What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system.
Pregabalin is used to control seizures and to treat fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) or herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Pregabalin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Pregabalin?
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
If you are taking pregabalin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking pregabalin. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not change your dose of pregabalin without your doctor’s advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Do not stop using pregabalin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using pregabalin.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take pregabalin. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Pregabalin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pregabalin.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a pregabalin dose adjustment or special tests:
- congestive heart failure
- diabetes
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- a bleeding disorder
- low levels of platelets in your blood
- a history of depression or suicidal thoughts
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
- if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pregabalin will harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Follow your doctor’s instructions about taking pregabalin while you are pregnant.
If you become pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of pregabalin on the baby.
If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment.
It is not known whether pregabalin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.
Pregabalin Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Pregabalin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired)
- easy bruising or bleeding; or
- swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness or drowsiness, anxiety
- loss of balance or coordination
- problems with memory or concentration
- dry mouth
- skin rash or itching
- constipation, stomach pain
- increased appetite; or
- joint or muscle pain
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregabalin Interactions
What other drugs affect Pregabalin?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to dizziness or sleepiness caused by pregabalin. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medication.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- heart or blood pressure medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with pregabalin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Pregabalin?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of pregabalin.
Pregabalin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Pregabalin Dosage
How should I take Pregabalin?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may take pregabalin with or without food.
Do not change your dose of pregabalin without your doctor’s advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
Call your doctor if you have any problems with your vision while taking pregabalin.
If you are taking pregabalin to prevent seizures, keep taking it even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking pregabalin. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not stop using pregabalin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using pregabalin.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take pregabalin. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Pregabalin?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What happens if I miss a dose of Pregabalin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com