When Lyrica and an inactive placebo were both used as add-on therapy in carefully performed studies, Lyrica reduced seizure frequency by at least half in about 30% (150 mg/day) to 50% (600 mg/day) of patients with partial onset seizures. Side effects were somewhat more troublesome than with the placebo, especially at high doses, and often went away without stopping the Lyrica.

No single combination of seizure medicines is perfect for everyone. Sometimes, a series of combinations must be tried before finding what is best for the individual. Because Lyrica generally does not interact with other medications, no adjustments are needed when it is used in combination with other seizure medicines. This feature also makes it a good choice for people (such as many elderly people with epilepsy) who need to take medicine for other disorders.

Reviewed October 2005 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.