An Overview of Lyrica Abuse Lyrica® (pregabalin) is a prescription medication used to treat fibromyalgia and certain types of nerve pain and seizures. Studies have also shown that Lyrica is effective as an anxiety treatment -- though it is not approved for this use. Lyrica is a controlled substance. As with other controlled substances, there is the possibility of becoming addicted to Lyrica. Addiction or "dependence" is when a person feels like he or she needs to continue to take a medicine, even when no medical need is present.