Does Lyrica affect blood pressure?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Lyrica affect blood pressure?
Lyrica does not usually affect blood pressure as nothing major was observed during research studies. However, Lyrica may lower blood pressure in long-term users of this drug.
The difference, however, is still not too much to be concerned about and it does depend on your dose and the frequency of dose administration. Some people are generally sensitive to medications and they may react differently, as compared to other individuals.
Some experts also believe that an underlying condition may also alter the effects of Lyrica in some individuals. Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider if you think Lyrica is affecting your blood pressure.
Only your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to continue using Lyrica or if some dose adjustment will simply fix the problem.
What factors can affect blood pressure while taking Lyrica?
When taking Lyrica, certain factors can influence how it affects your blood pressure. Here are some key points to understand (1,2):
Individual response
Each person’s body may react differently to Lyrica. Some individuals may experience changes in blood pressure, while others may not notice any significant effects. Factors such as your overall health, genetics, and individual sensitivity to medications can contribute to these variations.
Dosage
The dosage of Lyrica prescribed by your healthcare provider can impact its effect on blood pressure. Higher doses of Lyrica may have a greater potential to cause changes in blood pressure compared to lower doses. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition and needs.
Duration of use
The duration of time you have been taking Lyrica can also play a role. Initially starting Lyrica or increasing the dosage may have a more noticeable impact on blood pressure compared to long-term use. However, individual responses may still vary.
Other medications
The combination of Lyrica with other medications you may be taking can influence blood pressure. Certain medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or cardiovascular conditions, can interact with Lyrica and affect blood pressure levels (3,4).
It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure they are aware of any potential interactions.
Underlying health conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiovascular problems, can interact with Lyrica and influence blood pressure (3,4).
It’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, as they can consider these factors when prescribing Lyrica and monitoring your blood pressure.
What to do if your blood pressure fluctuates while taking Lyrica?
If you notice that your blood pressure is fluctuating while taking Lyrica, it’s important to take the following steps:
Monitor your blood pressure and keep a record
Regularly check your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure monitor. This will help you keep track of any changes or fluctuations. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with your blood pressure monitor for accurate readings.
It is also important to maintain a record of your blood pressure readings, noting the date, time, and values. This will provide useful information for your healthcare provider when assessing your condition and determining the best course of action.
Inform your healthcare provider
Reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to inform them about your blood pressure fluctuations while taking Lyrica. They will be able to evaluate your situation and provide appropriate guidance.
Follow medical advice
Your healthcare provider may recommend adjustments to your Lyrica dosage or prescribe additional medications to help manage your blood pressure. It’s important to follow their instructions carefully and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support overall blood pressure management. This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco products, and maintaining a healthy weight.
These lifestyle factors can have a positive impact on blood pressure regulation.
Proper follow-ups
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your blood pressure and assess your response to the medication. This allows them to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, it is crucial to discuss side effects with your doctor for achieving the desired therapeutic outcome without damaging your basic physiological functions.
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References
1.-
Ide Y. [Pregabalin (Lyrica)]. Masui. 2013 Jul;62(7):808-13. Japanese. PMID: 23905403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23905403/
2.-
Cross AL, Viswanath O, Sherman AL. Pregabalin. 2022 Nov 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29261857. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470341
3.-
Brzezinski WA. Blood Pressure. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd ed. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 16. PMID: 21250111. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK268
4.-
Oparil S, Acelajado MC, Bakris GL, Berlowitz DR, Cífková R, Dominiczak AF, Grassi G, Jordan J, Poulter NR, Rodgers A, Whelton PK. Hypertension. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018 Mar 22;4:18014. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2018.14. PMID: 29565029; PMCID: PMC6477925. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29565029/
