Does Lyrica List Tachycardia as a Side Effect?
Yes, increased heart rate (tachycardia) is a reported side effect of Lyrica (pregabalin), though uncommon. In clinical trials and post-marketing data, tachycardia occurred in about 0.3% of patients taking Lyrica for various conditions like fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain, compared to 0.1% on placebo.[1][2] The prescribing information from Pfizer notes tachycardia under cardiovascular events, advising monitoring in patients with heart conditions.[1]
How Common Is It and Who’s at Risk?
Tachycardia appears in less than 1% of cases across Lyrica's approved uses (e.g., epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury pain). Risk may rise with higher doses (300-600 mg/day), concurrent use of stimulants, or pre-existing cardiac issues like arrhythmias. Elderly patients or those with renal impairment face higher exposure due to slower drug clearance.[1][3] Real-world reports on FDA's FAERS database show over 1,000 tachycardia cases linked to pregabalin since 2005, often resolving after discontinuation.[4]
What Do Patients Report Online?
User forums like Drugs.com and WebMD reviews frequently mention heart palpitations or racing heart, especially early in treatment or during dose increases. Some describe it as anxiety-like fluttering, lasting hours to days. A 2022 analysis of patient reviews rated cardiovascular complaints low (under 5%), but they prompt questions about stopping the drug.[5]
Should You Worry if It Happens?
Contact a doctor immediately if heart rate exceeds 100 bpm at rest, with symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. It’s usually reversible by tapering Lyrica slowly to avoid withdrawal. Alternatives like gabapentin may have similar but milder cardiac risks.[1][6] ECG monitoring is recommended for at-risk patients.
Mechanism Behind Heart Rate Changes
Lyrica binds to calcium channels in the central nervous system, potentially affecting autonomic regulation and sympathetic outflow, leading to tachycardia in sensitive individuals. It doesn't directly block heart ion channels like some anti-epileptics.[3]
[1]: Lyrica Prescribing Information (Pfizer)
[2]: FDA Label, Lyrica Clinical Studies
[3]: Pregabalin Pharmacology Review (PubMed)
[4]: FDA FAERS Public Dashboard
[5]: Drugs.com Lyrica Reviews
[6]: Gabapentin vs. Pregabalin Cardiac Safety (JAMA)