Uses
What is pregabalin used for?
Pregabalin is commonly used to treat nerve pain that may be associated with diabetes, herpes zoster (shingles), or injury to the spinal cord. It is also used to treat pain from fibromyalgia.
Pregabalin is also used in people with epilepsy to treat and prevent seizures, sometimes called convulsions.
Pregabalin may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does pregabalin work (mechanism of action)?
Pregabalin works in the central nervous system, or CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Pregabalin may reduce the release of certain chemicals in the CNS that signal for pain.
It is believed that pregabalin also blocks abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures, which slows down the spread of seizures.
How is pregabalin supplied (dosage forms)?
Pregabalin is available as Lyrica, Lyrica CR, and generic pregabalin in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 82.5 mg, 165 mg, 330 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg oral capsules
- 20 mg/mL oral solution
How should I store pregabalin?
Pregabalin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep pregabalin in its original package.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of pregabalin?
The most common side effects of pregabalin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness (see below)
- Sleepiness (see below)
- Headache (extended-release tablets)
- Tiredness (extended-release tablets)
- Fluid retention (see below)
- Nausea (extended-release tablets)
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating (capsules or solution)
- Increased appetite (in children)
There may be other side effects of pregabalin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pregabalin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of pregabalin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pregabalin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pregabalin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Angioedema. Pregabalin may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking pregabalin and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If it is causing problems breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Pregabalin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Breathing Problems. Pregabalin can cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you are taking another medicine that can cause slowed breathing, such as the opioid medicines codeine or oxycodone, or if you already have breathing problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start pregabalin or when your dose is increased. Get emergency help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
- Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Dizziness or Sleepiness. Pregabalin can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pregabalin affects you.
Fluid Retention and Weight Gain. Pregabalin can cause fluid retention and weight gain, especially when used with other medicines, such as certain medicines used to treat diabetes, like pioglitazone. Contact your healthcare provider if you have swelling in your feet, hands, or legs or if you are gaining weight.
Eye Effects. Pregabalin may cause blurred vision or other vision disturbances. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your vision changes.
Muscle Problems. Pregabalin may cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking pregabalin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark-colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Severely Low Platelet Levels. Pregabalin can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nosebleeds
Heart Rhythm Changes. Pregabalin may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms of heart rhythm changes.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use pregabalin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pregabalin.
- Lyrica or Lyrica CR
- Pregabalin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pregabalin products they stock.
What should I know about pregabalin before using it?
Do not take pregabalin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share pregabalin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep pregabalin out of the reach of children. Pregabalin is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store pregabalin in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
If you take the liquid form of pregabalin, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
Do not chew, cut, or crush pregabalin extended-release tablets.
Take pregabalin extended-release tablets after your evening meal.
Stopping pregabalin suddenly can increase your risk for seizures or withdrawal reactions such as anxiety, diarrhea, headache, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Do not stop taking pregabalin without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to slowly stop pregabalin.
Pregabalin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pregabalin affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using pregabalin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pregabalin is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- History of angioedema
- Bleeding problems
- Breathing problems
- Depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Diabetes
- Heart problems, including heart failure
- Kidney problems
- History of abusing alcohol, street drugs, or prescription medicines
- Plans to father a child
Other Medicines and Supplements. Pregabalin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using pregabalin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Pregabalin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking pregabalin, you can register for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Pregabalin passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended if you are taking pregabalin. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does pregabalin interact with foods or drinks?
Avoid taking pregabalin extended-release tablets on an empty stomach. Instead, take it after your evening meal. You can take pregabalin capsules or solution with or without food.
Do not drink alcohol while taking pregabalin. Drinking alcohol while taking pregabalin can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness.
Does pregabalin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using pregabalin.
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- Pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia), which is a medicine for diabetes
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pregabalin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much pregabalin?
If you or someone else has used too much pregabalin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of pregabalin?
If you miss a dose of pregabalin capsules or solution, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you miss a dose of pregabalin extended-release tablets after your evening meal, take it after a snack before you go to bed. If you do not take it before bed, take it the next morning after breakfast. If you do not take it after breakfast, take your usual dose after your evening meal. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Pregabalin (Lyrica)?
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