TREATMENT DATABASE

Lyrica (pregabalin, pronounced “pruh-GA-buh-lin”) is an anticonvulsant used to treat neuropathic pain and partial seizures.

Lyrica was designed by Richard Silverman, a medicinal chemist at Northwestern University, as a stronger version of gabapentin. Aside from its anti-seizure effects, it is used for post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pfizer has also claimed that Lyrica is useful for treating anxiety. Although Pfizer was later sued for making that claim, Lyrica has been approved in Europe for treating generalized anxiety disorder. In 2010, sales reached $3,063 million. Lyrica was the first medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

USES IN ME/CFS: Lyrica is used mainly as a sleep aid and for pain. It is similar to benzodiazepines (minor tranquilizers). But, unlike benzodiazepines, effects do not decrease over time. Lyrica does not disrupt sleep cycles, and produces less cognitive impairment than benzodiazepines. It also has a low potential for dependence. Patient reviews of Lyrica are mixed. Some patients have found that it helps enormously with fatigue, while other report it increases fatigue. Most patients report that it helps them more with pain than any other symptom. Side effects include jitters, dizziness, and nausea.

Treatment rating for Lyrica (pregabalin)