Introduction

Understanding Partial Onset
Seizures in Adults & Symptoms

Diagnosing Partial Onset
Seizures in Adults

Treating Partial Onset Seizures
in Adults

Relieving Partial Onset Seizures
in Adults With LYRICA

Talking to Your Doctor

LYRICA ANSWERS: Helping You
Get the Most From Treatment

Finding Pain Relief With LYRICA

How to Take LYRICA

Understanding Potential
Side Effects

Managing Your Condition

Full Prescribing Information | Important Safety Information | Medication Guide
Frequently Asked Questions | Site Map | Request More LYRICA Information

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Understanding Partial Onset Seizures in Adults & Symptoms

Seizures take place in the brain. They are the result of sudden, abnormal electrical activity. Many people think of convulsions when they hear the word seizures. But not all seizures cause convulsions.

Seizures have many causes

Medicines, high fevers, and head injuries can all cause a seizure. But many people with epilepsy have no clear cause to point to. In all cases, the seizures are caused by an abnormal level of electrical activity in the brain.

Seizures are the result of a flood of signals

In people with epilepsy, seizures are caused by overactive nerves. A sudden increase in activity in a small part of the brain can cause a partial seizure. About half of all seizures are partial seizures, making them one of the most common type of seizures. Seizures can affect a person’s daily life.

There are 2 kinds of seizures. Generalized seizures take place across both sides of the brain. Partial seizures are localized in one part of the brain. There are 2 basic types of partial seizure: simple and complex.

Two partial seizures types

Simple partial seizures are when a person:

Stays alert
Can answer questions and follow commands
Can recall what happened during the seizure

Complex partial seizures are when a person:

Loses or has a change in consciousness
May not be able to answer questions or follow commands
Often cannot recall what happened during part or all of the seizure

Many people with epilepsy worry that a seizure will happen at any time or place. They may stay home more than they would like for fear of having a seizure in public. Epilepsy symptoms can also make it difficult for a person to work or perform other daily tasks.

There are drugs that can help control seizures. But many people who take 1 of these medicines still have seizures. That’s why a doctor may include an adjunctive (add-on) treatment, such as LYRICA.

On the next page, learn what you need to know about how doctors diagnose partial onset seizures in adults.

Learn more: Diagnosing Partial Onset Seizures in Adults

LYRICA is indicated to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and pain after shingles. LYRICA is also indicated to treat partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take 1 or more drugs for seizures.

Important Safety Information

LYRICA is not for everyone. LYRICA may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions. Stop taking LYRICA and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or blisters.

Drugs used to treat seizures increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. LYRICA may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, do not stop LYRICA without first talking to your doctor.

LYRICA may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with heart problems. LYRICA may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you know how LYRICA affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling "high." If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores.

You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling of your hands or feet or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines. Do not drink alcohol while on LYRICA. You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if you take LYRICA with alcohol, narcotic pain medicines, or medicines for anxiety.

Before you start LYRICA, tell your doctor if you are planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse LYRICA.

In studies, a specific type of blood vessel tumor was seen in mice, but not in rats. The meaning of these findings in humans is not known.

Do not stop taking LYRICA without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea or trouble sleeping and if you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.

View the Medication Guide

View the Full Prescribing Information

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.