See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Lyrica
How often does Lyrica cause tachycardia?
Tachycardia is listed as a rare adverse reaction to pregabalin (Lyrica). The FDA’s adverse event database records it in less than 0.1 % of reported cases, making it an uncommon side effect compared with dizziness or weight gain that appear more frequently. [1]
What could explain a racing heart after taking Lyrica?
Pregabalin binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage‑gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release. This action can lower blood pressure or affect autonomic tone, occasionally triggering a compensatory increase in heart rate. The effect is usually mild and transient, but some patients report a persistent rapid pulse.
Are there specific patients who are more likely to see this side effect?
People who are elderly, have pre‑existing heart disease, or take other medications that influence cardiac conduction (such as β‑blockers or calcium channel blockers) may experience a greater propensity for tachycardia when started on Lyrica. Lower body weight or renal impairment, which can raise drug exposure, can also raise the risk.
What should I do if I notice a rapid pulse while on Lyrica?
Check your heart rate in a quiet setting. If it stays above 100 beats per minute for more than a few minutes or is accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek medical attention promptly. Your prescriber may reduce the dose, switch to a different agent, or add a medication that stabilizes heart rhythm.
Can I switch to a different drug to avoid this problem?
Alternatives such as gabapentin, duloxetine, or tramadol have lower reports of tachycardia. Switching should be guided by symptom type and patient tolerance. A clinician can tailor the choice to your medical history and the severity of the tachycardia.
Are there any clinical trials that linked Lyrica to tachycardia?
Phase III trials for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia did not identify tachycardia as a common outcome. Post‑marketing surveillance and case reports, however, have documented isolated incidents, suggesting a signal that is not captured in controlled studies but appears in broader patient populations.
Does the manufacturer warn about it?
The prescribing information lists tachycardia among “rare” adverse reactions but does not recommend routine monitoring of heart rate unless the patient has underlying cardiac conditions. Patients are advised to report any new cardiac symptoms.
How does the risk compare to other neuropathic pain medications?
Compared with carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, pregabalin’s incidence of tachycardia is lower. Drugs that directly block potassium or sodium channels (e.g., certain anti‑epileptics) carry a higher risk of significant cardiac conduction changes.
What about drug patents and availability?
Pregabalin is still under patent protection in many markets, limiting the entry of biosimilar or generic versions. However, generic pregabalin has entered the market in several countries, offering a lower‑cost alternative once patent barriers expire. Patents and exclusivity timelines can influence both price and the speed at which newer, possibly safer formulations appear. [1]
Sources
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/