Lyrica (pregabalin) is a neuromodulating medication that can be used to treat the nerve pain associated with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). For some people with Interstitial Cystitis, the chronic pain is a result of nerve damage and sensitization, which Lyrica is specifically designed to address.
Some patients report that Lyrica significantly improves their pain and frequency of urination.
How Lyrica works for Interstitial Cystitis?
Lyrica 💊 targets the body’s central nervous system to help reduce nerve pain, making it a viable option for Interstitial Cystitis patients who experience chronic neuropathic pain. It is thought to reduce central sensitization, a condition where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain. It is taken daily 📆 , and initial doses may be gradually increased over time to reach the most effective level.
Lyrica compared to other treatments
Lyrica is one of several oral medications used to treat Interstitial Cystitis symptoms. Others include:
- Amitriptyline: A study compared Lyrica and amitriptyline for bladder pain syndrome (BPS), a term often used interchangeably with Interstitial Cystitis. The study suggested that while both may have similar effectiveness for pain, patients might be more likely to continue taking Lyrica. However, amitriptyline may be more effective for lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): Like Lyrica, gabapentin is a neuromodulating medication. Some patients report severe weight gain from gabapentin, which can lead doctors to recommend Lyrica instead.
- Other treatments: These include urinary antispasmodics, which relax the bladder muscle, and dietary changes.
Potential side effects and effectiveness
- Common side effects of Lyrica can include dizziness and sleepiness, especially when starting the medication.
- Some patients may not find Lyrica effective, and others may discontinue it due to side effects.
- If no pain improvement is seen after a week of treatment, it may indicate that the dose is too low or that the medication is not effective for that individual.
Lyrica is often used to address the neuropathic components of Interstitial Cystitis pain, particularly in cases where the pelvic floor muscles are in spasm or when there is a high degree of nerve sensitivity.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4120228/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4120228/
https://www.stuffthatworks.health/interstitial-cystitis/treatments/pregabalin#
TREATING INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS 