Lyrica (pregabalin) was approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults 18 years and older on June 21, 2007. Exactly how Lyrica works is unknown. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked to changes in the brain that influence how people feel pain. Fibromyalgia patients experience a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that are not normally painful to others. Some data suggests Lyrica binds to a protein in nerve cells that is responsible for the heightened sensitivity.
Based on an analysis of 7,945,910 prescriptions written by rheumatologists from January to March 2008, 1.6% were for Lyrica (pregabalin) -- making it the tenth most commonly prescribed arthritis drug.
More About Lyrica Usage, Side Effects, and Warnings
Source:
Rheumatology News Vital Signs Vol.7 No.6 June 2008.
