Pregabalin is used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia. While it is not known exactly how the drug works to treat these conditions, it is known to bind to certain parts of calcium channels in the central nervous system. The drug is taken by mouth, usually two or three times a day. Some possible side effects of pregabalin include dizziness, coordination problems, and weight gain.
Pregabalin (
Lyrica®) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
- Epilepsy -- The medication is approved to be used along with other seizure medications to treat a certain type of seizures called partial seizures.
- Fibromyalgia -- Pregabalin helps relieve the pain associated with this condition.
- Nerve pain -- The medication is also approved to treat the chronic nerve pain that occurs after an outbreak of shingles (known medically as postherpetic neuralgia) or due to diabetes (known medically as diabetic neuropathy).
Pregabalin is made by Pfizer, Inc.
How Does Pregabalin Work?
It is not known exactly how pregabalin works to prevent partial seizures in people with
epilepsy. In addition, it is not known exactly how the medication works for nerve pain or
fibromyalgia. Pregabalin is known to bind to certain parts of
calcium channels in the central nervous system, and this may be how it works for seizures, nerve pain, and
anxiety. Although not approved for
anxiety treatment, it has anti-anxiety properties and may be an effective
anxiety medication.
Nerve Pain
Six studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pregabalin for treating nerve pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or
postherpetic neuralgia. In these studies, people who took the drug experienced less pain, compared to those not taking it. Some people experienced pain relief quickly -- within one week of starting pregabalin.
In two different studies, pregabalin was shown to be effective for treating pain due to fibromyalgia. Some people taking the drug experienced pain relief as quickly as within one week. In general, these studies found that 600 mg per day was not more effective (but caused more side effects) than 450 mg per day.
Epilepsy
Pregabalin was evaluated in three studies for treating partial
seizures in people with
epilepsy. These studies included people who were already taking one to three other seizure medications and whose seizures were not adequately controlled. Depending on the dose, people who added pregabalin to their existing seizure medications decreased their number of seizures per month by up to 51 percent.
When and How to Take Pregabalin
Some general considerations for when and how to take pregabalin include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually two or three times daily.
- Pregabalin can be taken with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Pregabalin should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Pregabalin will not work if you stop taking it.
- Do not stop taking pregabalin without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Lyrica Withdrawal).
The dose of pregabalin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Pregabalin
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with pregabalin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Pregabalin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking pregabalin if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Heart disease, especially congestive heart failure (CHF)
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- A bleeding disorder
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Pregabalin?
It is not known what to expect from a pregabalin overdose. In previous studies, very high doses (up to 8000 mg) did not cause any problems, other than the usual side effects.
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Pregabalin Be Stored?
Pregabalin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the capsules in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your pregabalin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Pregabalin capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Pregabalin 25 mg
- Pregabalin 50 mg
- Pregabalin 75 mg
- Pregabalin 100 mg
- Pregabalin 150 mg
- Pregabalin 200 mg
- Pregabalin 300 mg
- Pregabalin 225 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Pregabalin?
Currently, there is no generic pregabalin licensed for sale
(see Generic Lyrica).
