What it means
A gabapentinoid, related to gabapentinGAB-uh-pen-tinAn anticonvulsant drug used for some kinds of seizures and for nerve pain.Full entry , that calms overactive nerves. It is used for nerve pain from diabetes, shingles or spinal cord injury, for fibromyalgiafy-broh-my-AL-juhA long-term condition of widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, with no damage to the joints.fibr/o fiber (connective tissue)my/o muscle-algia painFull entry , and as an add-on for focal seizures. Common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, swelling of the hands and feet, weight gain and blurred vision. Taken with opioids or other sedatives, it can slow breathing. Its brand name Lyrica can be confused with Lopressor (metoprololmeh-TOH-proh-lolA beta blocker that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.Full entry ).
For the nurse
Watch for sleepiness and unsteadiness and protect against falls, especially in older adults. Teach the client not to drive until they know how it affects them, to avoid alcohol, and not to stop it suddenly. The dose is lowered when the kidneys work poorly.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticonvulsant (gabapentinoid) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Lyrica, Lyrica CR |
| Spanish | pregabalina |
| Also written | Lyrica, Lyrica CR |
Easy to confuse with
metoprolol
A beta blocker that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Related terms
gabapentin
An anticonvulsant drug used for some kinds of seizures and for nerve pain.
peripheral neuropathy
Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often in the feet and hands.
fibromyalgia
A long-term condition of widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, with no damage to the joints.
anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent or stop seizures; also called an antiseizure or antiepileptic drug.