Pregabalin
Information about Pregabalin
Pregabalin uses
How pregabalin works
Pregabalin is an antiepileptic medication. When given for epilepsy, it is believed to work by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thus preventing seizures. It is also used to treat nerve pain where it blocks pain by interfering with pain signals travelling through the damaged nerves and the brain. For treatment of anxiety, it is believed to work by stopping the release of certain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that make you feel anxious.
Common side effects of pregabalin
Blurred vision, Difficulty in paying attention, Dizziness, Dryness in mouth, Edema (swelling), Sleepiness, Weight gain
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Last updated on:
20 Feb 2020 | 06:25 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Pregabalin
- Pregabalin should be taken as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
- It may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- It may cause blurring or loss of vision. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any vision changes.
- Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your underlying condition.
Frequently asked questions for Pregabalin
Pregabalin
Q. What is Pregabalin and what is it used for?
Pregabalin belongs to the anticonvulsants class of medicines. It is used to treat seizures. It is also helpful in treating nerve pain (neuropathic pain) which could be due to diabetes, shingles, or injury. It is also used in fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). In some cases, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for the treatment of anxiety.
Q. Pregabalin has varied roles, does it work in the same way for each disease?
No, Pregabalin works in different ways for different diseases. In epilepsy, it stops seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In chronic pain, it blocks pain messages travelling from brain to spine.
Q. I have been prescribed Pregabalin for pain due to shingles. When can I expect relief from pain?
Pregabalin may require a few weeks to see full benefits. However, people have felt relief from pain after a week of starting Pregabalin.
Q. How long do I need to take Pregabalin?
Duration for the use of Pregabalin depends on the condition for which you are taking this medicine. If you are taking it for epilepsy, and it is effectively helping you then, you may have to continue it for years. If you are taking it for pain (neuropathic and fibromyalgia pain), it is likely that once your symptoms have gone you will have to continue taking it for several months to ensure stopping the problem from coming back. It is advised to not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Q. Is it necessary to continue taking Pregabalin even if I feel fine?
Even if you feel fine, you should not stop Pregabalin. If you are taking it for epilepsy and suddenly stop its consumption, you may have seizures that will not stop. Stopping it suddenly may result in withdrawal symptoms and you may experience anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, feeling sick, pain and sweating. These can be prevented if the dose of Pregabalin is reduced gradually.
Q. Is Pregabalin addictive?
Addiction to Pregabalin is more common in people who take it for unauthorized reasons. Taking more than the recommended doses and for long periods of time may also cause addiction. In addition to that, any person who has a history of drug abuse should never use Pregabalin. In case you feel you are becoming physically dependent on Pregabalin, inform your doctor immediately.
Q. Can I take diazepam and Pregabalin together?
Yes, Pregabalin and diazepam can be used together but there might be a chance of increased side effects, since both act on the brain to depress excessive activity.
Q. Can the use of Pregabalin cause weight gain?
Yes, Pregabalin may cause weight gain because it increases your hunger. Regular physical exercise and a balanced diet with low calorie food may help you keep your weight stable. Consult a dietician if you have any further concerns to keep your weight stable.