The Effects of Lyrica Overdose

Lyrica is a prescription medication used for the treatment of pain associated with fibromyalgia, a condition of chronic, wide-spread pain in the joints, muscles and soft tissues of the body 1. It is also used as a treatment for pain associated with nerve damages of the hands, feet, legs and arms in diabetic patients. Lyrica is also used in treating pain from shingles and controlling seizure in patients when given with other medications 1. An overdose of Lyrica causes an exaggeration of the side effects that occur with normal doses 12.

Drowsiness

In normal doses, Lyrica causes dizziness and drowsiness 1. When taken in excess, the medication causes profound drowsiness as well as excessive sleepiness. Lyrica can also cause an abnormal gait that presents as uncoordinated movements of the muscles, including twitching and sudden involuntary jerking of the limbs 1. This predisposes a patient to falls, serious bodily harm and injuries related to falling. If an overdose of Lyrica is suspected, the patient should be watched and, when possible, remain seated or lie down until medical intervention is available 12.

Confusion

Lyrica can cause amnesia as well as confusion, euphoria and speech disturbances when taken in normal doses 1. In an overdose condition, these symptoms can escalate and the patient can be at risk of additional injury and possible fatality due to inability to remember simple but important things such as how much of the other prescription medications should be taken. When a patient taking Lyrica is confused or sounds incoherent, an overdose should be suspected and reported immediately to a physician 12.

Headaches

Normal and over-dosage of Lyrica can also cause headaches, numbness and blurred vision 1. This also increases the risk of falls and injuries, especially in the elderly, seizure patients and other patients predisposed to falls. Lyrica also cause fatigue and weakness 1.

Blood Effects

Overdose of Lyrica can cause a breakdown in muscle fibers 12. Some of the fibers can deposit in the kidney and cause kidney damage. Possible symptoms of accumulation of fibers in the kidney include fatigue, pain in the joint and seizures. Breakdown of muscle fibers is sometimes difficult to diagnose in patients who are being treated with Lyrica for joint pain and seizures 1.