The U.S. FDA-approved Pregabalin for neurological disorders on December 30, 2004. Pregabalin belongs to the medication class known as an anti-epileptic drug also called an anticonvulsant which is used to prevent or reduce seizures in individuals with epilepsy or certain other neurological disorders.

Pregabalin is used to treat epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves) in adults. Additionally, it is used to treat fibromyalgia (pain all over the body), nerve damage that can occur in patients with diabetes, and spinal cord injury.

Take the Pregabalin as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Pregabalin are sleepiness, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, dizziness, increase in appetite, drowsiness, and headache. Serious side effects while taking Pregabalin are serious allergic reactions (swelling of the mouth, lips, gums, throat, tongue, troubled breathing, rash, raised bumps, and blisters), sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, swelling of hands, feet, and legs, weight gain, muscle problems, muscle pain, soreness, or weakness, problems with eyesight, including blurry vision.

Pregabalin should not be consumed if you are allergic to Pregabalin or any of its ingredients in the medication. Before taking Pregabalin, inform your doctor if you have serious skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), dizziness, blurred or loss of vision, thoughts of self-harm, or suicidal behavior. Notify your doctor about the history of serious medical conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney disease. 

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have gastrointestinal issues, convulsions, reduced brain function (encephalopathy), or breathing difficulties. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 18 years old. The dosage adjustment is needed for patients with kidney problems. Some patients with diabetes who experience weight gain while taking Pregabalin may need dose adjustments to their diabetic medications. 

Liver, heart, and kidney patients should take Pregabalin cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Pregabalin unless your doctor advises.  

Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 30°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. MSN Laboratories Europe Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on September 2022] [Accessed on 1st June 2023], *pil.13404.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
2. Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration; [Revised on May 2018] [Accessed on 1st June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021446s035,022488s013lbl.pdf
3. Sheena Derry et al; Pregabalin for neuropathic pain in adults; [Revised on 2019] [Accessed on 1st June 2023], https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30673120/
4. Cross AL; Viswanath O; Sherman AI; Pregabalin; NCBI Bookshelf; [Revised on 2021] [Accessed on 1st June 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470341/#_NBK470341_pubdet_

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.