Lyrica (pregabalin): Approved Uses and Mechanism of Action

>> Hello and welcome to "VideoScript", presented by Drugs.com.

Today in the first of three presentations, we are reviewing Lyrica, known by the generic name of pregabalin

Lyrica is a FDA-approved medication classified as an anticonvulsant, but it has other uses, as well.

Lyrica is approved for:
for nerve pain associated with diabetes, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy
It is approved for nerve pain nerve following shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia
It is also used for some forms of epilepsy, specifically seizures in just one part of the brain, known as partial seizures
and it is approved for fibromyalgia, a condition that results in pain and tenderness throughout the body

How Lyrica works in the body is not fully understood.

It is known that Lyrica binds to calcium channels and decreases the inflow of calcium at nerve endings.

This action may decrease the nerve excitement that translates into pain or seizures.

In clinical trials, Lyrica has been shown to be effective in reducing nerve pain and may work as quickly as 1 to 2 weeks in some patients.

Lyrica is also an effective seizure medication when used in combination with other seizure treatments.

Thank you for joining us at Drugs.com for a brief review of Lyrica. Please refer to our patient and professional information, drug interaction checker, and additional tools on Drugs.com.

Patients with a concern about the use of Lyrica should consult with their health care provider.

Visit drugs.com/Lyrica for more information