Lyrica 150mg Capsules (Pregabalin): Neuropathic Pain Relief UK Guide
Lyrica 150mg Capsules contain 150mg of pregabalin, a prescription gabapentinoid medication used for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults. Pregabalin is also authorised for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation and for generalised anxiety disorder in adults. Lyrica 150mg is one available capsule strength and should be used according to an individually prescribed treatment plan.
Pregabalin works by binding to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This reduces the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in abnormal nerve signalling and helps reduce neuropathic pain. Pregabalin can cause dizziness and sleepiness and can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, so treatment should be medically supervised.
What Is Lyrica 150mg Used For?
- Neuropathic Pain: Pregabalin is indicated for peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults, including pain caused by damaged or dysfunctional nerves.
- Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: It can be prescribed for nerve pain affecting areas such as the feet, legs or hands when associated with nerve damage.
- Central Neuropathic Pain: Pregabalin may also be used when neuropathic pain originates from damage or dysfunction within the central nervous system.
- Partial Seizures: Pregabalin is authorised as adjunctive treatment for adults with partial seizures, including seizures that may subsequently become secondarily generalised.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Pregabalin is also authorised for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in adults. It should not be described as a general sleeping medication or routine treatment for insomnia.
How Does Lyrica 150mg Work?
Pregabalin belongs to the gabapentinoid class of medications. Although it is structurally related to GABA, it does not work by directly activating GABA receptors. Instead, it binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters involved in nerve signalling. In neuropathic pain, this can reduce excessive pain signals travelling through the nervous system. The same action contributes to its use as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures.
How to Take Lyrica 150mg
- Follow Your Prescription: Take Lyrica exactly as prescribed. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, response to treatment, tolerability and kidney function.
- Usual Daily Dose: For standard pregabalin capsules, the usual total daily dose is between 150mg and 600mg, divided into two or three doses. A 150mg capsule may therefore form part of an individually prescribed daily regimen rather than being a standard single dose.
- Dose Adjustment: Treatment is generally started at a lower dose and increased gradually according to response and tolerability. For neuropathic pain, the dose may be increased after several days when clinically appropriate.
- Administration: Swallow the capsule whole with water or another suitable drink. Lyrica capsules can be taken with or without food, but doses should preferably be taken consistently and spaced evenly throughout the day.
- Kidney Function: Pregabalin is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. People with reduced kidney function may require a lower dose, so tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems.
- Missed Dose: If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses together.
- Treatment Duration: The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated and your response. People taking pregabalin for nerve pain may continue treatment for several months when clinically appropriate, while treatment for epilepsy may continue for considerably longer.
Lyrica 150mg Side Effects
Pregabalin can cause side effects affecting the nervous system and digestive system. Dizziness, sleepiness and headache are among the most common effects and may become less troublesome as the body adjusts to treatment.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
- Increased appetite
- Problems with balance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Swelling of the hands or feet
More serious reactions can occur. Severe dizziness, fainting, hallucinations, significant heart-rate changes, serious allergic reactions or thoughts of self-harm require prompt medical attention. Breathing difficulties can also be a serious concern, particularly when pregabalin is combined with opioids or other medicines that cause sedation.
Important Warnings and Precautions
- Dependence and Addiction: Pregabalin can cause dependence and some people may develop problems with misuse or addiction. The risk should be considered before and during treatment, particularly in people with a previous history of substance misuse.
- Respiratory Depression: Pregabalin has been associated with serious breathing difficulties in some people. The risk may be higher in people with respiratory problems, kidney impairment, older age, or when pregabalin is combined with medicines that depress the central nervous system.
- Opioids and Sedatives: Tell your doctor if you take strong opioid painkillers such as morphine, codeine or oxycodone, or other medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness. Combining these medicines with pregabalin can increase sedation and other central nervous system effects.
- Driving and Alertness: Dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision and impaired concentration can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not drive or use tools or machinery until you know how Lyrica affects you.
- Kidney Problems: Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease because pregabalin is mainly removed from the body through the kidneys and the dose may need to be adjusted.
- Mental Health Symptoms: Tell your doctor if you experience significant mood or behavioural changes during treatment. Pregabalin has been associated with psychiatric adverse effects in some people, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
- Epilepsy Treatment: If Lyrica is prescribed as adjunctive treatment for epilepsy, it should be taken consistently. Missing doses can increase the risk of seizures.
- Other Medicines: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take. Particular care is required with opioids and other medicines that can cause dizziness, drowsiness or respiratory depression.
Stopping Lyrica 150mg Treatment
Do not stop Lyrica suddenly, even if you feel better. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nausea, sweating and pain, and stopping suddenly in people being treated for epilepsy can increase the risk of seizures. Pregabalin should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lyrica 150mg used for?
Lyrica 150mg contains pregabalin and is used for neuropathic pain in adults. Pregabalin is also authorised for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures and for generalised anxiety disorder in adults.
Is Lyrica 150mg a strong pain medication?
Lyrica 150mg is a prescription gabapentinoid used specifically for nerve pain rather than a conventional opioid painkiller. The appropriate total daily dose depends on the condition, response, tolerability and kidney function.
How long does Lyrica 150mg take to work for nerve pain?
Pregabalin does not necessarily provide immediate pain relief. NHS information states that it can take at least a few weeks to work fully, although individual response varies.
Can Lyrica 150mg make you sleepy?
Yes. Sleepiness and dizziness are common side effects of pregabalin and can affect driving and machinery use. These effects can be increased when pregabalin is taken with opioids, alcohol or other medicines that cause sedation.
How much Lyrica 150mg should I take?
The dose must be determined by the prescribing clinician. Standard pregabalin capsules are usually prescribed at a total daily dose of 150mg to 600mg, divided into two or three doses, with lower doses potentially required for people with impaired kidney function.
Can I stop Lyrica 150mg suddenly?
No. Stopping pregabalin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and may increase the risk of seizures in people taking it for epilepsy. The dose should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision.
