What is lyrica for?

Lyrica is pregabalin, originally created by the Pfizer drug company to treat seizure disorders; so it is classified as an anti-convulsive drug. But Lyrica is unusual. It also very effectively treats a very painful chronic nerve condition called Fibromyalgia. It can be used to treat the skin condition Shingles. It can be used for a number of other conditions, as well, including as a substitute for psychotropics like antidepressants in people who cannot take antidepressants due to episodes of a life-threatening reaction called Serotonin Syndrome. It can be used as a substitute for Benzodiazepines because it soothes anxiety. It is being investigated for other medical conditions as well.

But as effective as Lyrica is, it is also very habit-forming. It is a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance, up from Schedule 5. Addiction to Lyrica can be problematic because sudden withdrawal is excruciating, and it can be both violent and dangerous. But if physician and patient work together to carefully control the use of the drug, this can be avoided.

Some people cannot take Lyrica because it can cause suicidal thoughts, homicidal impulses, and in some cases dangerous allergic reactions.

More common side-effects include swelling of hands and feet due to edema, and weight gain; sometimes even without eating more, people have gained as much as half again their body weight. Exercise and careful monitoring of diet can help somewhat, but the tendency to weigh more than usual is strong, especially in women over 40. However, in people plagued with the misery of Fibromyalgia, the trade-off can be worth it.