Lyrica Drug Interactions
Lyrica is a commonly prescribed medication used to control seizures and treat nerve pain. Unfortunately there are some medications that react negatively when taken with Lyrica such as clonazepam, Cymbalta, Flexeril, lisinopril, alcohol, and Nyquil. Any patients taking Lyrica should be aware of the possible drug interactions.
Respiratory Depression
Clonazepam is a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. Flexeril is also a muscle relaxant that is commonly prescribed. If either clonazepam or Flexeril are used in combination with Lyrica it can cause respiratory depression. This means that even though the patient is breathing in oxygen, the body is not absorbing the oxygen.
This is more common in elderly or disabled patients, but all patients should be closely monitored for decreased oxygen levels. Cymbalta, an antidepessent, and Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, have similar results when taken with Lyrica.
Life Threatening Swelling
Lisinopril is a medication that is often administered after a heart attack as it is an antihypertensive. In some cases when lisinopril and Lyrica were taken simultaneously it resulted in swelling in the face, mouth and neck. If the larynx and throat swell too much it can cut off the airway resulting in death. If a patient begins to experience any kind of swelling after taking Lyrica, they should report to a doctor immediately.
Central Nervous System Depression
Olopatadine nasal spray or any other medication that may contain alcohol, such as Dextrose, can produce serious Lyrica drug interactions. The alcohol and Lyrica can interact in the system and cause Central Nervous System Depression, or CNS Depression.
CNS Depression is when the chemicals in the body affect the brain and spinal cord leading to problems with movement or speech, and may even affect breathing and heart beat. CNS Depression is very serious and in some cases may lead to death. Patients should be careful about taking medications with alcohol or drinking alcohol while on Lyrica.
Nyquil and Lyrica
Medications used to alleviate the common cold, such as Nyquil, can have very serious drug interactions with Lyrica. These medication combinations can result in CNS Depression and respiratory depression. This compromises the breathing, mobility, and judgment of the patient and can even lead to death. It is uncommon for patients to experience CNS depression and respiratory depression at the same time, but both have been seen in cases of Lyrica drug interactions.
Suicidal Tendencies and Lyrica
Propoxyphene is a compound related to methadone that is used in many narcotic drugs. If it is mixed with Lyrica it can result in suicide. Studies have been conducted and it was found that patients with a history of suicidal tendencies, emotional disturbances, or substance abuse should not receive this combination of drugs. With this combination of drugs, the drug interaction can lead those with past experience to commit suicide, partake in dangerous activities, or experience emotional episodes.
Lyrica can be a very beneficial medication to those seeking help for fibromyalgia or to control their seizures. Unfortunately, Lyrica drug interactions are not uncommon and some are even deadly.
