Lyrica (pregabalin) is an oral medication used primarily to treat neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves) resulting from diabetes and shingles. Other uses include treatment of pain from fibromyalgia and is also used along with other medications to treat seizures. It is part of a class of medications called anticonvulsants, and works by decreasing the release of pain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Lyrica works by binding to the proteins in the brain called calcium channels that help conduct electrical communication. By doing so, it acts to decrease the release of the neurotransmitters glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P, all of which acts to decrease pain sensation.