Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Pregabalin

Used For

Neuropathic Pain

How it works

Pregabalin reduces neuronal calcium currents by binding to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage gated calcium channels in CNS tissues and this particular mechanism may be responsible for effects in neuropathic pain, anxiety and other pain syndromes.

Dosage

Pregabalin

Side Effects

Very common: Dizziness, drowsiness and somnolence. Common:Increased appetite, euphoric mood, confusion, irritability, decreased libido, disorientation, insomnia, ataxia, abnormal coordination, tremor, dysarthria, memory impairment, disturbance in attention, paraesthesia, sedation, balance disorder, lethargy, headache, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, flatulence, erectile dysfunction, gait abnormal, feeling drunk, fatigue, peripheral oedema, oedema and weight increased. Uncommon:Nasopharyngitis, anorexia, hypoglycemia, hallucination, panic attack, restlessness, agitation, depression, depressed mood, mood swings, depersonalisation, word finding difficulty, abnormal dreams, libido increased, anorgasmia, apathy, syncope, stupor, myoclonus, psychomotor hyperactivity.

Drug Interactions

CNS depressants such as opiates or benzodiazepines , ethanol , lorazepam , oxycodone.

Indication

Pregabalin is indicated: – For the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. – For the management of postherpetic neuralgia. – For the treatment of pain associated with spinal cord injury . – As adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalization.- For the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. – For the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

When not to Use

Pregabalin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any the component of the product. – Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Precaution

As with all Antiepileptic Drugs, pregabalin should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency in patients with seizure disorders. If pregabalin is discontinued this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week.

Warning 1

Pregabalin should be discontinued immediately if symptoms of angioedema, such as facial, perioral or upper airway swelling occur.

Warning 2

Pregabalin associated weight gain is related to dose and duration of exposure. Some diabetic patients who gain weight on pregabalin treatment may need to adjust hypoglycemic medications.

Warning 3

Pregabalin may cause dizziness and somnolence and therefore may have an influence on the ability to drive or use machines or may increase the occurrence of accidental injuries especially in the elderly population.

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.