What Are the Dangers of Taking Lyrica & Vistaril?
In our current medical environment, it is not uncommon for an individual to be seeing two or more doctors at the same time, and to be taking medications prescribed by each. In fact, even if seeing only one doctor, medications that should not be taken in conjunction with each other may be prescribed. Patients need to be informed consumers about drugs that have negative interactions. Lyrica (pregabalin) and Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are two such medications.
Other People Are Reading
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Lyrica
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Lyrica (pregabalin) has been on the U.S. market since 2004 when the FDA approved it as a secondary drug for seizure conditions, as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy and as a pain reliever for shingles (herpes zoster) sufferers. In 2007 Lyrica was the first drug approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia---generalized, non-specific muscle pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, 4 percent of the U.S. population suffers from fibromyalgia, so it stands to reason that Lyrica shortly became a widely prescribed medication.
Vistaril
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Vistaril (hydroxyzine) was introduced in 1956, and shortly thereafter gained FDA approval. Vistaril, or its equivalent, Atarax, is a widely prescribed drug used as an antihistamine, as a tranquilizer, or for the treatment of anxiety, sleep problems and nausea. A majority of the people reviewing Vistaril on the Web MD site report using it for anxiety.
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Why not together?
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Both Lyrica and Vistaril affect the central nervous system (CNS) and can cause similar symptoms such as sleepiness and dizziness. Both drugs warn that they should not be taken with other medications that have similar symptoms or with alcohol or narcotics, especially so-called "downers," since all of these substances depress the CNS. Depression of the CNS can cause impaired mobility, impaired judgment and reasoning, and in severe cases, even loss of consciousness and death.
Ongoing Research
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The central nervous system is an extremely complex network, with various areas of the brain and spinal cord controlling different functions. While many medications are known to affect the CNS, the exact mechanism of the effect is often unclear. Continued research into the pharmacological details will, it is hoped, improve our general understanding of drug interactions and will improve the safety of prescription medications.
Cross-Checking
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Many doctors and pharmacies now keep computerized records of each patient's drug history, making it less likely that interaction problems will occur. The patient, however, is safest by taking it upon himself/herself to double check for any complications, especially when new medications are prescribed.
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