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Pregabalin
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About pregabalin
| Type of medicine | Antiepileptic |
| Used for | Treatment of epilepsy Nerve pain Anxiety |
| Also called | Lyrica |
| Available as | Capsules |
Pregabalin works in the brain and the nerves to help control certain types of epilepsy and relieve nerve pain. It can also help to relieve anxiety.
Before taking pregabalin
Before taking pregabalin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems or have kidney dialysis.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take pregabalin
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet.
- Take pregabalin exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Your doctor will give you a low dose to start with and this will be gradually increased until you reach the best dose for you.
- Try to take your medicine at the same times each day. If you forget a dose take it as soon as your remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose miss out the forgotten dose and take the next one on time. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Pregabalin may increase your appetite. Be careful to stick to a healthy diet and not eat too much to stop you from gaining weight .
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor’s appointments so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can pregabalin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Being sick | Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast |
| Dizziness, drowsiness, problems with vision, poor concentration | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or can not see properly. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
Other less comon side effects include problems keeping an erection, lack of interest in sex, excess wind, problems with speech, feeling irritable, feeling high, pins and needles, changes in taste, strange dreams, fast or fluttering heart beat, indigestion, hot flushes, dry nose, feeling depressed, problems sleeping, swollen joints, sweating, rash.
Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or shortness of breath you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to pregabalin and you should go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.
How to store pregabalin
- Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
- Manufacturer's PIL, Lyrica®; Patient Information Leaflet, Lyrica® Capsules, Pfizer Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium, Text revised February 2008, accessed 11/04/2008
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