolizes the name of the pharmaceutical company.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the following composition:
Name of the components | Brief description of the properties of the constituents |
Active element | |
Pregabalin | Eliminates pain symptom, normalizes the psychological state and reduces the number of seizures. |
Auxiliary components of the powder | |
Lactose monohydrate | The filler allows you to give the product the desired texture without reducing the therapeutic properties of the main element. |
Corn starch | The component performs not only the role of a filler, but also protects the digestive tract from the harmful effects of other components. |
Talc | The filler allows you to preserve the crumbly properties of the drug and extends the shelf life. |
Components of the capsule | |
Titanium dioxide | The element is needed to extend the shelf life of the drug and to give the shell the desired white color. |
Gelatin | Gives the capsules the desired texture and dissolves easily under the action of gastric juice. |
Iron oxide red | Gives the capsule the required red tint |
Ink components | |
Shellac | Natural glazing agent |
Isopropanol | Monohydric alcohol is used as a disinfecting and binding agent. |
Ethanol | A binder is also used to give the ink the desired concentration. |
Butanol | Used to combine components |
Propylene glycol | Stabilizes ink condition and facilitates application |
Concentrated ammonia solution | Allows the ink to maintain the desired texture at any temperature extremes. |
Potassium hydroxide | Is a connecting element |
Purified water | Gives the ink the right concentration |
Iron oxide black | Gives the ink the desired black color |
Lyrics are produced with different dosages of the active element, while the auxiliary composition does not change. The dosage of the active substance can be: 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg. The capsules are placed in contour blisters of 14 pcs. The package can contain 1 or 4 blisters.
Pharmacological properties
Lyrica is an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug. Also, the agent has analgesic properties (provided that the pains are neurological in nature).
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Lyrica (tablets) is a drug used to eliminate pain symptoms and seizures that are caused by damage to cells in the nervous system.
The main component of the drug has the following effect:
- reduces the transmission of nerve impulses, as a result of which the convulsive activity of the muscles stops;
- the pain symptom decreases, also as a result of a decrease in the transmission of nerve impulses;
- joint pain in people with diabetic neuropathy decreases;
- pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia decreases;
- decrease in anxiety disorder.
The maximum dose of the active substance in the blood is noted one hour after taking the capsule. With the subsequent use of the drug, the maximum value in the blood is also recorded after 1 hour.
If the drug is combined with food consumption, then the components are absorbed more slowly (approximately the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is noted after 2.5 hours), but the therapeutic effect is not decreases. The components of the drug are excreted in the urine (98% of the drug) 6 hours after application.
It is important that the drug does not have a toxic effect on the body even if the dosage is exceeded, it also does not provoke the growth of malignant cells. In this case, the main substance can enter the fetus through the placenta and into breast milk, and also penetrates the barrier between the circulatory and nervous systems.
Indications for use
The use of the drug Lyrica is accompanied by the development of drug addiction, therefore, the drug can be used only after consulting a doctor.
Specialists prescribe pills for the following pathologies:
- fibromyalgia. The disease is expressed by musculoskeletal pain, as well as the presence of specific points on the body, touching which is accompanied by increased sensitivity or severe pain. The pathology is chronic;
- neuropathic pain (can be caused by diabetes or shingles). These are pains arising from a dysfunction of the nervous system (they are not associated with falling or hitting an object). Pains appear suddenly and can be constant or intermittent and be accompanied by a burning sensation, sensation of electric shock or numbness;
- generalized anxiety disorder. Pathology is manifested by an inexplicable feeling of anxiety, which is not associated with any events. Additionally, anxiety may be accompanied by increased heart rate, tremors and sweating;
- epilepsy. This is a chronic neurological disease, accompanied by sudden seizures;
Also, capsules can be prescribed if there are frequent painful cramps, which are provoked by a disturbance in the activity of the nervous system.
Contraindications
Lyrica (tablets) is a medication that is allowed to be used only after consultation with a specialist, since this remedy has contraindications and side effects.
