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
Sleepiness, Weight gain, Dryness in mouth, Blurred vision, Dizziness, Headache, Peripheral edema, Fluctuating blood pressure, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Gastrointestinal intolerance, Low blood platelets, Abnormal gait, Joint pain, Visual disturbance, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), Anaphylactic reaction, Abnormal ECG, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Heart failure, Blood cell abnormalities, Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in blood, Infection, Gastrointestinal disturbance
Available Medicine for Pregabalin
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, tiredness, muscle stiffness and tenderness as well as difficulty falling 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?
It may take a few weeks to see full benefits while taking Pregabalin. However, people have experienced relief from pain after a week of starting Pregabalin.