This article describes Lyrica’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Lyrica. If you want to know more about Lyrica, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Lyrica is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution (liquid taken by mouth). It’s available in a generic version called pregabalin.
Lyrica CR is an extended-release, brand-name version of pregabalin. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) Lyrica CR is not used to treat all of the same conditions as Lyrica. This article describes dosages of Lyrica. For information about dosages of Lyrica CR or pregabalin extended-release tablets, talk with your doctor.
Lyrica is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of misuse or dependence. This means doctors and pharmacists must follow strict rules when prescribing and dispensing Lyrica. These rules are in place to help reduce the risk of misuse and dependence.
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Forms and strengths of Lyrica
Lyrica comes in these forms expressed in milligrams (mg) and strengths expressed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule | take by swallowing | 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg |
| oral solution | take by swallowing | 20 mg/mL |
Dosage of Lyrica
This article describes the recommended dosages for Lyrica. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Lyrica without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Lyrica in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Lyrica. Depending on how your body responds to the medication, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Lyrica that gives the desired outcome.
For adults, the recommended starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg per day for nerve pain and the other conditions it’s used to treat. The starting dosage is divided into two or three doses over the course of the day depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
Dosage for nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy
The usual recommended dosage of Lyrica for nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy is:
- Starting dosage: 50 mg three times per day (total of 150 mg per day)
- Maintenance dosage: based on individual need, up to 300 mg per day in divided doses within 1 week
- Maximum dosage: 100 mg three times per day (total of 300 mg per day)
Dosage for nerve pain caused by shingles
The usual recommended dosage of Lyrica for nerve pain caused by shingles is:
- Starting dosage: 75 mg two times per day or 50 mg three times per day (total of 150 mg per day)
- Maintenance dosage: based on individual need, up to 300 mg per day in divided doses within 1 week; up to 600 mg per day in divided doses after 2 to 4 weeks of taking 300 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 300 mg two times per day or 200 mg three times per day (total of 600 mg per day)
Dosage for nerve pain related to a spinal cord injury
The usual recommended dosage of Lyrica for nerve pain related to a spinal cord injury is:
- Starting dosage: 75 mg two times per day (total of 150 mg per day)
- Maintenance dosage: based on individual need, up to 300 mg per day in divided doses within 1 week; up to 600 mg per day in divided doses after 2 to 3 weeks of taking 300 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 300 mg two times per day (total of 600 mg per day)
Dosage for fibromyalgia
The usual recommended dosage of Lyrica for fibromyalgia is:
- Starting dosage: 75 mg two times per day (total of 150 mg per day)
- Maintenance dosage: based on individual need, up to 300 mg per day in two divided doses within 1 week; up to 450 mg per day in divided doses if symptoms are not managed taking 300 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 225 mg two times per day (total of 450 mg per day)
Dosage for partial onset seizures
The usual recommended dosage of Lyrica for partial onset seizures is:
- Starting dosage: 75 mg two times per day or 50 mg three times per day (total of 150 mg per day)
- Maintenance dosage: based on individual need, up to the maximum dosage
- Maximum dosage: 600 mg per day in two or three divided doses
Lyrica is used as adjunctive therapy (additional treatment) in combination with other medications for partial onset seizures.
Dosages of Lyrica in children
Lyrica is prescribed as adjunctive therapy (additional treatment) in combination with other medications for partial onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older. The dosage of Lyrica for children is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Recommended starting dosage | Frequency | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kg or more | about 66 lb or more | 2.5 mg per kg of body weight per day in divided doses | two or three times per day | 10 mg per kg of body weight per day (up to a maximum of 600 mg per day) in divided doses |
| less than 30 kg | less than 66 lb | 3.5 mg per kg of body weight per day in divided doses | ages 1 month to younger than 4 years: three times per day ages 4 years and older: two or three times per day | 14 mg per kg of body weight per day in divided doses |
Dosage adjustments for Lyrica
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Lyrica based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- age and weight of children
- how well your kidneys work
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
- the form of Lyrica
Your doctor may lower your dosage of Lyrica or how often you take it if you have kidney problems. Be sure to discuss your health history before you start taking Lyrica.
Missed dose of Lyrica
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Lyrica. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or, if it’s almost time for your next dose, they’ll likely advise you to skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. You should not take two doses at the same time.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Lyrica and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lyrica and its dosage.
What is the highest recommended dose of Lyrica?
The highest recommended dose of Lyrica depends on the condition it’s being used to treat. For children, the maximum dosage is based on their body weight in kg. Your doctor will start you on a low dosage and then adjust it over time until the right dosage for you is reached.
For more information, see the “Dosage of Lyrica” section above for recommended dosages and maximum doses. Also, talk to your doctor to learn more about the maximum dosages of Lyrica for the conditions it’s approved to treat.
Can Lyrica be used for sleep or anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
Lyrica isn’t approved to treat anxiety or sleep problems. So there aren’t any recommended dosages for these uses.
But Lyrica may be used off-label for these purposes. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. One study showed that pregabalin (the generic version of Lyrica) might help with the short-term treatment of anxiety.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about treating anxiety or sleep problems.
Is Lyrica taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Lyrica as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Lyrica, talk with your doctor.
Is there a risk of misuse or dependence with Lyrica?
Yes, Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance that carries a low risk for misuse and dependence. Drugs assigned to these classes of controlled substances are regulated by the U.S. government.
Misuse means taking a drug in a way that is not prescribed, such as taking more than the recommended dosage. With dependence, a person’s body needs the drug to function as usual. In some cases, misuse and dependence can lead to addiction.
Your risk for misuse or dependence is greater if you have a history of alcohol or substance misuse. Talk with your doctor before you start your Lyrica treatment if you have any concerns.
How Lyrica is taken
You’ll swallow Lyrica two to three times per day depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. It can be taken with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same times each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Lyrica capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the capsule. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it. You can also ask about taking Lyrica liquid solution as an alternative to capsules.
Because Lyrica can cause dizziness and sleepiness, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how the drug affects you.
Lyrica should not be suddenly stopped without consulting your doctor. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep problems, diarrhea, headache, anxiety, excessive sweating, and nausea. If you and your doctor decide to discontinue Lyrica, they will slowly lower your dosage over time.
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Get free cardOverdose of Lyrica
It’s important that you do not take more Lyrica than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Lyrica overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- excessive drowsiness or sleepiness
- agitation or restlessness
- depression
- anxiety
- confusion
- seizures
What to do if you take too much Lyrica
If you think you’ve taken too much Lyrica, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Lyrica. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Lyrica without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Lyrica exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does the dosage of Lyrica compare with the dosage of pregabalin?
- Will you be reducing my dosage of Lyrica if I have side effects?
- Is the dosage of Lyrica calculated based on weight in adults?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.