Lyrica and Dosage: Strengths, Forms, When to Use, and More - Healthline
Introduction
If you have fibromyalgia or certain kinds of nerve pain or seizures, your doctor might suggest Lyrica as a treatment option for you. It's a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- fibromyalgia
- nerve pain caused by shingles
- nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- nerve pain from an injury to the spinal cord
Lyrica is also used together with certain seizure medications to treat the following in adults and some children:
- focal onset seizures (also known as partial onset seizures)
Lyrica comes as capsules and a liquid solution, either of which you take by swallowing. The active ingredient in Lyrica is pregabalin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It belongs to a group of drugs called antiepileptic drugs.
Lyrica CR is another form of pregabalin. It isn't used to treat all of the same conditions as Lyrica, and it works differently in your body. This article does not cover Lyrica CR dosages. For more information about Lyrica CR, including its dosages, talk with your doctor.
This article describes the dosages of Lyrica, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Lyrica, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Lyrica's dosage. Be sure to read on for more details.
| Lyrica forms | Lyrica strengths | Lyrica starting dosage (adults)* |
| capsule | • 25 milligrams (mg) • 50 mg • 75 mg • 100 mg • 150 mg • 200 mg • 225 mg • 300 mg | 150 mg daily, divided into two or three doses depending on the condition being treated |
| oral solution | 20 mg per milliliter (mg/mL) | 150 mg daily, divided into two or three doses depending on the condition being treated |
* Children's dosages are based on body weight. For more information, see "What's the dosage of Lyrica for children?" below.
Please keep in mind that this article covers Lyrica's standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug's manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
What is Lyrica's dosage?
Below are some commonly prescribed dosages of Lyrica. But you should follow the dosage instructions your doctor gives you.
What are the forms of Lyrica?
Lyrica comes in two different forms, which you take by swallowing: capsules and a liquid solution.
What strengths does Lyrica come in?
Lyrica capsules come in the following strengths:
- 25 milligrams (mg)
- 50 mg
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
- 225 mg
- 300 mg
The Lyrica liquid solution comes in a strength of 20 mg per milliliter (mg/mL). This means that there are 20 mg of the active ingredient in 1 mL of liquid.
What are the usual dosages of Lyrica, including starting dose and maximum dose?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you.
The lowest dose you'll take depends on how your body responds to Lyrica. The highest dose your doctor might prescribe depends on the maximum dose recommended for your condition. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
For adults, Lyrica has the same recommended starting dose for all conditions it's used to treat. But depending on your condition, you'll divide your daily dose into two or three doses, which you'll take over the course of a day.
The information just below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for adults. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They'll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For information about children's dosages of Lyrica, see "What's the dosage of Lyrica for children?" later in this section.
Dosage for nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy
For treating nerve pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the recommended starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg per day. Usually, you'll take 50 mg three times per day at the beginning of treatment.
Within 1 week of starting Lyrica treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day. This depends on how well your body responds to the drug. At this dosage, you'll likely take 100 mg three times per day.
The maximum dosage for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy is 300 mg per day.
Dosage for fibromyalgia
For treating fibromyalgia, the recommended starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg per day. For this dosage, you'll likely take 75 mg twice per day.
Within 1 week of starting Lyrica treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day. This depends on how well your body responds to the drug. At this dosage, you'll likely take 150 mg twice per day.
If you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 450 mg daily. At this dosage, you'll likely take 225 mg twice per day. This is the maximum dosage for treating fibromyalgia.
Dosage for nerve pain from shingles
For treating nerve pain from shingles, the recommended starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg per day. You may divide your dose into 75 mg twice per day or 50 mg three times per day.
Within 1 week of starting Lyrica treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day. This depends on how well your body responds to the drug. You may take 150 mg twice per day or 100 mg three times per day, depending on your doctor's instructions.
If you still have nerve pain after 2 to 4 weeks at this higher dosage, your doctor may increase your Lyrica dosage again. The maximum dosage for treating nerve pain from shingles is 600 mg per day. At this dosage, you may take 300 mg two times per day or 200 mg three times per day.
Dosage for nerve pain from spinal cord injury
For treating nerve pain from a spinal cord injury, the recommended starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg daily. For this dosage, you'll likely take 75 mg twice per day.
Within 1 week of starting Lyrica treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day. This depends on how well your body responds to the drug. At this dosage, you'll likely take 150 mg twice per day.
After 2 to 3 weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage to up to 600 mg daily. They'll do this if your symptoms aren't easing with the 300-mg per day dosage. You'll take the 600-mg dosage as 300 mg twice per day.
The maximum dosage for this condition is 600 mg per day.
Dosage for focal onset seizures
Lyrica is used along with other seizure medications to treat focal onset seizures (also known as partial onset seizures). For this purpose, the recommended adult* starting dosage of Lyrica is 150 mg daily. Usually, you'll take 75 mg twice per day or 50 mg three times per day.
The maximum dosage for this condition in adults is 600 mg per day. At this dosage, you may take 300 mg two times per day or 200 mg three times per day.
* For treating focal onset seizures, the drug manufacturer defines adults as people ages 17 years and older. For the other conditions Lyrica treats, the manufacturer defines adults as people ages 18 and older.
