Key takeaways

  • More common side effects of Lyrica include dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, swelling in the feet, hands, or legs, and blurred vision.
  • Lyrica is a controlled substance, and it does have the potential for misuse and dependence. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment with the drug.
  • Older adults may be at a higher risk for certain side effects of Lyrica.

Lyrica is a brand-name prescription drug used in adults to treat:

Lyrica is also used along with other drugs to treat a specific kind of seizure in certain children.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Lyrica can cause. To learn more about Lyrica, including its uses, dosage, and cost, read this Lyrica overview.

Note: Lyrica CR is another form of pregabalin (the active ingredient in Lyrica). It does not treat all the same conditions as Lyrica and works differently in your body. This article doesn’t cover the side effects of Lyrica CR. For more information about Lyrica CR, including its side effects, talk with your doctor.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Lyrica treatment. Examples of Lyrica’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • dizziness (see “Tips for managing side effects”)
  • sleepiness
  • dry mouth
  • swelling in the feet, hands, or legs
  • blurred vision

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lyrica in studies. These side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being used to treat.

Lyrica can cause mild side effects in some people. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Lyrica include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop taking Lyrica unless your doctor recommends it.

Lyrica may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Tips for managing side effects.”

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In rare cases, Lyrica may cause serious side effects. Serious side effects that have been reported with Lyrica include:

  • depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors (see “Tips for managing side effects”)
  • rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lyrica, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Lyrica and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Lyrica can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Lyrica treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lyrica, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Lyrica can cause sexual side effects in some people. This side effect was reported in studies of Lyrica, but it wasn’t common. Some people experienced impotence (not being able to get an erection). Some people had trouble having an orgasm while taking Lyrica. Some people also experienced changes in sex drive, including an increased or decreased libido.

Lyrica can also affect your mood, which may also contribute to some sexual side effects. If you’re concerned about sexual side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Some people may experience long-term side effects with Lyrica. Examples of long-term side effects include:

In most cases, long-term side effects, such as weight gain, should only last for as long as you take the drug. When you end your treatment, these side effects should ease. But certain side effects may continue after you stop taking Lyrica. Examples include depression, anxiety, dizziness, and sleepiness.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects of Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you manage any side effects that are bothersome or don’t go away once you end your Lyrica treatment.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Lyrica’s side effects.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Lyrica?

Yes, you can have withdrawal symptoms when stopping Lyrica treatment. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.)

If you’re taking Lyrica for seizures and stop taking it abruptly, your risk of having a seizure may be higher. Other withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping Lyrica treatment include:

If you want to stop taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor first. They can help you end your Lyrica treatment safely. For example, your doctor may slowly lower your dose over time. This can help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Do older adults have a higher risk of side effects from Lyrica?

Yes, adults ages 65 years and older taking Lyrica for certain conditions may have a higher risk of some side effects. These may include:

Older adults may have a higher risk of side effects from Lyrica because they’re more likely to have kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease. If you have kidney problems, your body may not be able to clear Lyrica effectively. (Your kidneys are responsible for removing Lyrica from your body.)

Adults ages 65 years and older with kidney problems may be prescribed a lower dose of Lyrica.

If you have questions about your specific risk of side effects from Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

How long do Lyrica’s side effects last?

How long side effects from Lyrica may last vary. The drug can cause both short- and long-term side effects.

Side effects that may last for a short time after starting treatment or having your dose increased may include headache, dizziness, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and typically go away on their own.

Other side effects could last throughout your Lyrica treatment or may continue even after you stop taking the drug. An example of a long-term side effect from Lyrica is weight gain.

To learn more about the long-term side effects of Lyrica, see the “Long-term side effects of Lyrica” section.

If you have questions or concerns about how long side effects of Lyrica may last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do Lyrica’s side effects vary depending on the strength, such as 50-mg vs. 75-mg capsules?

No, Lyrica’s side effects don’t vary based on the strength of the individual capsules you take. But you may have a higher risk of side effects if your overall dosage of Lyrica is higher. For example, dizziness is more common in people taking higher doses.

To help manage side effects from Lyrica, your doctor may gradually increase your dose over a few days or weeks. Starting with a small dose allows your body to adjust to the effects of Lyrica and minimize side effects.

