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Pregabalin

Rx only
Anticonvulsant✓ FDA-verified
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Pregabalin is a medication used to treat conditions like nerve pain from diabetes, pain after shingles, fibromyalgia, and certain types of seizures. It works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which helps reduce pain and seizure activity. You take it in capsule form, starting at 150 mg per day, which can be increased to a maximum of 600 mg per day depending on your needs. It's important to know that if you have a known allergy to pregabalin or its components, you should not take this medication. Additionally, if you're using opioids or other medications that can depress your breathing, be cautious, as combining them with pregabalin can lead to serious breathing problems.

Uses

  • Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
  • Postherpetic neuralgia.
  • Partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month and older.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.

Dosage

Start with 150 mg per day for adults.
Neuropathic pain: 300 mg per day maximum.
Postherpetic neuralgia: 300 mg per day maximum.
Fibromyalgia: 300 to 450 mg per day maximum.
Spinal cord injury pain: 300 mg per day maximum.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.

Side effects

Common

dizzinesssomnolencedry mouthedemablurred visionweight gain

Serious

angioedemahypersensitivitysuicidal behaviorrespiratory depression
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Risk of serious allergic reactions.
  • May cause suicidal thoughts or actions.
  • Abrupt discontinuation can increase side effects.
  • Adjust dose for patients with kidney issues.

Drug interactions

  • Oxycodoneincreased risk of sedationMonitor
  • Lorazepamincreased risk of sedationMonitor
  • Ethanolincreased risk of sedation.Monitor

Ask about this drug

Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).