Lyrica And Stroke: What's The Connection?

Lyrica, a brand name for the drug pregabalin, has been linked to a number of side effects, including stroke. According to an AI-powered study by eHealthMe, 1.23% of people taking Lyrica reported experiencing stroke as a side effect. The study found that certain groups, including females over 60 who have been taking the drug for less than a month, are at a higher risk of experiencing this side effect. Other common side effects of Lyrica include nausea, pain in the extremities, weight gain, and cognitive issues such as difficulty speaking and maintaining a train of thought. It is important to consult a doctor before starting or discontinuing the use of any medication, as individual responses to drugs can vary.

Lyrica's active ingredient is pregabalin

Lyrica is a brand-name prescription medication with the active ingredient pregabalin. It is used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy. Pregabalin works by calming overactive nerves in the body and reducing the number of pain signals sent out by damaged nerves. It is available as a capsule, oral solution, and extended-release tablet.

Pregabalin is also available as a generic medication, which is an exact copy of the active drug in brand-name Lyrica. The generic form tends to be more affordable but serves the same purpose.

As with any medication, it is important to be aware of possible side effects when taking pregabalin. Some common side effects include trouble concentrating, swelling in the hands or feet, and nausea. More severe side effects may include muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis, as well as depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects, and not to stop taking the medication without medical advice.

Additionally, pregabalin may interact with certain other medications, such as antihistamines, anxiety medications, and blood pressure drugs. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Furthermore, pregabalin may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is important to refrain from driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Ischaemic stroke is caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain

The study found that ischaemic stroke was reported especially by people who are female, 60+ years old, have been taking the drug for 1-6 months, also take Pantoprazole, and have Atrial fibrillation/flutter. Lyrica has active ingredients of pregabalin and is used in fibromyalgia.

Ischaemic stroke is associated with 1,330 drugs and 1,043 conditions. Common drugs associated with ischaemic stroke include Pradaxa, Xarelto, Vioxx, Aspirin, Furosemide, Metformin, Celebrex, Eliquis, and Simvastatin. Common conditions associated with ischaemic stroke include Atrial fibrillation/flutter, Stroke, High blood pressure, Diabetes, Arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, and High blood cholesterol.

It is important to note that this study only observes associations and cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship. If you are taking Lyrica and experience any side effects, including ischaemic stroke, it is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Lyrica can cause weight gain

Lyrica (pregabalin) is a drug used to treat nerve pain and symptoms related to diabetes, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and other nerve issues. It is also used to treat diabetic neuropathy and is sometimes prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes.

Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of Lyrica, affecting around 10% of users. This can be influenced by higher doses and longer treatment durations. The reported incidence of weight gain from Lyrica ranges from 2% to 14.8% of patients. In studies, 9% of Lyrica-treated patients gained 7% or more of their body weight compared to their weight at the beginning of the study, while only 2% of the placebo group experienced similar weight gain.

Lyrica is also associated with an increase in appetite and fluid retention, which can contribute to weight gain. In studies, 6% of patients treated with Lyrica experienced peripheral edema (swelling of the hands, legs, and feet), compared to 2% in the placebo group. This fluid retention can further lead to weight gain.

The combination of Lyrica with certain other medications, such as thiazolidinedione antidiabetic drugs, can increase the risk of weight gain and fluid retention. It is important to consult a doctor if you are taking multiple medications to understand the potential compounding effects on weight gain.

While the weight gain associated with Lyrica is typically minor, it can become a concern for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking the drug for an extended period. For example, diabetic patients who are already overweight may experience worsened disease progression due to additional weight gain. In such cases, alternative nerve pain medications with less risk of weight gain, such as gabapentin, may be considered.

To minimize weight gain while taking Lyrica, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet with portion control, stay active, and consult a dietician if needed.

Side effects of Lyrica include slurred speech and jitteriness

Lyrica is a drug with the active ingredient pregabalin, used to treat fibromyalgia. It is known to have many side effects, and in rare cases, it can cause strokes, according to a clinical study by eHealthMe. The study found that out of 250,740 people who experienced side effects from taking Lyrica, 3,073 people (1.23%) had strokes. Ischaemic strokes, caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain, were reported by 141 people (0.06%).

Some of the common side effects of Lyrica include slurred speech and jitteriness. Users of the drug have reported that it makes them feel "jittery" and anxious, and they have trouble speaking clearly. Other side effects include weight gain, difficulty keeping a train of thought, and a change in facial appearance, such as swelling. In addition, Lyrica may cause numbness in the hands, memory loss, and paranoia.

It is important to note that not everyone will experience the same side effects from Lyrica, and individuals should not stop taking the medication without first consulting a doctor. However, if you are experiencing negative side effects, it is important to discuss them with your doctor, who may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative treatment.

Lyrica is used to treat fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes long-term, widespread muscle pain and tenderness, trouble sleeping, and overwhelming tiredness. It is believed to be caused by nerve-related changes, which cause nerve cells to fire off too many signals, making a person overly sensitive to stimuli that are normally not painful.

Lyrica (pregabalin) is an FDA-approved drug treatment for fibromyalgia. It is not an antidepressant, but a drug that targets nerve signals. It has long been used to relieve nerve pain in patients with shingles and diabetic neuropathy, as well as to treat partial seizures.

Scientists are unsure of the exact mechanism behind Lyrica's effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia, but laboratory research suggests that it helps decrease the number of nerve signals, calming down overly sensitive nerve cells and alleviating pain in patients. The usual dose of Lyrica for fibromyalgia is 300 mg to 600 mg per day, split between two or three doses.

In clinical studies, some patients taking Lyrica reported significant fibromyalgia pain relief compared to those taking a placebo, with effects appearing as early as one week. Lyrica can also improve sleep and help some people with fibromyalgia function better and get back to their daily routines. However, it may not work for everyone with fibromyalgia.

Side effects of Lyrica include mild-to-moderate dizziness, swelling of the hands and feet, and difficulty concentrating. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may occur. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Lyrica, as it may interact with other medications and cause dangerous side effects.

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