Do you also feel numbness in your limbs, or burning, or electric shock-like pain along the veins? Pregabalin is a drug that doctors often recommend for nerve pain, especially those that come with conditions like diabetes. It works by calming the overactive nerves in our body and controlling that pain. So today, let's talk about this important drug in simple terms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes Pregabalin, it is important that he or she knows about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have or have had an addiction to drugs or other medications .
- If you have heart disease such as heart failure .
- If you have kidney disease (this is very important because this medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys).
- If you have lung diseases .
- If you have had thoughts of harming yourself, depression, or similar attempts in the past.
- If you have an allergy to Pregabalin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
Sharing this information with your doctor will help him treat you safely. So don't hide anything.
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to use it properly.
- Swallow with water: Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Take it at the right time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you. It is usually recommended to take it after dinner.
- Do not break, crush, or chew: This is a specially formulated tablet (Extended-Release). Therefore , do not break, crush, or chew the tablet . The tablet should be swallowed whole. Failure to do so may cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Take with food: It is best to take this pill with a meal.
- Do not stop taking the medicine on your own: Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Stopping it suddenly can cause discomfort. If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
What to do if you 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 a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, so never share it with anyone else.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Pregabalin can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements).
| Type of substance/drug that may cause problems | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Excessively increases drowsiness and dizziness. It is best to stop completely. |
| Medicines for colds and allergies (Antihistamines) | May increase drowsiness. |
| Medication for depression or sleep | Drowsiness and drowsiness may increase excessively. |
| Some high blood pressure medications | Inform your doctor about this. |
| Some diabetes medications (e.g. Pioglitazone) | Weight gain and swelling of the limbs may occur. |
| Narcotic medications | There is a risk of respiratory distress and severe drowsiness. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know exactly how this medicine affects you .
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting position or getting out of bed can make you feel dizzy and fall. Especially if you are an elderly person, wait a while before getting up.
- Behavioral changes: This is very important. If you or your family members notice any changes in your behavior, for example , if you are more depressed than before, have thoughts of harming yourself, are often angry, feel anxious, or have memory loss, talk to your doctor right away.
- Do not stop suddenly: As we said before, do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Effects on fertility: There have been reports that this medication may have some effect on male fertility. If you are hoping to have children, talk to your doctor about this as well.
Side effects of the medicine
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions / Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Blurred vision | Blurred vision or double vision. |
| Mental changes | Thoughts of self-harm and increased depression. |
| Difficulty breathing | Breathing becomes slow or difficult. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Nausea |
| Swelling of ankles, feet, hands | Weight gain |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets. It can be very harmful to them.
- Keep it in a safe place: Since this medicine has the potential to be addictive, keep it in a safe place that can be protected from theft.
- Dispose of expired medications: Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. Usually, you can take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Pregabalin is a medication used to treat nerve pain. It should be swallowed whole, without breaking or crushing the tablet.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can cause excessive drowsiness and other problems.
- If you experience any changes in your behavior or mood, especially symptoms of depression or thoughts of harming yourself, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require attention, as you may feel drowsy or dizzy while taking the medicine.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else.
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