ExplanationDefinition
Lyrica ® originally comes from the pharmacotherapeutic group of drugs against epilepsy (antiepileptic drugs). The active substance name is Pregabalin. In pain therapy, the main area of application is neuropathic pain (nerve pain). Lyrica ® is a protected trade name of the company Pfizer.
Chemical name
Pregabalin ((S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid)
Fields of application
Neuropathic pain Lyrica is used as an atypical painkiller for peripheral nerve pain (neuropathic pain) in adulthood. These include diabetic polyneuropathy, postzoster neuralgia, but also other forms of polyneuropathy, as well as chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also occasionally used in the treatment of lumboischialgia (back-leg pain).
Epilepsy Lyrica® is used for the additional therapy of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adult epilepsy. Pregabalin binds to a specific subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels on nerve cell membranes and thus influences the influx of calcium into the nerve cell. Reduced calcium influx throttles nervous overexcitation, which has a positive effect on chronic pain. Further information on this topic: Effects of Lyrica
Dosage
According to the manufacturer, the daily dose is between 150 and 600 mg and is divided into 2-3 single doses per day. Lyrica® can be taken independently of meals. The effect of a Lyrica® therapy can already begin on the second day of treatment.
The excretion is mainly carried out unchanged via the kidneys. A dose adjustment is therefore not necessary if liver function is impaired. In the treatment of epilepsy, Lyrica® is used as an additional medication for partial epileptic cases that are otherwise difficult to treat.
The maximum dose is also 600mg per day, which is also divided into 2-3 single doses. No unexpected adverse events have been reported (according to the manufacturer) for overdoses of up to 15 g. Lyrica® should be discontinued by gradual dose reduction within one week. Lyrica® is also used to treat neuropathic pain (damage to nerves).
In consultation with the treating physician, therapy usually begins with a daily dose of 150 mg. This is taken in single doses two to three times a day (e.g. 2x75mg3x50mg). The doses should be taken at equal intervals (morning, afternoon, evening).
It is possible to increase the dose if the effect is absent or insufficient. This increase takes place slowly. Usually the dose is increased at the earliest after one week (300mg). Afterwards, the patient will wait a few days to see how the drug works and how the body gets used to the increased dose before increasing the dose again (600mg). The maximum dose of 600mg should not be exceeded during therapy.
