Lyrica (Pregabalin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy »

What is the facial nerve?

The facial nerve is a nerve which controls the muscles on the side of the face. It allows us to show expression, smile, cry, and wink. Injury to the facial nerve causes a socially and psychologically devastating physical defect; treatment may require extensive rehabilitation or multiple procedures.

The facial nerve is the seventh of the twelve cranial nerves. Everyone has two facial nerves, one for each side of the face. The facial nerve travels with the hearing nerve (the eighth cranial nerve) as it travels in and around the structures of the middle ear. It exits the front of the ear at the stylomastoid foramen (a hole in the skull base), where it then travels through the parotid gland. In the parotid gland it divides into many branches which provide motor function for the various muscles and glands of the head and neck.

What are symptoms of a facial nerve problem?

Facial nerve problems...

Read the Facial Nerve Problems and Bell's Palsy article »

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Lyrica Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pregabalin (Lyrica)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pregabalin.

Before using pregabalin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

congestive heart failure;
diabetes; or
kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take pregabalin.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.

It is not known whether pregabalin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

How should I take pregabalin (Lyrica)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

You may take pregabalin with or without food.

Do not change your dose of pregabalin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.

If you are taking pregabalin to prevent seizures, keep taking it even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking pregabalin. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using pregabalin after using it over a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Do not stop using pregabalin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking pregabalin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Store pregabalin at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

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