University of Kentucky reports that professor of rheumatology, Dr. Leslie Crofford, and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women’s Health, Gloria W. Singletary, wrote the first prospective study of Lyrica’s (pregabalin) effectiveness for the relief of fibromyalgia pain and sleep problems.

In a double blind study patients were given either Lyrica or a placebo. Significant reduction in pain and improved sleep quality was reported by those taking Lyrica. The improved sleep patterns also reduced fatigue experienced.

The most common side-effects of Lyrica were mild-to-moderate dizziness and sleepiness, which the severity was dose related. In 2004 the FDA approved Lyrica for two of the most common forms of nerve pain (neuralgia), diabetic peripheral neuropathy and post herpetic neuralgia.