Pregabalin is a medication that is often prescribed fro the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain and other health conditions that interfere with normal nerve functioning. It acts on the nervous system regulate nerve cell activity.
Pregabalin found accessed at the pharmacy and is sold in the form of capsules or tablets, in doses of 25 mg, 35 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg of pregabalin. It is also available as a 25 mg/mL oral solution.
Pregabalin should be taken as prescribed by your neurologist or general practitioner, and is only sold with a medical prescription.
Common uses
Pregabalin is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Epilepsy
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Fibromyalgia
Pregabalin should be taken as prescribed by your neurologist, who may also recommend other medications to treat these health conditions.
How to take it
Pregabalin is taken orally with a cup of water, before or after meals. Dosing, timing and duration of treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
Pregabalin use in adults varies depending on what it is prescribed for. Dosing recommendations include:
1. Neuropathic pain
For neuropathic pain in adults, which includes diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, the recommended starting dose is 75 mg of pregabalin twice a day.
Depending on the response and tolerance to the treatment, the doctor may increase the dose to 150 mg, twice a day, after an interval of 3 to 7 days and, if necessary, up to a maximum dose of 300 mg, twice a day, after another week.
2. Epilepsy
The recommended starting dose for the treatment of epilepsy in adults is 75 mg of pregabalin, twice a day.
This dose can be increased by the doctor to 150 mg, twice a day after 1 week of treatment, according to the response to treatment.
If necessary, after an additional week, the dose can be increased to up to 300 mg, twice a day, as per medical advice.
3. Generalized anxiety disorder
The recommended starting dose for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults is 75 mg of pregabalin twice a day.
This dose can be increased by the doctor to 300 mg per day, after 1 week, and after another week, it can be increased to 450 mg per day. The maximum dose of 600 mg per day, which can be reached after an additional week of treatment.
The maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg of pregabalin per day.
4. Fibromyalgia
For the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults, the initial dose is 75 mg of pregabalin, twice a day, which can be increased by the doctor to 150 mg, twice a day, within a week, depending on individual efficacy and tolerability.
For people who have do not have a therapeutic benefit with a total 300 mg daily, the doctor may consider increasing to 225 mg taken twice daily.
The maximum dose should not exceed 450 mg of pregabalin per day. Learn about other fibromyalgia medications that your doctor may prescribe.
What to do if you forget to take a dose
If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember. You should skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of pregabalin are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, swelling in the hands or feet, nasopharyngitis, headache, decreased libido or blurred vision.
Furthermore, you should inform your doctor if you experience anxiety, confusion, irritability, depression, disorientation, insomnia, panic attacks, impulsivity, irritation, agitation, aggressiveness or thoughts about suicide or harming yourself.
Pregabalin may also cause muscle cramps, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Does Pregabalin cause weight gain?
One of the common side effects of pregabalin is increased appetite and weight, so some people are likely to gain weight while taking this medicine.
However, not everyone gains weight with pregabalin, and studies show that only between 1 and 10% of people experience weight gain.
If you experience sudden weight gain or swelling, especially if you have diabetes or heart problems, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Contraindications for use
Pregabalin should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the compounds in the formula.
Furthermore, pregabalin should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if indicated by the doctor after evaluating the benefits of the treatment for the woman and possible risks for the baby.
Some diabetic people who are being treated with pregabalin and who gain weight may need to adjust their diabetes medication.
