Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Pregabalin ? It may be for nerve pain or to control a condition like epilepsy . It is often known in our country by the brand name Lyrica. Whatever the name, there are some important things you need to know about this medication. Don't worry, we will talk about it all simply and clearly.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Pregabalin works by calming the overactive nerves in our body's nervous system. Imagine, sometimes our nerves send continuous pain signals to the brain. This is what happens in things like diabetic foot ulcers and post -herpetic neuralgia . Pregabalin works by controlling these overactive signals and reducing pain. It also helps calm the abnormal electrical activity in the brain of someone with epilepsy.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation or problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Depression or suicidal thoughts | Pregabalin can alter the mental state of some people, so it is important to be aware of this beforehand. |
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. If there is a problem with the kidneys, the dosage of the medicine may need to be changed. |
| Heart disease (Heart failure) | This medication may cause water retention in the body and swelling in the legs. This can affect heart conditions. |
| Breathing difficulties (e.g. asthma, COPD) | Taking it with other medications that cause drowsiness can slow down your breathing rate. |
| Substance use disorder | This medication has some degree of addictive potential, so the doctor should be aware of that. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should discuss the effects of this medication during pregnancy with your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | Since the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should also seek medical advice about this. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is important to know if you are allergic to Pregabalin or anything it contains. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed time.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- Try to take it at the same time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- You can take this before or after meals . If you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to.
If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, you may experience symptoms such as insomnia , headaches , and nausea. These are called 'Withdrawal symptoms '. Therefore, if you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with Pregabalin
Pregabalin can cause unwanted effects when taken with other medications and substances. In particular, drowsiness and dizziness may increase. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine/substance | What to pay special attention to |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. |
| Painkillers (especially opioids) | When taken with strong painkillers such as Tramadol and Morphine, excessive drowsiness and breathing difficulties may occur. |
| Benzodiazepines (Sedatives and sleeping pills) | Taking it with medications such as Diazepam and Clonazepam can cause excessive drowsiness and dangerous conditions. |
| Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Drowsiness is further increased when taken with sleep-inducing medications such as Piriton. |
| Some medications for diabetes | When taken with medications such as Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone, weight gain and leg swelling may increase. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy , and have trouble concentrating. Therefore , avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Standing and sitting: To reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, get up slowly when standing up from a sitting position and when getting out of bed.
- Mental health: In a very small number of people, this medicine may cause new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If you or your family notice any unusual changes in your behavior, thoughts, or mood , tell your doctor right away.
- For epilepsy: If you are taking this medication for epilepsy, it is wise to carry a card or medical ID that lists your condition and the medications you are taking.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Pregabalin can cause side effects in some people. Most of these are not serious. However, there are some symptoms that we should be especially aware of.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. This is an emergency (Angioedema). |
| Mental changes | Depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, severe changes in behavior. |
| Vision changes | Things like blurred vision or double vision. |
| Muscle pain | Severe muscle pain and weakness that occurs without a cause. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Easy bruising or unusual bleeding. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | It is common in the early stages of starting the medication. |
| Dry mouth | Drinking more water and chewing sugar-free gum may help. |
| Swelling of the legs, hands, and ankles | If this persists, inform the doctor. |
| Weight gain | This can be controlled with a balanced diet and exercise. |
How do you store and dispose of the medication?
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets .
- This medicine has the potential for abuse, so do not give it to anyone else . This medicine is for you only.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- When disposing of unused medications, ask your doctor about a plan for doing so. Otherwise, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like coffee grounds, soil, or used tea leaves, and place them in a sealable bag or container and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Pregabalin is an important medication for nerve pain and epilepsy. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Also be careful with other medications that can cause drowsiness.
- If you notice an unusual change in your mood or behavior, don't be afraid or embarrassed about it, but talk to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving until you know how this medicine affects you.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Pregabalin used for?
Pregabalin is one of the best medications for reducing pain caused by nerve disorders (e.g., numbness and pain in the legs due to diabetes). It is also given to reduce seizures and people with severe anxiety.
💬 What are the side effects of taking Prigabalin?
Many people who take this medication may experience dizziness, extreme drowsiness, swelling in the legs and arms, and weight gain at first. However, these symptoms gradually decrease as the body gets used to it.
💬 Is it okay to stop taking the Prigabalin pill suddenly?
No, never stop taking Priligy suddenly without your doctor's approval. Doing so can cause headaches, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. This should be tapered off gradually.
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