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Overview

Pregabalin

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and is considered to be the first-line of treatment for neurotic pain, shingles, seizures and fibromyalgia. It is used for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, restless leg syndrome and generalised anxiety disorder.

Pregabalin works by binding to a certain region of the brain and reducing the pain signals sent out by the damaged nerves of the body. This medication is not recommended for you if you are pregnant, or have an allergic reaction towards any of its ingredients. Some medicines interact with it.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

  • Angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors
  • Benzodiazepines or narcotic pain medicines
  • Thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents

The initial dose for this drug is usually 50 mg, taken orally 3 times a day. the dosage can later be increased depending on efficacy and tolerability. Ensure your doctor is informed if you have any of the following medical conditions before starting the medication, if you are/have:

  • Congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, bleeding problems, muscle problems, highballed pressure or low platelet count.
  • Improper kidney functioning or are on dialysis.
  • History of angioedema.
  • Pregnant, planning to be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
  • Take any other medicines, dietary supplements or herbal preparations.
  • Mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts, or are dealing with depression.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Pregabalin

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Pregabalin ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Pregabalin ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Pregabalin

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 10-12 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      This medicine has a varying onset time depending on the intended use.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Use of this medicine during pregnancy is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

    • Is it habit forming?

      This medicine has a low abuse potential with limited physical and psychological dependence.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      The use of this medicine by breastfeeding women is not recommended.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Dose reduction in patients with renal impairment and dose supplementation following haemodialysis is necessary.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      No specific information is available for this.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Pregabalin consumption is unsafe, as it causes excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine affects the consciousness of the patient. It causes blurry vision or sleepiness and dizziness like symptoms. If any symptoms like these occurs you must avoid driving until the effects subsidies.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, mental confusion, excessive drowsiness.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Pregabalin approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Pregabalin

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Pregabalin as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication is a GABA analogue and binds to the voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This causes a reduced release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, substance P thus slowing down nerve signals.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Pregabalin ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Avoid or limit the use of alcohol while taking this medicine. One should refrain from operating heavy machinery or performing works that require a high level of mental alertness.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Lorazepam

        Report the use of Lorazepam or any other medicine that you take for sleep disorders or anxiety problems. The risk of adverse effects like dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lack of focus, etc., is very high while taking these medicines together. Special precaution is advised if these medicines are taken by an elderly person.

        Pioglitazone

        Report the use of Pregabalin to the doctor before receiving Pioglitazone or any other medicine used for controlling high blood sugar levels. These medicines could increase the risk of weight gain, fluid retention, and heart failure when taken together. You may need a dose adjustment and frequent monitoring to safely use these medicines together.

        Ramipril

        Report the use of Ramipril or any other medicine belonging to the class of ACE inhibitors used for lowering blood pressure. The risk of fluid retention and associated adverse effects on the heart are significantly increased when these medicines are used together.

        Oxycodone

        Report the use of any opiate pain medicines to the doctor before receiving Pregabalin. Using these medicines together can cause severe dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination especially in the elderly and people with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal thoughts, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse. Any such effect while using them together should be reported to the doctor.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Angioedema

        This medicine should be administered with caution in patients who have a history of or are at risk of developing swellings of the inner layers of the skin. These swellings can cause airway blockage and prove life-threatening.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Pregabalin

      • Ques : What is Pregabalin?

        Ans : This medication is an anticonvulsant and is considered to be the first-line of treatment for neurotic pain, shingles, seizures and fibromyalgia.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Pregabalin before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Pregabalin?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Pregabalin empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Pregabalin?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : Does Pregabalin work in the same way for each disease?

        Ans : No, it works in different ways for different diseases.

      • Ques : How long do I need to take Pregabalin?

        Ans : The duration of this medication depends on the condition for which you are consuming this medicine. It is advised to consult the doctor before consuming this drug.

      • Ques : Is it necessary to continue taking Pregabalin even if I feel fine?

        Ans : Yes, you should not stop taking this drug even if you feel fine. Consult your doctor before stopping this drug.

      • Ques : Can I take Diazepam and Pregabalin together?

        Ans : Yes, Pregabalin and Diazepam can be used together.

      • Ques : Can the use of Pregabalin cause weight gain?

        Ans : Yes, this drug may cause weight gain because it increases your hunger. Consult a dietician if you have any further concerns to keep your weight stable.

      References

      • Pregabalin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/pregabalin

      • Pregabalin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00230

      • PREGABALIN capsule,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=PREGABALIN

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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