What is pregabalin prescribed for?
Pregabalin is used to treat epilepsy and anxiety. It’s also taken to treat nerve pain. Nerve pain can be caused by different conditions including diabetes and shingles, or an injury.
This popular medication, which is delivered via capsules, an oral liquid, or extended-release (long-acting) tablets, is a crucial, much needed quick remedy, which can help counter the unbearable chronic neuropathic pain which can suddenly flare up out of the blue without any apparent pain-inducing factor or event. Further, Pregabalin is used to anxiety, as well as fibromyalgia (a chronic condition which can generate pain, tenderness, stiff muscles, and insomnia). Moreover, it is also beneficial for the treatment of certain types of seizures .
Countless people suffer from neuropathic pain generated by damaged nerves all over the body. Indeed, it may be prevalent in your feet, toes, legs, arms, hands and fingers. Of note, if you have experienced an attack of shingles, you can still suffer from PHN even after the bout is over. PHN is a painful condition which impacts the nerve fibres and skin, resulting in unbearable deep, sharp, stabbing, burning aches and pains .
How does pregabalin work for pain?
Pregabalin works by changing the way that nerves send messages to your brain. If the messages are reduced, then the pain will be reduced. When should I take it? Normally, the starting dose is small and may be taken between one and three times a day, but the dose will be gradually increased.
This pharmaceutical works in various different ways:
• If you suffer from nerve pain, Pregabalin blocks your pain by hindering the automatic pain messages which travel through the brain and down the spine
• If you are epileptic, Pregabalin blocks seizures by lowering your brain’s abnormal electrical activity
• If you are subject to anxiety issues, Pregabalin prevents your brain from discharging the chemicals which make you feel anxious [2].
The Main Facts About Pregabalin
• You can take Pregabalin with or without food. Generally speaking, this medication is taken 2 or 3 times per day. After a full examination and reviewing your medical history, your Pain Specialist will give you a personalised treatment plan, which may also include other forms of pain treatment
• If you want to treat your pain or anxiety with Pregabalin, you do not have to suffer from epilepsy
• Pregabalin needs at least several weeks to work
• Side effects (which involve headaches, dizziness and feeling tired), are normally mild, and dissipate on their own accord
• Pregabalin is also referred to by its brand names: Rewisca, Lecaent, Lyrica, and Alzain
Is Pregabalin Suitable For Everyone?
Pregabalin is not suitable for all patients, and is only prescribed to adults over 18 years of age. When you book your first appointment with a Specialist Pain Consultant, be sure to inform your doctor if you:
• Have ever suffered an allergic reaction to any medication including Pregabalin
• Whether you have ever been addicted to, or have abused any form of medication
• If you have kidney problems, or are on a controlled potassium or sodium diet. – This is because pregabalin liquid contains potassium and sodium
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
Pregabalin side effects
Pregabalin can cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives or blisters on your skin; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Pregabalin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
weak or shallow breathing;
blue-colored skin, lips, fingers, and toes;
confusion, extreme drowsiness or weakness;
vision problems;
skin sores (if you have diabetes);
easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain (especially if you have diabetes or heart problems); or
unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have fever or don’t feel well).
Pregabalin can cause life-threatening breathing problems. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Breathing problems may be more likely in older adults or in people with COPD.
If you have diabetes, tell your doctor right away if you have any new sores or other skin problems.
References
[1]. National Institutes for Health (NIH) US National Library of Medicine (2021). “Pregabalin.” https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605045.html
[2]. NHS (2018). “Pregabalin.”
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/
