Lyrica® for anxiety disorders
General information on anxiety disorders
The cause of anxiety disorders is often multifactorial. Often times it is a combination of different factors, such as:
- increased fearfulness,
- traumatic life experiences,
- Parenting style or
- CNS transmitter dysfunction (serotonin, norepinephrine).
Most anxiety disorders are chronic and therapy consists of a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Medical therapy
Due to the chronic course, drug therapy should last at least 12 months.
Lyrica® (pregabalin) is a drug option for treating anxiety disorders. Lyrica® originally belonged to the anti-epileptic drugs. Due to its effect on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, substance P and glutamate, however, it is also particularly effective in generalized anxiety disorders.
However, drug therapy for anxiety disorders mainly consists of the use of
- Benzodiazepines and
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Read more on the topic: Anti-anxiety medication
In comparative studies, it was found that Lyrica® relieves symptoms just as quickly as benzodiazepines. Lyrica® works, however fewer sedating and generated in lesser cases of addictionsn as classic benzodiazepines.
In contrast to the typical Antidepressants (Serotonin- norepinephrine. Reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)), however, Lyrica® requires no longer latency until the full effect is developed.
Likewise, they stay typical undesirable side effects of serotonergic substances such as an initial increase in anxiety or sexual dysfunction.
Dosage of Lyrica®
The dose too Beginning treatment should be given 150mg per day. Depends on the compatibility and effectiveness can use Lyrica® after one week if necessary 300mg can be increased. After a further week, Lyrica® can be reduced to a maximum of 600mg increase.
Will therapy with Lyrica® again completed, should also do this
- slowly and
- creeping out happen.
Usually the dose is enough within a week slowly lower. Since Lyrica® is mainly due to the kidney is excreted, the drug dose must match the Kidney function be adjusted. The intake of Lyrica® is prescription only and must be checked regularly by the treating doctor. The drug is given in two or three divided doses a day and can be taken during or between meals.
Side effects
Apart from the undesirable effects of the active ingredient pregabalin, Lyrica®, like any drug, can trigger an allergic reaction. Visual disturbances and drowsiness, which can lead to accidents, are particularly dangerous and should therefore be emphasized. Common Lyrica® adverse effects include many forms of changes in consciousness and feelings such as
- euphoria
- Disorientation
- Declining attention
- irritability
- Memory problems
- Memory loss
- Joint pain
- Sore throat
For other, less common side effects, refer to the Lyrica® package insert. If side effects occur, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted (not only, but especially if the side effects are serious or very stressful).
More information about Lyrica® and You can find out about side effects here: Lyrica®
Initial aggravation with Lyrica®
As a drug that works on the central nervous system (brain), Lyrica® initially represents a major intervention in the body that the body has to get used to. Particularly at the beginning of treatment, the drug's depressant properties can lead to symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, concentration problems and even speech disorders. Emotional side effects such as mood swings and delusions are also possible. All of these symptoms are naturally frightening and in that sense initially not conducive to an anxiety disorder and can make the symptoms even worse. After the body has got used to the active ingredient, these side effects usually go away or at least become less and the component of the effect, which is actually helpful against anxiety disorders, occurs.
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