Lyrica

Information may not be reliable

Lyrica capsules and oral solution both contain the active ingredient pregabalin, which is a medicine that is used for three different purposes – treating epilepsy, nerve pain and anxiety. The way in which pregabalin works is not fully understood. It is thought to work by binding to calcium channels found on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces the release of various neurotransmitters from these nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are stored in nerve cells. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. Pregabalin is thought to reduce the release of neurotransmitters called glutamate, noradrenaline and substance P. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural ‘nerve-exciting’ agent. It is released when electrical signals build up in nerve cells and subsequently excites more nerve cells. It is thought to play a key role in causing epileptic seizures. Reducing the release of glutamate from the nerve cells in the brain is thought to help stabilise the electrical activity in the brain and prevent epileptic fits. Pregabalin is used as an add-on treatment for adults whose epilepsy has not been well controlled by other anti-epileptic medicines.