Pregabalin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Pregabalin is a drug to treat nerve pain (neuropathic pain) due to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster(postherpetic neuralgia), spinal cord injury, or fibromyalgia.In addition, pregabalin can also be used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders.

Pregabalin belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs. This drug works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the nervous system. That way, pain and spasms can subside.

Please note that this drug is only used to relieve complaints and cannot cure seizures or diseases that cause nerve pain. This medication is available in capsule form and should only be used with a doctor's prescription.

Pregabalin trademark:Aprion, Glinov, Leptica, Lyrica, Neufar, Nomathic, PGB, Pregabalin, Prelin, Pregex, Provelyn

What's thatPregabalin

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryAnticonvulsants
BenefitRelieve pain from diabetic neuropathy, herpes zoster, fibromyalgia, or relieve seizures and anxiety disorders
Consumed byMature
Pregabalin for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether pregabalin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formCapsule

Warning Before Taking Preganalin

Pregabalin should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking pregabalin:

  • Do not take pregabalin if you are allergic to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), thrombocytopenia, mood, suicidal ideation, or depression.
  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had drug abuse or alcohol addiction.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are taking pregabalin, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor that you are taking pregabalin, especially if you are planning surgery, including dental surgery.
  • See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking pregabalin.

Dosage and Instructions for UsePregabalin

The doctor will give the dose and determine the length of treatment according to the patient's condition. The following are pregabalin doses for adults based on the condition being treated:

  • Condition: Nerve pain (neuropathic pain)

    Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. The dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 3–7 days. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

  • Condition: Fibromyalgia

    Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. The dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 1 week. The maximum dose is 450 mg per day.

  • Condition: Pain after herpes zoster infection or postherpetic neuralgia

    Dosage 75–150 mg per day 2 times a day. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

  • Condition:Partial seizure

    Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. The dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 1 week. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

  • Condition: Anxiety disorders

    Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. The dose can be increased to 150 mg per week. The maximum dose is 600 mg daily.

How to Take Pregabalin Correctly

Be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging when taking pregabalin. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.

Pregabalin can be taken before or after meals. Take pregabalin capsules with a glass of water to swallow the pregabalin tablets.

Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take pregabalin at the same time every day for maximum treatment.

Perform control according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.

Store pregabalin at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Pregabalin Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are drug interactions that can occur when taking pregabalin with other drugs:

  • Increased risk of angioedema when used with -class drugs ACE inhibitor
  • Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as coma or respiratory distress, when used with opioid drugs, such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone
  • Increased risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, when used with lorazepam, metoclopramide, or alprazolam

Effect SAmping and DangerPregabalin

The use of pregabalin causes side effects that vary in each patient. Side effects that may appear are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizzy
  • Headache
  • dry mouth
  • Nauseous
  • Fatigue
  • Throw up
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Change mood
  • Balance disorders
  • Tremor

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

  • Visual disturbance
  • Swelling in the hands, arms, or legs
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Muscle ache
  • Easy bruising
  • Suicidal ideation appears
  • hallucination