How Lyrica® works

However, the individual mode of action in individual patients cannot always be explained in purely physiological terms. This is particularly due to the very individual development of epileptic seizures and the special antiepileptic mechanisms, which are very complex. For this reason, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the individual mode of action of the drugs.

However, many things have been improved in the development of some drugs: in contrast to the classic antiepileptic drugs, the newer drugs (e.g. Lyrica®) are much better tolerated. However, they are not more effective, but have a wider therapeutic range and cause fewer side effects. In addition to the main effects mentioned above and the associated area of application, Lyrica® also has a sedative effect.

In some cases, for example in the treatment of epileptic seizures or neuropathic pain, the sedative effect is undesirable. In the case of anxiety disorders, however, this side effect can be used for sedation. The sedative effect is caused by general neuronal inhibition and inhibition of neuronal excitation. As a result, the sensory impressions from outside are dampened because the nerve cells can no longer transmit the information fast enough. The drug is excreted via the kidneys with a half-life of 6 hours.

Entry into effect

Lyrica® usually takes effect within one week. This is already possible at an initial dose of 150 mg per day. The dose can be administered in 2 or 3 single doses.

It can be taken during or between meals. Individually, in consultation with the doctor, the dose can be increased to 300 mg after one week. The maximum dose is usually 600 mg daily.

In some cases it is higher. This may be achieved in another week if necessary. Lyrica® is absorbed by the body quickly and independently of the dose.

It has a so-called bioavailability of 90%. This means that maximum concentrations in the body can be reached after about one hour on average. Lyrica® is hardly metabolised or bound to proteins in the plasma.

Therefore, about 98% of it can be excreted unchanged via the kidneys in the urine. The time span in which the plasma concentration of the active ingredient has decreased by half is about 6 hours.Since Lyrica® is excreted via the kidney, the dose must be adjusted in people with limited kidney function and in older people. The dose must therefore be lowered according to the functions.

Since Lyrica® is not metabolized by the liver, the dose is largely independent of liver function. Furthermore, the effect cannot be influenced by interactions with other drugs that are processed via the liver. This means, for example, that interactions with other antiepileptic drugs, certain antibiotics or the contraceptive pill are not usually to be expected.