Contraindications to the use of capsules include:
- intolerance to the components of the capsules;
- allergy to Lyrica components;
- in the presence of kidney pathology, the drug should be taken strictly according to the individual dosage, since the drug increases the load on the organ;
- with exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases. Capsules can provoke an abnormal heart rhythm;
- when planning pregnancy, since animal studies have shown a deterioration in the activity of the reproductive organs;
- period of pregnancy. It is proved that the components of the capsules penetrate the placenta, the further effect on the formation and development of the fetus has not been studied;
- the components of the drug penetrate into breast milk, therefore, the therapeutic course cannot be combined with breastfeeding. The baby, for the period of treatment, is advised to transfer to artificial feeding.
It is undesirable to use lyrics for patients who suffer from drug addiction.
At what age can the drug be used?
Since the effect of the components of the capsules on the development of the child's body has not been studied and the drug causes drug addiction, it is prohibited to use it until the age of 17.
Instructions for use, dosage
The lyrics are required to be taken only according to the instructions. An individual dosage and course can also be prescribed, which depend on the severity of the pathology or on the presence of chronic diseases. In this case, the doctor (for the convenience of administration and the effectiveness of therapy) additionally selects the optimal dose of the active substance in the tablet.
If there is no need for an individual selection of the course, Lyric capsules should be taken according to the following instructions:
Pathology type | Dose of active substance per day | Duration of treatment |
Fibromyalgia | The initial dosage of the active substance is 150 mg 2 times a day. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, the dosage is allowed to be increased (not earlier than 3 days from the start of taking the capsules) to 150 mg 3 times a day. If, after increasing the dosage, the therapeutic effect is weak, then it is allowed to increase the daily dosage (7 days after the first dose increase) to 600 mg (it must be divided into 2-3 doses). | The duration of the treatment course is selected individually (according to the dynamics of treatment). It is important to stop taking the drug gradually due to the development of addiction. It is recommended to reduce the dosage gradually, in reverse order (from 600 to 150 mg per day) for at least 7 days. If you cancel the drug abruptly, then a sharp deterioration in health is possible before the resumption of primary symptoms. |
Neuropathic pain | The initial dosage of the drug is 75 mg of the active substance 2 times a day. After 3-7 days, the dosage of the drug can be increased to 300 mg per day (divided into 2 doses). Then, after a week, the dosage is allowed to be increased to 600 mg of the active substance per day (it must be divided into 2-3 doses). |
The therapeutic effect of the capsules is observed approximately after 7 days. The duration of taking the drug is set by the doctor individually and can be 8-13 weeks. In this case, the dosage must be started to be reduced 10-14 days before the termination of the course. |
Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Use of the drug should be started at 150 mg per day. If the effect of treatment is minimal, then after 7 days the daily dosage is allowed to be doubled (300 mg, they can be taken in 2 doses). If the dosage of 300 mg does not work, that after another 1 week the dosage can be increased to 450 mg per day (divided into 2-3 doses). In the absence of positive dynamics and at 450 mg per day, the dosage is allowed to be increased to 600 mg per day (divided into 3 doses) after 7 days. | The full course of drug treatment (from the start of taking the drug to complete cessation) is 8 weeks. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the dosage of the drug in the reverse order within 14-20 days. |
Epilepsy | Therapy should be started with a dosage of 150 mg per day. After 7 days, the dosage can be doubled (300 mg, taken in 2 doses). Further, after a week, the dosage is allowed to be doubled (600 mg, taken in 2-3 doses). | The duration of the course is 12 weeks. If it is necessary to continue treatment, permission from a specialist with a dose adjustment is required. Termination of the use of the product should be done with a gradual decrease in dosage within 1 week. |
The capsules should not be chewed, since the shell must dissolve on its own in the stomach, followed by the release of the active substance. It is also necessary to maintain equal intervals of time between taking the drug. Additionally, it is advised to drink the capsules with plenty of liquid.
