Lyrica side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of Lyrica. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Lyrica, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Lyrica is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule, an oral liquid, and an extended-release oral tablet. (Extended-release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) It’s available in a generic version called pregabalin. This article describes possible side effects of Lyrica.

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More common side effects of Lyrica

Lyrica may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of Lyrica include:

• blurred vision*
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• weight gain*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lyrica in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of Lyrica

Lyrica may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Lyrica that occurred in studies include:

• blurred vision*
• constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fluid retention
• headache
• sleepiness
• difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• weakness or lack of energy
• weight gain*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lyrica in detail” section below.

Lyrica may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of Lyrica

Lyrica may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Lyrica, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lyrica.

Serious side effects of Lyrica that occurred in studies include:

• angioedema (swelling under the skin)
• changes in the heart’s electrical signals, which can lead to serious heart rhythm problems
• confusion
• depression
• increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions
• low platelet levels
• muscle problems*
• problems with coordination or balance
• serious breathing difficulty
• severe drowsiness and dizziness that may interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery 
• withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the drug

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lyrica in detail” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

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Allergic reaction

For some people, Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lyrica, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Common questions about side effects of Lyrica

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Lyrica. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Lyrica side effects sexually affect you?

Yes, it’s possible that Lyrica may cause sexual side effects. In studies, the most common side effect reported by people taking Lyrica extended-release tablet was erectile dysfunction (ED). With ED, you have difficulty getting or keeping an erection.

Participants in the studies of Lyrica reported changes in their sex drive.

There are many possible causes of ED and changes in sex drive. If you experience these problems while taking Lyrica, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and recommend ways to manage it.

Are Lyrica side effects long term?

Yes, in some cases, Lyrica may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Weight gain is an example of long-term side effects reported with Lyrica. You can read more about weight gain in the “Side effects of Lyrica in detail” section below.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible long-term side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Lyrica may last.

Does Lyrica 75 mg have less side effects than other strengths?

It’s possible. Some of Lyrica’s side effects are related to the dose. This means that higher doses are more likely to cause side effects than lower doses. Dose-related side effects include many of the mild side effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness, and weight gain.

If you’re having more side effects after a dosage change, tell your doctor. You should also tell your doctor about any side effects that aren’t going away or have become bothersome. They can suggest ways to manage them. Do not change your dosage of Lyrica without talking with your doctor first.

Are Lyrica side effects more likely in older adults?

Possibly. In studies, reported side effects were similar between older adults (ages 65 years and older) and younger adults. But certain side effects were more common in older adults, including:

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness
• extreme sleepiness
• difficulty in coordination or balance
• tremor

In older adults, many of these side effects can lead to falls, which can be serious. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. If you have concerns about taking Lyrica given your age, talk with your doctor.

Side effects of Lyrica in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Lyrica.

Blurred vision

In studies, blurred vision was common in people taking Lyrica. This side effect is usually mild.

For most people, blurred vision got better with continued Lyrica treatment. But for some, it led to doctors stopping treatment with Lyrica. It isn’t known whether or not Lyrica has long-term effects on vision.

Ways to manage

Your doctor may recommend having vision checkups more often if you already have vision problems.

If you experience changes in your vision, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a different treatment.

Muscle problems

In studies, muscle problems were rare in people taking Lyrica. However, this side effect may be serious.

While taking Lyrica, some people reported changes in a lab test, which can be a sign of serious muscle problems. In rare cases, some people developed a muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis. This is a serious condition that occurs when muscles break down. It can lead to kidney failure and death.

Symptoms may include:

• feeling sick
• fever
• unexplained muscle pain or soreness
• unexplained muscle weakness

It isn’t known for sure if Lyrica was the cause of these muscle problems.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of muscle problems listed above, tell your doctor and get medical care right away.

Weight gain

In studies, weight gain was common in people taking Lyrica. This side effect is usually mild, but may be serious in some cases.

For most people, weight gain with Lyrica isn’t a serious problem. But if you have diabetes, gaining weight may affect your blood sugar management. People with heart conditions also need to keep a check on weight gain. It can be a sign of worsening heart failure and other problems.

Certain factors can increase the risk of weight gain with Lyrica. These include taking higher doses of Lyrica and taking Lyrica for a long time.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about weight gain, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and recommend ways to manage it.

If you have heart problems and experience weight gain or swelling in the hands or feet, tell your doctor right away.

Warnings for Lyrica

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Lyrica.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Lyrica if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Lyrica is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Lyrica, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include:

• alcohol (if you drink)
• angioedema in the past or if someone else in your family has it
• bleeding conditions
• breathing problems
• depression or other mood disorders
• diabetes
• heart problems
• kidney disease
• low platelets
• past problems with alcohol use or substance use disorder
• past suicidal thoughts or actions
• male sex, with plans to have a child*
• vision problems
• past allergic reaction to Lyrica

*Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Lyrica and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Lyrica should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Your doctor may talk with you about the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This registry monitors pregnancy outcomes during treatment with antiepileptic drugs, such as Lyrica. You can learn more by calling 888-233-2334 or visiting this website.

Lyrica and breastfeeding

Lyrica should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Lyrica.

Lyrica and alcohol

Lyrica is known to interact with alcohol.

You should not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with Lyrica, including serious side effects. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Lyrica.

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.