Can Lyrica (pregbalin) be used to prescribe heart conditions?

Archeron

Hi all,

I know that medical advice cant be given here, but I just wanted to see if anybody has ever heard of a drug called Lyrica being prescribed to help treat heart conditions.

My bro has been having chest pains for a while, and has had little success getting diagnozed for the problem so far. On his most recent visit to the hospital, he has been prescribed a drug called Lyrica (pregbalin) which appears to be a pain medicine. He has never been prescribed pain medicine before for anything.

He decided to look the drug up online, and almost every single user review slated this drug as having the most horrific side effects. Waking nightmares, unexplained rage, suicidal thoughts, agoraphobia, hair loss, massive weight gain, loss of use of the legs and more are among the many side effects listed (and commonly gotten judging by the reviews) and many people say that the effects continue many months after you stop taking the medicine.
From what we can see, this drug is given to people suffering nerve pain, and we dont understand why my bro could have been given this drug to treat a heart problem. the doctor who prescribed gave no advice at all on potential side effects.

He is worried about taking this, as I can understand, but the local GP refused to comment on the drug, and said that if the coronary specialist gave it, it must be right. He is still very doubtful though, as the doctor told him nothing about the drug or why he is supposed to take it. In fact, when he asked for more info, the doctor advised that he was too busy to continue talking about it, and left the room.

I just wanted to see has anyone out there ever heard of the drug being prescribed for heart problems, and if anyone has experience of using this medicine. Certainly, online reviews are very worrying, and if the side effects continue even after stopping taking it, then we really want to find out more about this medicine.

thanks in advance!

Dr Galen

he should really go back to the Doctor that prescribed it if he's got any questions

Vorsprung

Archeron wrote: »

He decided to look the drug up online, and almost every single user review slated this drug as having the most horrific side effects.

In fairness, not many people are going to go to the effort of going online to say "I have had no issues whatsoever with this medication and I'm going to happily continue taking it."

Drugs are licenced on the basis of a risk vs benefit basis. The FDA states that the most common side effects include "dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of the hands and feet and dry mouth." Link

As you say, it is most commonly used to treat nerve, or neuropathic pain, and it's quite good at that to be honest.

You've asked the GP, but because it's not a typical application of the medication, I'd say you really should be contacting the cardiologist, if you haven't done so already.

Archeron

Thanks guys.

DrIndy

Pregabalin is a cleaner version of gabapentin.

It was originally used for adjunct or primary treatment in epilepsy - notably partial epilepsy.

It is a very effective neuropathic pain medicine and acts on Calcium channels but the effect is cumulative and dose needs to be built up slowly to the effective dose without side effects.

To the OP - have a chat with the doctor who prescribed it if you are unsure or unhappy about the medicine.

The final point is as BigJim said - there is a lot of misinformation on the internet and difficult to know what is a reputable site.

Ausone

IPHA Medicines website

Definitive, informative but will not include unlicensed uses.