Pregabalin+nortriptyline
About
Pregabalin+nortriptyline is a combination medicine indicated for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury, etc. Neuropathic pain is a chronic progressive nerve disease which causes nerve pain due to nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system.
Pregabalin+nortriptyline is a combination of two drugs: Pregabalin (anti-convulsant) and Nortriptyline (antidepressant). Pregabalin affects the chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system. Nortriptyline works by increasing nerve transmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) in the brain, thereby reducing the pain messages arriving in the brain. Together, Pregabalin+nortriptyline helps to treat neuropathic pain.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, blurred vision, peripheral oedema (swelling of lower legs and hands), weight gain and dry mouth. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregabalin+nortriptyline may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Pregabalin+nortriptyline should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Pregabalin+nortriptyline as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Pregabalin+nortriptyline
Medicinal Benefits
Pregabalin+nortriptyline is a combination of two medicines, namely: Pregabalin and Nortriptyline. Pregabalin+nortriptyline is indicated for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury, etc. Pregabalin is an anti-convulsant which affects the chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system. Nortriptyline is an antidepressant which works by increasing the levels of nerve transmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) in the brain, thereby reduces the pain messages arriving in the brain. Together, Pregabalin+nortriptyline helps to treat neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pregabalin+nortriptyline
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Peripheral oedema (swelling of lower legs and hands)
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pregabalin+nortriptyline if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline if you have or had heart problems, bipolar syndrome, severe liver disease or if you have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. Consult your doctor before taking cough-cold medicines containing adrenaline-like drugs such as ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, isoprenaline, noradrenaline or phenylephrine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregabalin+nortriptyline may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Pregabalin+nortriptyline should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Pregabalin+nortriptyline as it could lead to increased drowsiness and sleepiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pregabalin+nortriptyline may interact with antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine, mirtazapine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, bupropion), pain killer (codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, acetaminophen), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, clonazepam, topiramate), anti-anxiety (diazepam, alprazolam), sedative-hypnotics (zolpidem), antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), muscle relaxant (cyclobenzaprine), antiemetic (ondansetron).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline as it might cause increased drowsiness and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have angioedema, creatine kinase elevations, heart problems, depression, fits, pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), bone marrow suppression, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), glaucoma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, thyroid problems, urinary retention, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline as it may cause increased drowsiness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline; your doctor will decide whether Pregabalin+nortriptyline can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafePregabalin+nortriptyline may cause drowsiness, sleepiness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPregabalin+nortriptyline should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include food rich in vitamin B and D in your diet.
- Include cayenne pepper in your diet as it can help in lowering neuropathic pain.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health and combating pain.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Try taking a warm bath as it can be soothing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower the stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation.
Special Advise
- Pregabalin+nortriptyline contains Nortriptyline which may cause suicidal thoughts. People taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline should be closely monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain is caused due to damaged sensory nerves. It is caused by chronic progressive nerve disease, infection or injury. The pain could be intermittent or continuous, which is felt as a prickling, stabbing, tingling or burning sensation. A feeling of numbness and loss of sensations is also common with neuropathic pain. Usually, the body sends the pain signals when there is an injury, but with neuropathic pain, the pain is not triggered by an injury; the body unpromptedly sends the pain signals. Symptoms include spontaneous, untriggered pain, unpleasant feeling, shooting, burning or stabbing pain, difficulty resting or sleeping and evoked pain (pain caused by events usually not painful).
FAQs
Pregabalin+nortriptyline contains Pregabalin and Nortriptyline. Pregabalin affects the chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system. Nortriptyline works by increasing nerve transmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) in the brain, thereby reducing the pain messages arriving in the brain. Together, Pregabalin+nortriptyline helps to treat neuropathic pain.
Pregabalin+nortriptyline may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercise and following a proper diet.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Pregabalin+nortriptyline. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Pregabalin+nortriptyline.
Pregabalin+nortriptyline is used to treat nerve pain due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerve damage occurs due to high blood glucose levels. It mostly damages the nerves in the legs and feet.
Pregabalin+nortriptyline may cause peripheral oedema. Peripheral oedema is the swelling of hands and lower legs. Avoid sitting or standing for too long. Raise your legs by putting a pillow under the legs while lying down.
