Lyrica Side Effects

Generic name: pregabalin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 25, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lyrica Side Effects associated with pregabalin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lyrica.

Applies to pregabalin: oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet extended release.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your and your child's progress at regular visits, especially for the first few months that you take pregabalin (the active ingredient contained in Lyrica) This is necessary to allow for dose adjustments and to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals after using this medicine.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine with alcohol or other medicines that affect the central nervous system (CNS). The use of alcohol or other medicines that affect the CNS with pregabalin may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble with sleeping. Some examples of medicines that affect the CNS are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines, medicine for depression, medicine for anxiety, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.

This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts or to become more depressed. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause respiratory depression, a serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening, when used together with narcotic pain medicines. Check with your doctor right away if you have pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, difficult or troubled breathing, or irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing.

Pregabalin may cause blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble with thinking. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. If these side effects are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause you or your child to have edema (body swelling) or to gain weight. This may cause problems for people with heart failure. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

This medicine may increase your or your child's risk for cancer (eg, hemangiosarcoma) and bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Do not suddenly stop taking pregabalin without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause seizures or side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, vomiting, irritability, trouble with sleeping, nightmares, or tingling feelings.

Call your doctor if you or your child have any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with a fever. These may be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called myopathy.

This medicine may cause sores or other skin problems (eg, skin ulcers), which may be more likely to occur in patients with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about proper skin care.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Lyrica

Some side effects of pregabalin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Lyrica

Along with its needed effects, pregabalin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pregabalin:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pregabalin: oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions to this drug are dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, weight gain, and "thinking abnormal" (primarily difficulty with concentration/attention); the more commonly reported events in pediatric patients include increased weight and increased appetite.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 37%), somnolence (up to 25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Neuropathy, ataxia, vertigo, incoordination, tremor, abnormal gait, headache, speech disorder, twitching
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, stupor, myoclonus, psychomotor hyperactivity, dyskinesia, dizziness postural, intention tremor, nystagmus, hyporeflexia, hyperesthesia, burning sensation, ageusia, malaise
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Convulsions, parosmia, hypokinesia, dysgraphia, shock, circumoral paresthesia, dysarthria, hyperalgesia, hyperkinesia, hypokinesia, hypotonia, myoclonus, neuralgia cerebellar syndrome, cogwheel rigidity, coma, dysautonomia, dystonia, encephalopathy, extrapyramidal syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypalgesia, intracranial hypertension, torticollis, trismus, peripheral neuritis
• Postmarketing reports: Coma^[Ref]

Among pediatric patients receiving this drug for the treatment of partial onset seizures, somnolence was reported in 21% of drug treated patients and 14% of placebo patients, occurring more frequently at higher doses. Somnolence includes related terms of lethargy, sluggishness, and hypersomnia.

Patients treated for central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury have experienced an increased incidence of CNS adverse effects, especially somnolence. This may be due to an additive effect with concomitant medications.

There are postmarketing reports of respiratory failure and coma in patients taking pregabalin and other CNS depressant agents.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension, hypertension, hot flushes, flushing, peripheral coldness, heart failure, postural hypotension, syncope
• Rare (less than 0.1%): ST depressed, ventricular fibrillation
• Frequency not reported: PR interval prolongation^[Ref]

In controlled clinical trials in adult patients, peripheral edema was reported in 6% of patients receiving this drug compared with 2% in the placebo group; 0.5% and 0.2% of patients withdrew due to peripheral edema in the drug treated group and the placebo group, respectively.

Analyses of clinical trial ECG data has shown the mean PR interval increase was 3 to 6 msec at doses greater than or equal to 300 mg/day. Subgroup analyses did not identify an increased risk of PR prolongation in patients with baseline PR prolongation or those taking other PR prolonging medications, although the number of patients in the study was not sufficient to draw a definitive conclusion.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Confusion, euphoria, amnesia, nervousness, irritability, disorientation, insomnia, libido decreased, disturbance in attention, anxiety, depersonalization, stupor, abnormal thinking
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cognitive disorder, mental impairment, abnormal dreams, agitation, apathy, aphasia, hallucinations, hostility
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Delirium, delusions, manic reaction, paranoid reaction, personality disorder, psychotic depression, schizophrenic reaction, sleep disorder, disinhibition^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic reaction, anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis, pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema, rash papular, urticaria, hyperhidrosis, abscess, cellulitis, alopecia, dry skin, eczema, hirsutism, skin ulcer, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Stevens Johnson syndrome, cold sweat, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, melanosis, nail disorder, petechial rash, purpuric rash, pustular rash, skin atrophy, skin necrosis, skin nodule, subcutaneous nodule^[Ref]

Symptoms of angioedema have included swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, and gums), and neck (throat and larynx). There have also been reports of life-threatening angioedema with respiratory compromise requiring emergency treatment. Therapy should be discontinued immediately in patients with these symptoms. Caution is recommended if this drug is used in patients who have had a previous episode of angioedema. Patients who are taking other drugs associated with angioedema (e.g., angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE inhibitors]) may be at increased risk of developing angioedema.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal distention, gastroenteritis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastroesophageal reflux disease, salivary hypersecretion, hypoesthesia oral, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, colitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, GI hemorrhage, melena, mouth ulceration, pancreatitis, rectal hemorrhage, tongue edema
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Ascites, granuloma
• Postmarketing reports: Reduced lower gastrointestinal function events (e.g., intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, constipation)^[Ref]

Postmarketing reports of reduced lower gastrointestinal function events have been reported when co-administered with medications that have the potential to produce constipation, such as opioids.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, impotence, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sexual dysfunction, ejaculation delayed, dysmenorrhea, breast pain, anorgasmia, albuminuria, dysuria, hematuria, kidney calculus, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, oliguria, urinary retention, urine abnormality, abnormal ejaculation, albuminuria, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, kidney calculus, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, oliguria
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Breast discharge, breast enlargement, gynecomastia, pelvic pain, balanitis, bladder neoplasm, cervicitis, dyspareunia, epididymitis, glomerulitis, ovarian disorder^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neutropenia, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, platelet count decreased, blood creatinine increased, blood potassium decreased, deep thrombophlebitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): White blood cell count decreased, anemia, eosinophilia, hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Myelofibrosis, polycythemia, prothrombin decreased, purpura^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza syndrome^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myasthenia, muscle cramp, arthralgia, back pain, pain in limb, cervical spasm, leg cramps
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Joint swelling, myalgia, muscle twitching, neck pain, muscle stiffness, neck rigidity, arthrosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Rhabdomyolysis, chondrodystrophy, generalized spasm^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Visual field changes (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Blurry vision, abnormal vision, diplopia, conjunctivitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Peripheral vision loss, visual disturbance, eye swelling, visual field defect, visual acuity reduced, eye pain, asthenopia, photopsia, photosensitivity reaction, dry eye, lacrimation increased, eye irritation, retinal vascular disorder, abnormality of accommodation, blepharitis, dry eyes, eye hemorrhage, hyperacusis, photophobia, retinal edema
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Vision loss, keratitis, oscillopsia, altered visual depth perception, mydriasis, strabismus, visual brightness, anisocoria, blindness, corneal ulcer, exophthalmos, extraocular palsy, iritis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, miosis, mydriasis, night blindness, ophthalmoplegia, optic atrophy, papilledema, parosmia, ptosis, uveitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, accidental injury, face edema, pain, otitis media, tinnitus
• Uncommon (less than 0.1% to 1%): Generalized edema, pain, pyrexia, chills, thirst
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Retroperitoneal fibrosis, retinal vascular disorder, taste loss, taste perversion
• Frequency not reported: Withdrawal effects following rapid discontinuation^[Ref]

Some patients have reported withdrawal effects following abrupt/rapid discontinuation. These symptoms included insomnia, nausea, headache, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis, cough, nasal congestion, rhinitis, snoring, nasal dryness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pulmonary edema, throat tightness, apnea, atelectasis, bronchiolitis, hiccup, laryngismus, lung fibrosis, yawn
• Postmarketing reports: Respiratory failure^[Ref]

There are postmarketing reports of respiratory failure and coma in patients taking pregabalin and other CNS depressant agents.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain, edema, hypoglycemia, increased appetite
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight decreased, blood glucose increased
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Glucose tolerance decreased, urate crystalluria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nephritis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Acute kidney failure, pyelonephritis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Gynecomastia, breast enlargement

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What's the difference?
• How long does it take for Lyrica to work?
• Does Lyrica cause weight gain?
• How long does Lyrica stay in your system?
• Can you stop Lyrica cold turkey?
• Is Lyrica a controlled substance / narcotic?
• Does Lyrica make you sleepy?
• Is there a generic for Lyrica?
• What is Lyrica used to treat?

Further information

Lyrica side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer