Pregabalin
Description
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat neuropathic pain (seve
re pain due to damage to nerves). It helps protect nerve fibres and assists in the repair of damaged nerve cells. Before starting Pregabalin, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Share your complete medical history with them. You can take Pregabalin it as advised by your doctor, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. Your doctor may begin you on a low dose and gradually increase it based on your condition and response to the medication. It might take several weeks for the full effects to become evident. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the medication regularly until advised otherwise. Do not skip doses, as this may worsen your condition. Side effects are generally mild and resolve on their own. They may include sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, swelling, and difficulties with concentration. Most side effects do not require medical attention, but you should discuss any potential side effects with your doctor. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it may increase feelings of sleepiness and dizziness.
Uses
- As a first-line agent for the treatment of pain associated with diabetic neuropathy (severe pain in diabetes due to damage to nerves)
- Nerve pain after herpes infection
- Central neuropathic pain
- A condition called fibromyalgia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Restless leg syndrome
- Prevention of migraines
Contraindications
When should one not use Pregabalin
Do not use Pregabalin if you have any allergic reactions to it.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, headache (prevalent)
- Confusion, trouble with memory, poor coordination
- Dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and weight gain
- Problems with vision, dry eyes
- Difficulties with erection
- Potentially serious side effects-severe allergy and an increased suicide risk with vivid dreams
- Rare side effects are blood pressure variations, pancreatitis, kidney problems
- Important to note is sudden stopping of medication can result in withdrawal symptoms including sleeplessness, headache, agitation, nausea, anxiety, diarrhea, flu-like symptom, nervousness, major depression, pain, convulsions, and dizziness...
- This medicine should not be stopped abruptly, and it's dose should be gradually decreased and stopped
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Pregabalin during pregnancy?
A:
It is unsafe to use this medicine in pregnancy. Use effective contraception if you are a woman of childbearing age.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Pregabalin while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine passes into breast milk. It is unsafe to use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Pregabalin?
A:
Taking this medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and decreased concentration. Caution is advised if you need to drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Pregabalin?
A:
Do not drink alcohol along with this medicine as you may develop excessive dizziness, sleepiness, and decreased concentration.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have a known history of heart disease
- This medicine can cause dizziness; this can lead to accidental injury (fall) in elderly patients. Caution is advised in elderly
- If you notice decreased urine, immediately inform your doctor
- If you have epilepsy and taking this medicine, you should not stop this medicine abruptly
- Fits may increase if stopped abruptly
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Pregabalin reduces pain originating in nerves by modulating the activity of the nerve cells.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- No significant interactions have been noted
- Following medicines might cause excessive sleepiness when interacting with Pregabalin: Opioids like Oxycodone, Benzodiazepines, Lorazepam, etc.
Interactions with food items
- No specific interaction is seen with food.
Dosage
Overdose
Acute overdosage may result in excessive sleepiness, increased heart rate, sweating, and increased and abnormal muscle tone. Immediately seek emergency medical care.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
A: Discuss all your medical problems and tell them about all the other medicines consumed by you. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Q: Can I stop taking Pregabalin on my own?
A: No, you should not stop taking Pregabalin on your own even if you feel better. Your doctor will decide when to stop it or reduce the dose. Also, your doctor will gradually decrease the dose before stopping it.
Q: What is neuropathic pain and how is it different from muscle pain?
A: Neuropathic pain occurs due to damage or injury to the nerves responsible for transmitting information from the skin, muscles, and other body parts to the brain and spinal cord. The pain feels like burning, stabbing, and shooting. The patient may describe it as 'pins and needles.' It is usually associated with nerve damage caused by surgery or trauma, viral infections, cancer, vascular malformations, and diabetes. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Muscle pain results from tearing and stretching of muscles or tendons. It is characterised by symptoms such as muscle pain, joint pain, and restricted movements.
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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