Pregabalin
About
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medications called 'anti-convulsants', primarily used in the prevention of neuropathic pain, epilepsy (seizure episodes), fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain), and neuralgia (pain due to damaged/irritated nerve). Neuropathic pain is chronic nerve pain usually caused by damaged nerves due to a variety of diseases like diabetes, shingles (viral infection that causes a painful rash), spinal cord injury, and injuries to tissue, muscles, or joints.
Pregabalin contains 'Pregabalin', which works by calming the damaged or overactive nerves in the body that may cause nerve or musculoskeletal pain or seizures. Besides this, it also decreases the number of pain signals sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
In some cases, Pregabalin might cause side effects like dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness/drowsiness), dry mouth, oedema (fluid overload with swelling), blurred vision, weight gain and abnormal thinking (difficulty with concentration/attention). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are facing symptoms of suicidal ideation or behaviour, drug addiction, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, muscle pain, soreness, weakness, kidney, liver, or heart diseases. Caution is required before giving Pregabalin to pregnant or breastfeeding women. The safety and effectiveness in children less than 18 years of age have not been established, so Pregabalin should not be given to them.
Uses of Pregabalin
Medicinal Benefits
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medications called 'anticonvulsants' used to prevent neuropathic pain (pain due to damaged nerves), fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain), and epilepsy (fits). It works by calming the damaged or overactive nerves in the body that may cause pain or seizures, thereby decreasing the number of pain signals sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pregabalin
- Dizziness
- Somnolence (sleepiness/drowsiness)
- Dry mouth
- Oedema (fluid overload with swelling)
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pregabalin if you are known to be allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behaviour, drug addiction, chronic lung diseases, muscle weakness, heart problems, liver/kidney impairment. Caution is required before giving Pregabalin to pregnant or breastfeeding women. The safety and effectiveness of Pregabalin in children under 18 years of age have not been established, so Pregabalin should not be given to them. Taking Pregabalin with opioids analgesics or painkillers like oxycodone can cause respiratory failure, coma, and even leading to death, so avoid its intake together. If you are taking any sleeping pills or tranquillizers, tell your doctor about this as Pregabalin interacts with these drugs and causes sleepiness, drowsiness and dizziness and affects your daily activity. Immediately contact a doctor if you have swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, lips, gums, neck, or throat (angioedema).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Pregabalin may interact with painkillers (morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, tramadol, codeine) and medicines for treating anxiety (lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam).
Drug-Food Interaction: Pregabalin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid consuming alcohol while taking Pregabalin as it may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have suicidal ideation or behaviour, drug addiction, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, heart problems, liver/kidney impairment, inform your doctor before taking Pregabalin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol since it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPregabalin is a category C pregnancy drug. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pregabalin.
Breast Feeding
cautionPregabalin should be used in breastfeeding women only when prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pregabalin.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness while using Pregabalin. Pregabalin can also sometimes cause blurry/double vision; hence avoid driving in such situations. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionTake Pregabalin with caution, especially if you have or had a history of liver disease/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Pregabalin with caution, especially if you have or had a history of kidney disease/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionPregabalin is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years. The safety and efficacy of Pregabalin have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, omega-3 rich foods. Avoid fried foods, high-fat dairy products, pastries, and processed foods, as they may worsen neuropathic pain.
- Do regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness or drowsiness.
Special Advise
Do not take Pregabalin for a prolonged time; it may lead to mental or physical dependence on Pregabalin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neuropathic pain (nerve pain): It is a chronic nerve pain condition usually caused by damaged or irritated nerves due to conditions like diabetes, shingles (viral infection with painful rash), spinal cord injury, or injuries to tissue/muscles/joints. Symptoms of nerve pain sensation are hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, tingling, and numbness.
Fibromyalgia (musculoskeletal pain): It is a chronic condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and mental distress, an impact on physical and social functioning and overall quality of life.
Epilepsy (fits): It is a nervous system disorder with a sudden rush of electricity in the brain due to disturbed nerve cell (neuron) activity in the brain. Seizures are of two types, namely: generalized and partial seizures. Generalized seizures affect the entire brain, whereas partial seizures affect only a part of the brain. Seizures can cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Stronger seizures can make people confused or unconscious. Possible causes include high fever, trauma, genetic disorder, brain injury, or stroke.
FAQs
Pregabalin works by blocking the pain centre that interferes with pain messages that travel through the brain and spine (central nervous system). In epilepsy, it prevents episodes of fits by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain and calming the overactive nerves.
Yes, Pregabalin may cause weight gain because it increases your hunger. However, regular physical exercise and a balanced diet with low-calorie food may help you keep your weight stable. Please consult the doctor if you have any further concerns about keeping your weight stable.
No, you are not recommended to take Pregabalin with tramadol as co-administration of these medicines may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, and even lead to a stage of coma. So, before using Pregabalin with painkillers like oxycodone or any other opioid analgesics, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dosage may be adjusted accordingly to use safely.
