Lyrica (pregabalin) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain people with nerve pain and other conditions. Lyrica comes as an oral capsule and oral solution. The dosage can vary depending on what condition it’s used to treat.

Lyrica is approved to treat:

Lyrica belongs to a drug class called antiepileptics. Lyrica is available in a generic version called pregabalin.

Lyrica CR is another form of pregabalin. It is not used to treat all the same conditions as Lyrica. It contains the same active ingredient but releases the medication differently into your body. This article does not cover the dosages for Lyrica CR. For more information about Lyrica CR, including its dosages, talk with your doctor.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Lyrica, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Lyrica, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Lyrica provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Lyrica, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

The recommended dosages of Lyrica for its approved uses are described below.

Lyrica forms

Lyrica is available as a capsule that you swallow. It also comes as a liquid solution that you take by mouth.

Lyrica strengths

Lyrica oral capsules comes in eight strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg
  • 75 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 150 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 225 mg
  • 300 mg

Lyrica oral solution is available in one strength: 20 mg per milliliter of liquid (mg/mL).

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start you on the recommended starting dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Below is a summary of the approved uses and typical dosage of Lyrica.

Lyrica formsStrengthsStarting dose for adults
capsule• 25 milligrams (mg)
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg
• 225 mg
• 300 mg		150 mg daily*
oral solution20 mg/mL150 mg daily*

* The daily dose is divided into two 75 mg doses or three 50 mg doses, depending on your condition.

Dosage for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

For treating nerve pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the recommended starting dosage is 150 mg per day. Typically, you will take 50 mg three times per day.

Within 1 week of taking Lyrica, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day, depending on how your body responds to the medication. At this dosage, you will take 100 mg three times per day.

The maximum dose for this condition is 300 mg per day.

Dosage for nerve pain after shingles

The recommended starting dosage in adults is 150 mg per day when using Lyrica to treat pain from nerve damage after shingles. Your doctor will likely recommend you take either 50 mg three times per day or 75 mg twice per day.

Within 1 week, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg per day in divided doses, depending on how your body responds to Lyrica.

After 2–4 weeks of taking 300 mg per day, your doctor may increase your dosage to 600 mg per day if you still have nerve pain. At this dosage, you may take 300 mg two times per day or 200 mg three times per day.

The maximum dose for this condition is 600 mg per day.

Dosage for nerve pain related to spinal cord injury

The typical starting dosage for treating nerve pain from a spinal cord injury in adults is 150 mg daily. You will take 75 mg twice per day.

Within 1 week of taking Lyrica, your doctor may increase your dosage up to 300 mg per day, depending on how your body responds to the drug. This dosage is taken as 150 mg twice per day.

If your symptoms do not ease after 2–3 weeks of taking 300 mg of Lyrica daily, your doctor may increase your dosage to 600 mg daily in divided doses.

The maximum dose for this condition is 600 mg per day.

Dosage for fibromyalgia

The recommended starting dosage for treating fibromyalgia in adults is 150 mg per day. Typically, you will take 75 mg twice per day.

Within 1 week, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg daily depending on how your body responds to Lyrica. At this dosage, you will likely take 150 mg twice per day.

If you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 450 mg daily. At this dosage, you will likely take 225 mg twice per day.

The maximum dose for this condition is 450 mg per day.

Dosage for partial-onset seizures

For treating partial onset seizures in adults,* the typical starting dosage is 150 mg per day. Your doctor may recommend taking either 50 mg three times per day or 75 mg twice per day.

The maximum dosage for this condition is 600 mg daily, divided into two or three doses. Your doctor will recommend how many doses you will take per day.

* The drug manufacturer defines people ages 17 years and older as adults for this use.

Children’s dosage

Lyrica is also approved to treat partial onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older. For this use, Lyrica is prescribed in combination with other seizure medications.

The Lyrica dosage for treating partial onset seizures in children will depend on the child’s weight.

Children weighing 30 kg or more

For children weighing 30 kilograms (kg)* or more, the typical starting dosage is 2.5 mg per kg body weight per day. This is the total daily dose, which is divided into two or three doses. The maximum dose for this weight group is 10 mg per kg of body weight per day and not more than 600 mg per day.

Your doctor will calculate the dose based on your child’s weight. For example, if your child weighs 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb]), 100 mg per day is the recommended starting dosage. The total dose may be split into two or three doses per day.

Children weighing less than 30 kg

The typical starting dosage for children weighing less than 30 kg is 3.5 mg per kg body weight per day. For children ages 4 years and older, the daily dosage is divided into two or three doses. For children ages 1 month to younger than 4 years, the daily dosage is divided into three doses.

The maximum dose for this weight is 14 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

Your doctor will calculate the dose based on your child’s weight. For example, the recommended starting dosage for a child weighing 14 kg (about 31 lb) would be 49 mg per day. The dose is split into three daily doses if the child is older than 1 month and younger than 4 years.

* 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 lb.

Long-term treatment

Lyrica is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lyrica is safe and effective for you, you will likely take it long term.

The highest dosage of Lyrica you can take depends on the condition it’s being prescribed to treat. The maximum dosage is typically between 300 mg and 600 mg per day for adults.