If the patient has kidney pathology and is over 65 years of age, the dosage of the drug can be calculated using the formulas and table below.
The formula for calculating the CC (creatinine clearance):
For males: CC = (weight (kg) x (140-age) / 72x serum creatinine value;
For females: to calculate the QC, you need to use the above formula and multiply the resulting value by 0.85.
Dosage selection table by CC value:
The resulting QC value | Daily dosage of the active element of the drug |
More than 60 | The initial dosage is 150 mg. It can be gradually increased to 600 mg. As the dosage increases, the dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses. |
30 to 60 | The starting dosage is 75 mg. Then it can be increased to 300 mg (divided into 2-3 doses). |
15 to 30 | The initial dose is 25-50 mg. It is allowed to increase to 150 mg (if desired, it can be divided into 2 doses). |
Less than 15 | The starting dose is 25 mg. Can be increased to 75 mg. Take capsules 1 time per day. |
If the patient undergoes hemodialysis, then after the procedure, an additional intake of the drug in an amount of 25 to 100 mg is required. If the patient missed taking the capsule, then the drug is recommended to be taken immediately after the gap is found, but on condition that the next dose is not required to be taken in the near future.
Side effects
The drug Lyrica has a large list of side effects, which is why the drug must be taken under the supervision of a specialist.
The course of taking capsules may be accompanied by:
- feeling of nausea, vomiting is possible;
- increased feeling of thirst and dryness in the mouth;
- decreased appetite or its complete absence;
- bloating with subsequent flatulence;
- violation of the stool in the form of constipation or diarrhea;
- a decrease in sensitivity in the tissues of the oral cavity and a deterioration in taste perception;
- increased salivation;
- reverse flow of fluid in the organs of the digestive tract;
- violation of the swallowing process;
- a sharp decrease in the concentration of sugar in the blood;
- accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
- development of inflammatory processes in the pancreas;
- increased drowsiness, accompanied by a decrease in attention;
- increased dizziness or sudden headaches;
- motor disorder;
- a feeling of euphoria, intoxication and hallucinations;
- violation of the coordination of movements;
- aggression and increased irritability;
- violation of consciousness or a sequence of actions;
- development of tremor of the extremities, may be accompanied by a burning sensation or numbness;
- impaired memory and speech;
- disorder of self-perception of one's own "I";
- violation of the quality of sleep;
- indifference to what is happening;
- decreased reflex functions;
- an inexplicable feeling of severe anxiety and panic;
- blood pressure surges;
- increased heart rate;
- violation of the composition of the blood;
- flushing of the face with a feeling of heat;
- dryness of the mucous membranes (in the nasal cavity, in the eyes);
- violation of the breathing process;
- cough without relief;
- pronounced night snoring;
- redness and swelling of the mucous membranes;
- causeless bleeding from the nasal cavity;
- a feeling of choking and constriction of the throat;
- a change in the composition of urine and a decrease in its amount;
- spontaneous emptying of the bladder;
- the development of renal failure;
- lack of menstruation in women;
- severe soreness of menstruation;
- lack of orgasm and sexual arousal;
- development of impotence;
- pain in muscles, back and joints;
- spontaneous muscle contractions;
- spasm of the neck muscles;
- destruction of muscle tissue cells;
- blurred vision and narrowing of the visual field;
- development of strabismus;
- increased lacrimation;
- itching of the skin with possible rashes;
- enlargement of the mammary glands in size;
- changes in weight;
- double vision and eye pain;
- muscle stiffness or muscle cramps;
- increased sweating;
- pain and swelling of the limbs and joints.
Depending on the general condition of the patient and the duration of the use of the drug, the symptoms can be pronounced or weak. If any side effect is detected, these deviations must be immediately reported to the attending specialist. Dosage revision may be required.
Overdose
Despite numerous side effects, drug overdose was not recorded (provided there was no negative reaction during the period of taking the capsules).