What's the dosage of Lyrica for children?
Lyrica may be used with other seizure drugs to treat focal onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older. For this purpose, doctors calculate the dosage of Lyrica based on weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Your doctor will use your child's weight to calculate their dose.
Children weighing 30 kg or more
For children weighing 30 kg (about 66 lbs.) or more, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg per kg (mg/kg) of body weight. They'll take this amount each day, divided into two or three doses.
The maximum dose for children of this weight is 10 mg/kg per day, not to exceed 600 mg per day.
Children weighing less than 30 kg
For children weighing less than 30 kg, the recommended starting dosage is 3.5 mg/kg per day. The daily dosage may be divided into two or three doses for children ages 4 years and older. For children ages 1 month to less than 4 years, the daily dosage is divided into three doses.
The maximum dose for children weighing less than 30 kg is 14 mg/kg per day.
Is Lyrica used long term?
Yes, Lyrica is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it's safe and effective for your condition, you'll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of Lyrica than usual. Before you start taking Lyrica, let your doctor know about any kidney problems that you have.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lyrica's dosage.
What dosages of Lyrica are used for sleep, anxiety, and sciatica?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Lyrica to treat sleep problems, anxiety, or sciatica. If your doctor prescribed Lyrica to you for any of these conditions, it's considered an off-label use. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than what's approved by the FDA.
Studies have looked at pregabalin, the active ingredient in Lyrica, for treating these conditions. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Reviews of studies have found pregabalin may be effective for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but not for treating sciatica. An older review suggests the drug may be effective for treating sleep problems related to GAD.
The drug's manufacturer doesn't provide recommended dosages of Lyrica for these conditions. If your doctor prescribes Lyrica for treating sleep problems, anxiety, or sciatica, follow their dosage instructions.
If you have questions about Lyrica's off-label uses, talk with your doctor.
Will taking a higher dose of Lyrica increase my risk of side effects?
Yes, taking a higher dose of Lyrica can increase your risk of side effects. In studies, people taking higher doses of Lyrica had certain side effects more often, such as dizziness and sleepiness.
Also, if you take too much Lyrica, you can develop symptoms of an overdose. For more information, see the "What should be done in case of an overdose?" section below.
When you begin taking Lyrica, your doctor will start you on a lower dose of the drug. They may then increase your dosage. This depends on how your body responds to the medication and whether you have any bothersome side effects.
If you have concerns about side effects with a higher dosage of Lyrica, talk with your doctor.
Is there risk of misuse with Lyrica?
Lyrica is a
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 increase the risk of recreational use with 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 compared with other controlled substances. That said, if you have a history of substance or alcohol misuse, you may have an increased risk of Lyrica misuse. In this case, your doctor may recommend a different treatment for your condition.
What factors can affect my dosage?
The dosage of Lyrica you're prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you're using Lyrica to treat
- the form of Lyrica you take
- your age
- your weight (depending on your age)
- other conditions you may have (see "Dosage adjustments" just above)
How is Lyrica taken?
Lyrica capsules and liquid solution are taken by mouth. Depending on your condition, you'll usually divide your daily dose into two or three smaller doses to take over the course of a day. Lyrica can be taken with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. Your doctor or pharmacist may also have suggestions for ways to make taking capsules easier.
You shouldn't stop taking Lyrica without first talking with your doctor. Stopping Lyrica treatment suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. For more information, see the "Lyrica and withdrawal and dependence" section below.
Lyrica can cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Lyrica affects you, avoid driving a car, operating machinery, or doing other potentially dangerous activities. Also, you should avoid drinking alcohol during Lyrica treatment, as doing so increases your risk of these side effects.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Lyrica, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn't.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles or blister packs, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Lyrica in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug's container.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Lyrica, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. You shouldn't take two doses at the same time, as this can increase your risk of serious side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Lyrica on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
What should be done in case of overdose?
Do not take more Lyrica than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- agitation and restlessness
- anxiety and depression
- confusion
- seizures
- serious heart problems
What to do in case you take too much Lyrica
Call your doctor right away if you think you've taken too much Lyrica. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Lyrica and withdrawal and dependence
Lyrica has the potential for misuse* and can cause withdrawal symptoms. In studies, withdrawal symptoms occurred in some people who suddenly stopped taking Lyrica. These symptoms can occur when your body has become dependent on a drug that you stop taking.
Some withdrawal symptoms include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- anxiety
- excessive sweating
- headache
- trouble sleeping
If you want to stop taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor. They'll help you gradually lower your dose over a minimum of 1 week to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
* For more information, see the "Is there risk of misuse with Lyrica?" section above.
What should I ask my doctor?
The sections above describe the usual dosages of Lyrica provided by the drug's manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug for you, they'll prescribe the dosage that's right for you.
Remember, you shouldn't change your dosage of Lyrica without your doctor's recommendation. Only take Lyrica exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If Lyrica isn't working well enough for me, should my dosage change?
- If I have liver problems, will you need to adjust my dosage of Lyrica?
- Would a different dosage increase or reduce my risk of side effects from Lyrica?
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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.
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