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Negative Effects of Lyrica

Lyrica is an anti-seizure medication that has also been approved to treat fibromyalgia--nerve pain associated with diabetes and nerve pain after shingles. Like any medication, there are a number of side effects, with some being more serious than others. Some side effects can be compounded if you are taking Lyrica and other medications.

  1. Suicidal Thoughts

    • As with other medications of this class, Lyrica may cause a small number of people (about 1 in 500) to have suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if you start having thoughts of suicide, increased depression or anxiety, panic attacks, increased aggression or violent impulses.

    Weight Gain

    • Lyrica can cause increased hunger and weight gain. In clinical trials up to 14 weeks long, there was weight gain of seven percent or more over initial weight. If you are a diabetic and are taking Avandia or Actos, your chances of weight gain are increased, and there is a possibility of swelling in your hands and feet.

    Edema

    • Patients have experienced both angioedema and peripheral edema. Angioedema symptoms can include swelling of the face, mouth and neck. This can be life threatening and requires emergency treatment. The swelling in the hands and feet associated with peripheral edema isn’t as serious, but should be monitored.

    Dizziness and Somnolence

    • Two of the more common side effects are dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness). These side effects could seriously impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Narcotic pain relievers, tranquilizers or anxiety medications increase the possibility of having these symptoms.

    Blurred Vision

    • Blurred vision and other ophthalmological effects, including visual field changes and loss of visual acuity, were noted to occur. These effects could reduce your driving ability. The blurred vision resolved itself over time with continued Lyrica use.

    Decreased Platelet Count

    • A small percentage of patients had a potentially serious drop in platelet count. This is defined as a decrease from the baseline of 20 percent or more. However, Lyrica use isn’t linked with an increase of bleeding-related reactions.

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