Pregabalin: What It Is Used For, How It Helps, Its Side-Effects
What Is Pregabalin?
Starting With Pregabalin
Pregabalin is medication geared towards alleviating nerve pains. Legally, it can only be acquired through a prescription. Despite its multiple uses, it’s an anticonvulsant drug or, in simpler terms, a drug used in managing seizures. It’s popularly known to alleviate symptoms related to nerve overstimulation which include pain, seizures and anxiety.
Brand Names and Availability
Most people get their prescription from Lyrica, as it is the most popular brand name in use today. Depending on the patient’s needs, doctor’s recommendations, and prescription, it can come in capsule, liquid, and even extended-release tablet form.
How Pregabalin Works
Mechanism of Action
Pregabalin is quite unique in the way it operates as a medication. While most pain relievers and antidepressants provide a more general approach, pregabalin prefers a more targeted method: dampening nerve activity. This is achieved by binding to specific calcium channels in the brain and spinal motor cord (which pregabalin does) leading to decreased release of key neurotransmitters like glutamate and substance P.
What It Does In The Nervous System.
This dampening band of pregabalin acts on nerve pain, anxiety and seizures. Instead of being obliterated, the electrical storm of pain is turned down.
What It Does To Brain Chemicals
Pregabalin’s back story is one of an underappreciated hero; although it directly targets neither dopamine, nor serotonin, it’s still a great auxílio for nerves trying to calm down by way of alleviating pain and anxiety symptoms, especially in situations where other treatments were proven futile.
Common Uses of Pregabalin.
Treating Nerve Pain.
One of the primary reasons people take pregabalin is to manage neuropathic pain caused by diabetes, shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), spinal cord injuries, or fibromyalgia. It eases the burning, painful, or tingling sensations that arise because of stroking nerves.
Managing Epilepsy.
This medication is used as an adjunct treatment for some who suffer from partial seizures. It doesn’t stop epilepsy from occuring, but aids in lessening the frequency and potency of the episodes.
Anxiety Disorders.
In some nations, pregabalin is authorized for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as it’s capable of inducing tranquility without the addiction that comes from benozodiazepines such as Xanax.
Off-Label Uses.
Some doctors opt to prescribe pregabalin for insomnia, migraine, or even bipolar disorder. These are rarer and should be tightly monitored.
Dosage and Administration.
Recommended dosages for getting treatment for various conditions differ.
Nerve pain/fibromyalgia: 150-300 mg daily dosage split into 2-3 doses.
Epilepsy: Begin with 75 mg twice daily; cap around 600 mg/day.
Anxiety: Usually begins with 150 mg/day, increased as necessary.
How To Take Pregabalin.
Take Pregabalin exactly how it was instructed to you. It can be consumed with food or without, just try to make taking it at the exact same time each day your goal.
What if You Forget to Take a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of your medicine, do not worry. Simply take it as soon as you remember. In case it is almost time for the next dose, avoid taking the skipped dose and do not take two doses at once.
Pregabalin Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Trouble seeing clearly
- Increased weight
- Difficulty focusing
Serious Side Effects
Infrequent side effects, but some users report less common side effects:
- Thoughts of self harm
- Swollen limbs
- Severe allergy attacks
- Inability to breathe
Potential Risks
Some patients bluntly report experiencing dependence on the medication, brain fog, or being able to gain weight over time. Regular consulting with a doctor is essential in order to safeguard against these risks.
People do not usually face issues taking Pregabalin but those with the below concerns should consult a professional and take necessary precautions due to safety risks.
Medical conditions that can pose a threat
Do not take Pregabalin if you suffer from:
- Allergic to the drug
- Severe weakness in renal system
- Addiction issues in the past
Women who are pregnant and lactating
Its use is generally avoided during pregnancy due to lack of sufficient data on safety but it can be used if necessary with a doctor’s approval. It is also important to note that this drug is likely to enter mother’s milk so consult a doctor beforehand.
Drug Allergies
Aren’t active against any anticonvulsants or waiting for their non-active ingredients in these pack caps.
