Pregabalin

• You must see your doctor regularly to make sure the treatment is working and check for possible side effects.
• You may need regular blood tests as suggested by your rheumatologist.
• It is important to tell your rheumatologist if you have a new serious illness such as a serious infection, cancer or heart failure.
• If you are worried about any side effects, you should contact your rheumatologist as soon as possible.
• If you stop pregabalin for any reason, you must contact your doctor.
• If you plan to become pregnant, you must discuss the timing with your doctor/rheumatologist.

Pregabalin is used to reduce neuropathic (nerve) pain and sensations such as hot, burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tingling, numbness, pins and needles pain and for pain that keeps you awake at night.

It is taken by mouth swallowed whole in capsule form.

When should it be taken?

Take this medicine with a full glass of water at the same time each day. It is often taken multiple times throughout the day and can be taken with or without food. 

if you miss a dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. 

What is the dosage?

Pregabalin comes in different strength capsules. The initial dose may be 25 to 75mg a day and increased to the lowest dose possible to control your pain. Usually, doses range from 150mg -600mg per day given in two or three divided doses. 

Can other medicines be taken with Pregabalin?

This medicine may be used alone or with other arthritis medicines including:

• Other Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.
• Steroid medicines such as prednisolone or cortisone injections into the joint. 
• Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Brufen, Nurofen). 
• Simple pain medicines such as paracetamol.

The absorption of Pregabalin is affected by certain indigestion/antacid mixtures.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy at the chemist, supermarket or health food shop.

You might experience side effects with your treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice side effects that you think are caused by this medicine. Many side effects disappear when pregabalin treatment is reduced/stopped. 

Most common possible side effects

This list includes the more common side effects of pregabalin, they are usually mild and short-lived.

• feeling tired or drowsy
• increase in weight
• dizziness
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• headache
• unsteadiness when walking, reduced co-ordination, shaking or tremors
• dry mouth
• blurred or double vision.

Less common or rare possible side effects

Contact your doctor if you suspect one of these adverse reaction:

• unusual changes in mood or behaviour
• signs of new or increased irritability or agitation
• signs of depression
• swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
• enlargement of breasts
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness and weakness
• passing little to no urine.

Very rare possible side effects

Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs, weight increase due to fluid build-up
• irritated red eyes that are sensitive to light
• sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

There have been reports of heart failure in some patients when taking pregabalin; these patients were mostly elderly with cardiovascular conditions. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.

Blood tests

Blood tests are not routinely required for this medication.

Use with alcohol

The combination of pregabalin and alcohol can cause significant drowsiness if you have just started on this medicine or the dose has recently been increased. You are advised not to drink alcohol when you first start this medicine and while the dose is being increased. Once you are on a stable dose and the drowsiness caused by the pregabalin stops, you may drink alcohol.

Driving and using machines

Pregabalin may cause dizziness, sleepiness and decreased concentration. You should not drive, operate complex machinery or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until you know whether this medicine affects your ability to perform these activities.

Use in pregnancy and when breastfeeding

It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding while on pregabalin. 

Store pregabalin in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light (e.g., not in the bathroom). 

Keep all medicines out of reach of children.