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Pregabalin

Brand names: Lyrica, Lyrica CR

Pregabalin calms overactive nerves. It treats nerve pain from diabetes or shingles, fibromyalgia, and some seizures.

Brand namesLyrica, Lyrica CR
Type of medicineNerve pain and seizure medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's a controlled substance (low misuse risk). It works similarly to gabapentin.

What it's used for

  • Diabetic nerve pain
  • Nerve pain after shingles
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Nerve pain after spinal cord injury
  • Partial seizures (with other medicines)

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food, as prescribed.
  • Don't stop suddenly; your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Weight gain
  • Swelling in hands and feet
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth
Call 911Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, or trouble breathing
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call your provider todayUnexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever

Warnings

  • Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
  • Breathing problems are more likely with opioids, lung disease, or in older adults.
  • Doses are lower with kidney disease.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Opioids, alcohol, and sedating medicines can dangerously slow breathing.
  • Pioglitazone adds to swelling and weight gain.
  • ACE inhibitors may add to swelling of the face and throat.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.