If you’re concerned about your risk of side effects with your current dosage, talk with your doctor.

Can I take Lyrica with Cymbalta? If so, are there side effects of taking these drugs together?

Yes, you can take Lyrica with Cymbalta. For example, both Lyrica and Cymbalta treat fibromyalgia and nerve pain caused by diabetes.

Lyrica and Cymbalta have some similar side effects. Taking these drugs together may raise your risk of certain side effects or make the side effects worse if you do experience them. Examples include sleepiness, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and sexual side effects.

Older adults taking Cymbalta and Lyrica together may be at a higher risk of falls.

If you’re concerned about the side effects of combining Cymbalta and Lyrica, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

There may be things you can do to help make certain Lyrica side effects more manageable. If you have ongoing, worsening, or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest tips for managing them or recommend other available treatment options for your condition.

Weight gain

Some people may gain weight during their Lyrica treatment. In studies, weight gain was a common side effect reported in people taking Lyrica.

Factors that could raise your risk of gaining weight with Lyrica include taking higher doses or taking the drug long term.

Weight gain can also occur if you’re taking certain diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones. Combining Lyrica with thiazolidinediones can cause swelling, which can increase your weight. Examples of thiazolidinedione drugs include rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos).

This type of weight gain can happen quickly and contribute to or worsen heart failure. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking before starting Lyrica.

What might help

If you’re concerned about weight gain during your Lyrica treatment, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage your weight while taking this drug.

Dizziness

Lyrica may cause dizziness. In studies, this was a common side effect of the drug. Taking a higher dose can raise your risk of dizziness.

Dizziness from Lyrica may be more common in older adults taking the drug. Along with dizziness, some people may also feel sleepy with Lyrica.

Dizziness and sleepiness caused by Lyrica can make it unsafe for some people to drive or operate machinery. Until you know how Lyrica affects you, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other activities that could be dangerous if you’re dizzy or not alert.

Dizziness is more common at the start of Lyrica treatment. It may go away in some people, while others may experience dizziness throughout their Lyrica treatment.

What might help

Before taking Lyrica, tell your doctor about other medications you take and all your health conditions. This information can help your doctor determine if Lyrica is safe for you. Certain medical conditions and drug interactions can make dizziness worse with Lyrica.

If you’re concerned about experiencing dizziness while taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor.

Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Drugs that treat seizures, such as Lyrica, may cause depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

In studies, suicidal thoughts or behaviors with Lyrica were rare. But you should talk with your doctor right away if you experience new or worsening:

  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • agitation
  • other changes in mood

What might help

While taking Lyrica, your doctor will monitor you for new or worsening depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. (Or call 988 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others.)

It’s important to note that even if you experience changes in mood during your treatment, you should not stop taking Lyrica without talking with your doctor first. They can help determine whether your mood changes are from Lyrica or another cause.

If you’re concerned about your risk of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors from Lyrica, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Lyrica is used along with other seizure drugs to treat a specific kind of seizure in certain children. Many of Lyrica’s side effects are expected to be the same in children as in adults. But in studies, some of Lyrica’s side effects that were reported in children were not reported in adults. These include:

To learn more about possible side effects in children, talk with your child’s doctor.

Before taking Lyrica, discuss your health history with your doctor. Lyrica may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • heart failure
  • mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
  • breathing disorder, such as respiratory failure
  • kidney problems
  • history of misusing alcohol, prescription medications, or recreational drugs
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Lyrica is a controlled substance. This means it has the potential for misuse or dependence and that the U.S. government has special regulations in place regarding the use of this drug.

Misuse refers to using a drug in a way that’s not prescribed (for example, taking more than the recommended dosage). With dependence, a person’s body becomes used to a drug and needs it to function as usual.

In studies, some people taking Lyrica reported that the drug made them feel “high.” Such feelings may raise the risk of misuse of this drug, which could lead to addiction in some cases.

Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance. Drugs in this group have a lower potential for misuse than other controlled substances. But if you have a history of substance or alcohol misuse, you may have a higher risk of misusing Lyrica. In this case, your doctor may recommend a different treatment for your condition.

If you have questions or concerns about your risk of misuse with Lyrica, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.