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Treating Partial Onset Seizures in Adults With Epilepsy

Medicine can help


There are many different types of epilepsy. While a particular medicine may help somebody with a certain type of epilepsy, it may not work for everyone. Many times, a doctor will need to prescribe more than one medicine or change doses before finding a combination that works.

Sometimes surgery is required


When medicines fail to treat a person’s seizures, surgery may be an option. Surgery usually involves removing the area of the brain that produces the seizures. New surgical techniques have made these operations more successful.

Vagus nerve stimulation is another option


The vagus nerve is a large nerve in the neck that runs to the brain. By putting short bursts of electricity into this nerve, seizures can be prevented. This treatment requires a battery to be implanted under the skin, usually in the chest.

Changes in diet can have an impact


Your doctor may suggest a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet is very high in fats and low in carbohydrates. It forces the body to burn fat instead of sugar. When monitored by a healthcare professional, this diet has been shown to reduce seizures.

One medicine may not be enough


Many people find relief from epilepsy with just one medicine. But up to 40% of people (adults) taking just one medicine for epilepsy treatment still have seizures. Even people who are taking 2 or more medicines may continue to have seizures.

About adjunctive therapy


Adjunctive therapy means taking 2 or more medicines to help control seizures. You may need to try a combination of medicines before you find a treatment that works for you, so keep working with your doctor. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, about half of all patients with epilepsy eventually gain control of their epilepsy.

Continuing seizures


There are medicines that can help control seizures. But many people who take 1 or even 2 or more of these medicines may still have seizures. Once your doctor knows about your symptoms, he or she may suggest an adjunctive (add-on) therapy, such as LYRICA. LYRICA is approved by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment for partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy.

On the next page, learn how LYRICA is thought to work.
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.
Copyright © 2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PBP01545A/291119-01