On June 21, 2007 Lyrica, aka Pregabalin, was hailed as the first prescription medication for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. An anti-epileptic, Lyrica seems to dull the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain, alleviating the most debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia for many. Unfortunately, at the end of January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sent out an alert announcing that there was an increased risk of “suicidality”, suicidal behavior or ideation, in certain patients who were placed on antiepileptic drugs. This list includes Lyrica. The FDA, in this alert, asks healthcare professionals to monitor patients taking these medications for “notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.”

Before people worry themselves sick, however, it should be noted that that danger is greater in patients with epilepsy than for those treated for psychiatric or other conditions.

The full list of medications includes:

• Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
• Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
• Gabapentin marketed as Neurontin)
• Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
• Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
• Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
• Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
• Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
• Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
• Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
• Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)

If you feel suicidal, you should contact a doctor or a mental health professional immediately. You can call a hotline or a friend, a loved one or get yourself to an emergency room or a local mental hospital immediately. Even if thoughts of suicide increase, it is a symptom that is not to be ignored. Mention it to a doctor or therapist. If someone you love feels this way, you should try and get some professional assistance for them.

This is vital – DO NOT GO OFF OF LYRICA YOURSELF.

Lyrica is a very serious medication and you should not go off of this medication without the supervision of your doctor. If you decide you no longer want to take this medication, please discuss your concerns with your doctor immediately. Make an appointment and go off the medication slowly. Otherwise, you could make your symptoms worse.

Disclaimer: The information listed in this article is informational only. It is not intended to take the place of or override any medical advice you’ve received. Please talk to a qualified medical health practitioner at your earliest convenience if you have questions or concerns. Thank you!