Pregabalin (By mouth)
pre-GA-ba-lin
Treats nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia. Also treats seizures.
Drug classes
Anticonvulsant, Neuropathic Pain Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pregabalin is used with other medicines to help control partial seizures (convulsions) in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine will not cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Pregabalin is also used for postherpetic neuralgia (pain that occurs after shingles) and pain caused by nerve damage from diabetes or a spinal cord injury. It is used to treat a condition called fibromyalgia (muscle pain and stiffness).
Pregabalin works in the central nervous system (CNS) to control seizures and pain. It is an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how pregabalin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone) An ACE inhibitor (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to pregabalin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, angioedema, a bleeding disorder, or a low blood platelet count. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, depression, or other mood problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serious allergic reactions Suicidal thoughtsThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Blurry or double vision
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, fever, or general ill feeling
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe dizziness or drowsiness
Sudden mood changes, unusual thoughts or behavior such as extreme happiness or depression
Suicidal thoughts
Swelling in your throat, head, or neck
Uneven heartbeat
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Confusion, trouble concentrating
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lyrica
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
