Spinal Cord Injury Nerve Pain Medications: What Works & Side Effects

Spinal cord injuries alter lives in the blink of an eye. In addition to paralysis or weakness, most people have another maddening and often underrated complaint—nerve pain. This pain is unlike the achy feeling of a pulled muscle. It's burning, electric, sharp, and constant. For those who struggle with this intangible but incapacitating sensation, relief is a daily quest.
One of the drugs that has proven to be a trusted choice is Lyrica 150 mg capsule, or by its active ingredient, Pregabalin. This post goes in-depth about how Lyrica 150 mg treats spinal cord injury nerve pain, how it works, what to anticipate, and possible side effects—so you can make informed, confident decisions about your health.
Getting to Know Nerve Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury
Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), injury to the nerve tracts commonly leads to neuropathic pain—pain due not to tissue injury but to the nerves themselves becoming aberrantly firing. Pain may be:
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Central (originating in the spinal cord)
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Peripheral (radiating from nerves outside the spinal cord)
Patients describe sensations including:
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Burning or freezing
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Electric shocks
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Tingling or pins and needles
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Pain even without touch or stimulus
This is relentless pain, disrupting sleep, mood, relationships, and rehabilitation.
Why Lyrica 150 mg is Often Prescribed
Lyrica 150 mg has become a household name for people suffering from conditions related to nerves. Fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, or neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injury—no matter the condition, Lyrica is usually the first choice suggested.
What is Lyrica 150 mg?
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Brand Name: Lyrica
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Generic Name: Pregabalin
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Form: Oral capsule
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Dose: 150 mg is typically prescribed for nerve pain following titration
Lyrica 150 mg is not an opiate, nor is it a member of old-style anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter painkiller groups. Rather, it aims at misfiring nerve signals.
How Lyrica 150 mg Works for Nerve Pain in SCI
Pregabalin, the active substance in Lyrica, is an anticonvulsant or neuropathic pain drug. But don't be fooled by that name—it's widely utilized outside of epilepsy.
Here's how it works:
✅ Binds to calcium channels in the brain and spinal cord
✅ Reduces the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and substance P
✅ Calms hyperactive nerve signals
✅ Dampens pain signals traveling through damaged nerve pathways
This is especially beneficial for spinal cord injury patients, where nerves are inflamed, hurt, or firing erratically. By muffling those signals, Lyrica 150 mg brings calm.
Why 150 mg? Understanding the Dosage
Most Pregabalin treatment regimens begin with a low dose (e.g., 75 mg twice a day) and then build up. For most individuals, the once- or twice-daily Lyrica 150 mg capsule becomes the maintenance dose that achieves:
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Effectiveness in reducing pain
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Tolerability and manageable side effects
Physicians tend to make adjustments in dosages based on patient response and the ability of the patient to tolerate the medication.
Real-Life Relief: What It Feels Like to Take Lyrica 150 mg Capsule
Patients say that taking Lyrica 150 mg feels like:
“I finally slept through the night without waking from nerve pain.”
“The pins and needles that felt like electric shocks were cut in half.”
“It doesn’t erase the pain, but it softens the edges.”
“The episodes of stabbing pain reduced within a week or two of starting Lyrica 150 mg.”
Keep in mind that each body reacts uniquely. Some get relief in days; others take weeks. Coordination with your doctor is crucial to maximize outcomes.
Side Effects of Lyrica 150 mg Capsule: What to Look Out For
As with any drug, Lyrica 150 mg may have side effects. The most frequent ones are:
✅ Common Side Effects
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Fatigue or drowsiness
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Weight gain
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Swelling of hands and feet
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Dry mouth
These side effects are usually mild and may decrease over time as the body gets used to them.
❗ Less Common But Serious Side Effects
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Mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts
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Severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing)
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Muscle pain or tenderness (rare but requires attention)
In case you have any severe symptoms, call your doctor right away. Also, do not discontinue Lyrica 150 mg abruptly, as withdrawal signs might be experienced.
Things to Know Before Starting Lyrica 150 mg
Taking Lyrica 150 mg needs some organization. The following are important considerations:
Timing
It's typically taken daily once or twice, with or without food. Attempt to take it at the same time daily.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness, and it's best to avoid or reduce consumption.
Mind Your Mood
Inform your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in mood or cognition.
Taper off slowly
Should you ever need to quit (or be instructed) Lyrica, it needs to be tapered to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
What Makes Lyrica 150 mg Different from Other Nerve Pain Treatments?
Different from painkillers that cover up the signals, Pregabalin attacks the source—nerve overactivity. It isn't like ibuprofen or opioids. It reconditions your nervous system so it will relax from the inside out. That is why it is not so much about short-term comfort—it is also about long-term life quality.
Who Should Not Take Lyrica 150 mg?
Though Pregabalin is safe overall, some people are not such good candidates. They include:
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Individuals with kidney disease (dose modification may be necessary)
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Individuals with a history of abuse of drugs (because of its sedative properties)
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Expectant or lactating women, except where benefits outweigh the risks
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Individuals with a history of allergy to pregabalin or other such drugs
Always inform your physician about your complete medical history.
Can You Take Lyrica 150 mg Long-Term?
Yes, numerous spinal cord injury patients are prescribed Lyrica 150 mg capsules for chronic use. Your body adjusts to the drug over time, and side effects can decrease.
Your doctor can keep an eye on safety and effecti
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