Drug interactions to avoid
Unbelievably active combination include
- Alcohol
- Sleeping aids
- Opioids for example Oxycodone
- Antihistamines
Using any of these with each other is likely to be hazardous to one’s health due to increase risk of fainting, drowsiness, becoming dizzy, or facing worrisome difficulty breathing.
Wine and Pregabalin
The sedative side effects of pregabalin could be worsened if using alcohol. For safety reasons, don’t consume alcohol with this medication.
Other CNS Depressants
It’s not advisable to combine pregabalin and other central nervous system depressants. Always tell your physician what other medications you are taking.
Pregabalin and Gabapentin
What Are the Similarities and Differences?
Both treat nerve pain along with seizures, and both interact with calcium channels. Nevertheless, pregabalin has a much greater potency, is quicker acting, and is better absorbed in the body.
Which One Works Better?
That depends on the person. Some tend to respond much better to gabapentin (Neurontin), particularly when cost is an issue since pregabalin is known to be more expensive.
Withdrawal and Dependence
Is Pregabalin Addictive?
Yes, it can be. While it isn’t a controlled substance, some people do develop dependence, particularly at higher doses or with a previous history of drug use.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
These include:
Anxiety
Increased perspiration
Insomnia
Seizures, though rare.
Tapering Off Safely
Work with your doctor to find a suitable plan to reduce your dose if you want to stop pregabalin.
How to Use Pregabalin Safely
Best Practices
Always follow your doctor’s dose recommendations.
Do not operate heavy machinery such as cars until you are familiar with the side effects of the medication on your system.
Avoid alcohol consumption
Avoid skipping out on appointments with your doctor.
Side Effect Tracking
Make note of any changes such as memory loss, unusual weight gain, or shifts in your emotional state and report them to a health care professional.
With Your Physician
Be upfront about any substance or mental health disorders you may have. Pregabalin is going to impact these conditions more than one can anticipate.
Feedback From Actual Users
Positive
Users for the first time report significant improvements such as decreased pain levels, better sleep, and an overall improved standard of living, particularly for users suffering from anxiety or nerve pain.
Common Issues
Drowsiness, weight gain, and dizziness are some of the common complaints concerning side effects emerging. After sustained usage of higher doses, some users report feeling “zombie-like”.
Chronic Users Tips
Increase dosing gradually and allow for the body to stabilize before escalating further. Make sure to change your diet and increase the level of physical exercise to reduce side effects.
Alternatives To Pregabalin
Other Prescribed Medications
Amitriptyline
Cymbalta, also known as Duloxetine
Gabapentin
Holistic Or Natural Options
Acupuncture
Meditation
Mindfulness
CBD oil
Anti-inflammatory Diet
Be sure to consult with your physician before combining different methods of treatment.
Use and Classification of the Medication
Classification of Controlled Substance
As with the rest of this chapter, pregabalin is legally classified as a Schedule V controlled substance in many countries, which means it can be abused, and therefore has some degree of misuse potential. Caution is advised, keep it stored securely.
Obtaining legal permission to use medication
A prescription from an appropriate medical practitioner is a legal requirement. Be ready for recurrent visits to the examined and treated.
Final Thoughts
Pregabalin is capable of effectively controlling many peripheral neuropathic pain, anxiety, and seizure disorders, but it is also not without challenges. Side effects, dependence possibilities, and the strict dose requirements highlight that its use should always be under medical supervision. If you’re suffering from chronic nerve pain, or debilitating anxiety, then yes, pregabalin may very well be what answers you are looking for, but do ensure there’s a physician guiding you.
Most common queries posed by patients
- What is the time-frame for pregabalin to show results?
Effect is usually noted within a few days, with maximum benefit taking up to two weeks. - Is it advisable to take pregabalin with other medications?
Wanting to take it with food is a smart idea because it may help with nausea and stomach upset. - Can the patient operate a vehicle with pregabalin?
Not until you are used to how it affects you, as drowsiness and dizziness are frequent effects. - Is it safe to use pregabalin for a long time?
It is safe as long as you have periodic follow-up consultations to check for potential adverse effects and tolerance.
- Is there a risk of addiction in taking pregabalin?
There is a risk for dependence in using pregabalin especially if it was not prescribed or properly guided.
