Muscle aches
Occasionally, muscle twitching, muscle cramps, muscle stiffness and muscle pain occur during treatment with Lyrica®. When muscle pain occurs, it often shows up in the legs, arms and back. Since Lyrica® intervenes directly and indirectly in various metabolic processes, these complaints can occur. Consultation with a doctor is advisable.
Side effects in the eye
In the course of therapy with Lyrica®, blurred vision and double vision can often occur. Occasionally, when taking the drug, you may experience eye tremors, visual disturbances, visual field narrowing, visual acuity reduction, eye pain, weakness, dry eyes, lacrimation and swollen eyes. Rarely Lyrica® causes eye irritation, light sensitivity, “tunnel vision”, pupil dilation, strabismus, altered spatial vision and “wobble” as side effects.
Side effects with unknown frequency with Lyrica® are loss of vision and corneal inflammation. As a rule, these side effects are usually reversible. They therefore disappear again when the dosage is reduced or the drug is discontinued. If these side effects occur in the eye or around the eyes, it is recommended to inform the treating physician.
Weight gain
It has been observed that taking Lyrica® can often increase appetite and weight gain. People suffering from diabetes mellitus are particularly affected. All previous illnesses and medications should always be reported to the doctor. An individual drug adjustment is necessary.
Joint Pain
Occasionally, joint pain is observed during treatment with Lyrica®. Joint pain can be triggered, especially if there is a predisposition for diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Also with this side effect one should not be afraid to inform the physician.
Weight Loss
Occasionally the drug may cause a refusal to eat.This side effect is related to the metabolic processes in the brain that are altered by Lyrica®. With an adjusted dosage or discontinuation of the drug, normal food intake usually returns. Weight loss rarely occurs with normal eating habits. If this is observed, the doctor should be consulted for advice.
Duration of side effects
Usually the side effects are subject to a so-called tolerance development. This means that the side-effects diminish if Lyrica® is taken for a longer period of time. If the dose of the drug is slowly increased, many side effects can be reduced or avoided.
This means that the dosage of the drug should be increased slowly and individually. As a rule, the side effects are largely reversible and disappear again after the drug is discontinued. However, Lyrica® should never be discontinued suddenly if and when side effects occur. It is recommended that you always consult your doctor. If certain side effects cannot be completely avoided in the short term, there are possibilities to minimize them by supporting measures and therapies.
