Details

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain that send pain signals across the nervous system. Pregabalin is used to control seizures and to treat fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury. Do not stop using pregabalin without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhoea. To make sure you can safely take pregabalin, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure diabetes kidney disease a bleeding disorder low levels of platelets in your blood a history of depression or suicidal thoughts a history of drug or alcohol addiction or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

Typical Uses

Pregabalin is used to treat pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes or to shingles (herpes zoster) infection. It may also be used to treat nerve pain caused by spinal cord injury. This medication is also used to treat pain in people with fibromyalgia. It is also used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (partial onset seizures).

Side Effects

Pregabalin side effects may include muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired) vision problems easy bruising or bleeding or swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Drug Interactions

• Pregabalin+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with pregabalin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should take propoxyphene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take larger doses or use the drug more frequently than prescribed.
• Pregabalin+buprenorphine- Using buprenorphine together with other medications that cause central nervous system depression such as pregabalin can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, or even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Pregabalin+sodium oxybate- Using sodium oxybate together with pregabalin may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, depression, low blood pressure, slow or shallow breathing, and impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. Occasionally, severe reactions may result in coma and even death.

Mechanism of action

Pregabalin belongs to group of medications called antiepileptics. It acts by modifying the release of certain substances released by the nerves in the brain (neurotransmitters) to restrict the transfer of pain signals between nerves, thereby reducing pain caused by damage to the nerves, as well as symptoms of fits (seizures).

Pregnancy Category : C