If the drug was taken accidentally one-time and in a large dose, then the manifestation of the above side effects in a pronounced form is possible.. In this case, gastric lavage is required, followed by the intake of sorbents. Sometimes blood cleansing is prescribed (if more than 1 hour has passed after taking the drug).
Potential consequences of long-term use
Long-term use of Lyrica is manifested by pronounced drug addiction. The patient requires repeated administration of the drug. In case of refusal, suicidal tendencies were recorded.
Also, the lack of taking capsules may be accompanied by:
- lack of sleep;
- aggression and panic anxiety;
- severe tremors of the limbs or seizures.
In some cases, it may be necessary to gradually withdraw from the course of Lyrica therapy in a hospital setting.
special instructions
Lyrica (tablets) is a drug that requires the supervision of a specialist while undergoing a therapeutic course.
When prescribing a medication, you must first familiarize yourself with the nuances of using capsules:
- if taking the drug in patients with diabetes mellitus caused an increase in weight, then an adjustment of the dosage of hypoglycemic drugs is required;
- it is undesirable to start taking the remedy during an exacerbation of depression, since they can provoke the development of suicidal thoughts;
- the drug has many side effects, therefore, in the first week of taking capsules (especially for the elderly) it is recommended that the patient be under constant control;
- it is important to completely exclude the presence of possible contraindications before taking the remedy;
- The lyrics do not affect the functioning of the liver, therefore, with pathologies of this organ, an individual dosage of the drug is not required;
- if taking the drug has caused the development of renal or heart failure, visual impairment or other side effects, then the body (in most cases) fully recovers after withdrawal funds;
- Lyrics cannot be combined with alcohol due to the increased likelihood of side effects;
- for the period of the course, it is strictly forbidden to drive vehicles and perform work that requires special attention.
With a possible allergic reaction to the composition, taking the drug is strictly contraindicated due to the likelihood of developing Quincke's edema.
Drug interactions
The lyrics are not recommended to be taken simultaneously with potent psychotropic drugs, so how is it possible to enhance the therapeutic effect of the latter with an increase in the likelihood of developing side effects.
The interaction of capsules with other medicines is poorly understood. Therefore, if complex therapy is necessary, it is required to inform the doctor about the medications taken.
Analogs
Lyrica (tablets) is a rather expensive drug that can be replaced with analogues from the following list:
- Algerica. The minimum cost is from 1000 rubles;
- Pregabalin Richter. The starting price is 200 rubles;
- Relium. The minimum cost is from 50 rubles;
- Diazepam Price from 500 rubles;
- Phenibut starting cost from 70 rubles;
- Anvifen. Price from 100 rubles;
- Lamitor. The minimum cost is from 300 rubles.
All of the listed medicines can only be purchased with a prescription.
Storage periods
After purchase, capsules must be stored in a dark place at a temperature range of 4-25 degrees above zero. Subject to these conditions, the shelf life of the product is 3 years from the date of production. It is important that the product should be kept away from children's reach, and it is strictly forbidden to use the drug after the expiration date.
Terms of sale, where can you buy the drug?
The lyrics can only be purchased from official pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription. The prescription must indicate the dosage of the drug and the general course of treatment, as well as the duration of the prescription.
Price
The cost of the drug varies by region, as well as the dosage of the main element in the composition and the number of capsules in the package. The minimum cost for a package with capsules (14 pcs.), Which contain 25 mg of active ingredient, is 200 rubles. When buying Lyrica with a dosage of the main element of 300 mg and the number of capsules of 56 pcs., The minimum price is 4100 rubles.
It is recommended to purchase lyrics only in trusted pharmacies and make sure the authenticity of the drug when buying. It is important if the pharmacist does not require a prescription when selling, then it is advised to refuse to purchase the product, especially if the price is too low.
Reception of a fake, at best, will not give a therapeutic effect, at worst - the state of health will worsen. You can distinguish the original from a fake, for example, by the presence of engraving on the tablets and the consistency of color.
Author: Kotlyachkova Svetlana
Video about Lyrica tablets
How Lyrica tablets work: