Pregabalin is the generic name for Lyrica, which is a commonly used prescription drug treatment for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related medical condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints.
Instructions
1. Besides fibromyalgia, other indications for the drug include diabetic neuropathy pain control and partial seizure management. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when diabetes causes nerve damage.
2. The drug is available in capsule form and in dosage amounts of 25 mg to 300 mg. During the first week of taking the medication, your doctor will likely recommend you take half of the prescribed dose. Fibromyalgia patients will likely be advised to take two150 mg doses twice a day for normal usage.
3. Take pregabalin with or without food at the appropriate times. You should drink a full glass of water each time you take pregabalin. Your doctor will likely recommend that you take pregabalin twice a day with at least four to six hours between doses.
4. Report any side effects that you may experience with pregabalin. This includes muscle pain, easy bruising, swelling, sudden weight gain, dizziness, blurry vision, stomach upset and hives.
5. Stop taking pregabalin gradually if your doctor recommends that you discontinue the drug. Over the course of a week, you will be weaned off of the drug in order to reduce the incidence of side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include headache, vomiting and difficulty sleeping. Never suddenly discontinue the medicine without first consulting a physician.
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