Below are the maximum adult dosages for Lyrica’s approved uses:

For children, the maximum dose per day depends on your child’s weight. For more information on the maximum dose for children, see “Children’s dosage” above.

Talk with your doctor for more information about Lyrica’s dosages so that you feel confident in your treatment. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help get the conversation started.

My doctor prescribed Lyrica for anxiety. What dosage might they recommend?

Lyrica isn’t FDA-approved to treat anxiety. However, your doctor may prescribe it off-label for this use. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than for its approved uses.

Since Lyrica’s not approved to treat anxiety, there isn’t a recommended dosage for this condition from the drug’s manufacturer.

Some studies show using pregabalin (the active drug in Lyrica) to treat generalized anxiety disorder can be effective. A 2011 review of studies discussed how people who took between 150 mg and 600 mg of pregabalin per day divided into two to three doses for up to 8 weeks saw an improvement in their condition. However, if your doctor prescribes Lyrica off-label for your anxiety, take it exactly as they recommend.

You should only take Lyrica for the condition your doctor prescribes it for. Your doctor can provide more information about treating anxiety with Lyrica and the dosage that may be right for you.

I’m prescribed Lyrica for sleep problems. What’s the drug’s typical dosage for this use?

Lyrica may be used off-label for sleep problems, although it isn’t approved for this purpose. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than for its approved uses.

The drug’s manufacturer does not give a recommended dose for treating sleep problems. A 2013 review of studies showed that taking pregabalin (the active drug in Lyrica) for sleep problems related to general anxiety disorder can be effective. But different studies used different doses.

You should only take Lyrica for the condition that your doctor prescribes it for. Discuss with your doctor about treatment options for sleep problems and the dosage of Lyrica that may be right for you.

Is Lyrica prescribed for sciatica? If so, what dosage is recommended?

Lyrica is not an approved treatment for sciatica. Taking Lyrica to treat sciatica is considered an off-label use. This is when a drug is used to treat a condition other than for what it was approved for.

The drug’s manufacturer doesn’t have a recommended dosage for sciatica treatment. Studies have not shown pregabalin (the active drug in Lyrica) to be effective for sciatica at doses between 150 mg and 600 mg.

You should only take Lyrica for the condition your doctor prescribes it for. If you are interested in treatment for your sciatica or have questions about Lyrica for this use, talk with your doctor. They can give you information on treatment options that may be right for you.

The Lyrica dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Lyrica to treat
  • the form of Lyrica you take
  • your age
  • your weight (depending on your age)

Other medical conditions you have, such as kidney problems, can also affect your Lyrica dosage.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may decrease your dosage if you have kidney problems. Before starting Lyrica, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Depending on your condition, you will take Lyrica two to three times per day. You can take Lyrica with or without food. It may be helpful to take your doses around the same times of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Lyrica can work effectively.

Lyrica comes in capsules and as an oral solution. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not stop taking Lyrica without talking with your doctor first. Doing so can cause side effects such as increased seizures if you have partial onset seizures. If you need to stop taking Lyrica, discuss with your doctor about how to stop the drug slowly.

Until you know how Lyrica affects you, you should avoid driving a car, operating machinery, or other potentially dangerous activities. Lyrica can cause sleepiness and dizziness. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lyrica, as your risk for these side effects may increase.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Lyrica in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss your dose of Lyrica, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. You should not take two doses together.

The medication may not work as it should if you often miss doses. You might have symptoms related to the condition you are using Lyrica to treat. For example, your risk for seizures may increase if you have partial onset seizures. Or your pain may return if you are using Lyrica to treat conditions related to nerve pain.

It’s also possible to have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Lyrica. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when your body is dependent on a drug and you abruptly stop taking it. With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it typically does.

Some withdrawal symptoms include:

See the section below, “Lyrica withdrawal and dependence,” for more information.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Lyrica is a schedule V controlled substance.* This means that it has a low risk for misuse and dependence. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as it typically does. Misuse and dependence can lead to addiction in some cases. Addiction means a person takes the drug despite it causing harm.

In clinical trials, some people taking Lyrica reported that the drug made them feel “high.” Learn more about how often this side effect occurred from your doctor, pharmacist, or Lyrica’s prescribing information.

The risk for misuse may increase if you have a history of alcohol or substance misuse. Before you start taking Lyrica, talk with your doctor about the risk of addiction and misuse while taking Lyrica.

* Controlled substances are regulated by the government because they have the potential to be misused or cause dependence.

If you take more Lyrica than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.

It’s important that you do not take more Lyrica than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Lyrica can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Lyrica

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Lyrica. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Since Lyrica is a controlled substance,* it has the potential for dependence. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as it typically does.) In clinical trials, some people who suddenly stopped taking Lyrica had withdrawal symptoms. These are a type of side effect that can occur when your body has become dependent on a drug.

In clinical trials, the following withdrawal side effects occurred in some people who suddenly stopped taking Lyrica:

You should not stop taking Lyric without talking with your doctor first. They will help you gradually decrease your dosage over time.

* Controlled substances are regulated by the government because they have the potential to be misused or cause dependence.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Lyrica for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Lyrica without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Lyrica that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Lyrica. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.