Lyrica by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Lyrica affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. Lyrica is a medicine designed specifically to relieve common types of nerve pain such as diabetic nerve pain and pain after shingles. Lyrica is made by Pfizer. Lyrica, which is currently approved to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy seizures.

Lyrica Mechanism of Action
The exact way that it works is not well known.

Lyrica for Seizures
Lyrica is used with other drugs in the treatment of some types of seizures.

Lyrica and Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Lyrica is used for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by the herpes virus or shingles).

Lyrica for Diabetic Neuropathy

Lyrica is prescribed for diabetic neuropathy (pain from damaged nerves that happen with diabetes).

Lyrica and fibromyalgia
Patients taking Pfizer Inc's Lyrica have less from fibromyalgia. Pfizer submitted data from the study to U.S. health regulators in an effort to broaden the fast-growing drug's approved uses to include treatment of fibromyalgia. There are natural options to treat fibromyalgia. See fibromyalgia for info on natural treatment options.
   The study tested Lyrica at three doses -- 600 milligrams a day, 450 mg and 300 mg -- against a placebo and had patients measure their pain on a scale of zero to 10. Thirty percent of patients taking the 600 mg dose of Lyrica said their pain was reduced by half or better compared with 27 percent at 450 mg and 24 percent at the lowest dose. Of those taking a placebo, 15 percent reported pain reduction of 50 percent or greater, Pfizer said. Data from the study were presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Boston in May of 2007.

June 2007 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lyrica for fibromyalgia. It is thought that Lyrica reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that such patients have decreased pain after taking Lyrica, but, the mechanism by which Lyrica produces such an effect is unknown. The most common side effects of Lyrica include mild-to-moderate dizziness and sleepiness. Blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth, and swelling of the hands and feet also were reported in clinical trials. The side effects appeared to be dose-related. Lyrica can impair motor function and cause problems with concentration and attention. FDA advises that patients talk to their doctor or other health care professional about whether use of Lyrica may impair their ability to drive. Lyrica already is approved for treating partial seizures, pain following the rash of shingles and pain associated with diabetes nerve damage.
   My comments: Only resort to Lyrica if you have tried every natural approach and you are still suffering from fibromyalgia pain.

Anxiety Disorder

Lyrica may have similar efficacy to the benzodiazepines and venlafaxine.

Alcohol Detoxification

Lyrica may be a therapeutic agent for medical management of alcohol detoxification.

Lyrica Questions

Q. I am suffering from diabetes since 1995. I am on tablets. From Dec 2005 I had developed with diabetic neuropathy problem. My family doctor  gave me Lyrica 75 mg. From January 2006 my penis getting thinner and when erection time my penis is having abnormal bend. Therefore my penis is not straight to do intercourse. I have a difficulty to do the intercourse. Do you thing this problem is due to the Diabetic neuropathy or Lyrica?
     A. Diabetic neuropathy can cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. I am not sure yet of the side effects of Lyrica to know whether impotence or abnormal curvature of the penis is a Lyrica side effect.

Q. I read on a website, "Lyrica is a medicine designed specifically to relieve 2 of the most common types of nerve pain: Diabetic Nerve Pain and Pain after Shingles. Lyrica is also approved to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take one or more anti-seizure medicines." My Neurologist has me taking Lyrica Caplets, 50 mg, twice a day for the prevention of migraines. have been taking Lyrica for 2 months. My migraines aren't as severe as they use to be and don't last as long as they use to. However, I still get them daily. Should I ask my Neurologist to increase the dosage to 3 caps daily?
   A. We cannot provide individual advice. See migraine headache for more info to discuss with your neurologist.