Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Pretyline?
Pretyline is a combination of two medicines: Pregabalin and Nortriptyline. This medicine is useful in the treatment of nerve pain (neuropathic pain). It calms the damaged or overactive nerves by acting on the brain. Thereby, decreasing the pain sensation.
Q. Can I stop taking Pretyline when my pain is relieved?
No, you should not stop taking Pretyline even if your pain is relieved. Continue to take it as advised by your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Pretyline, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleeping difficulties, nausea, pain and sweating. You may need to gradually taper the dose before you stop the medication completely.
Q. How to manage weight gain associated with the use of Pretyline?
Pretyline can make you feel hungry which might make you eat more, thereby increasing your chances of putting on weight.. However, preventing weight gain is easier than losing increased weight. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes (per-meal intake). DO not eat foods that contain a lot of calories, such as soft drinks, oily food, chips, cakes, biscuits, and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, avoid eating junk food and eat fruits, vegetables and low-calorie foods. Regular exercise will prevent weight gain. If you maintain good eating habits and exercise regularly, you might not gain any weight.
Q. Can the use of Pretyline cause sleepiness or drowsiness?
Yes, Pretyline may make you feel drowsy or you may suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities. Sometimes, you might not even feel drowsy or have any other warning signs before you suddenly fall asleep. Avoid driving a car, operating machinery, working at heights or participating in potentially dangerous activities at the beginning of your treatment until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your doctor if you experience such episodes while taking this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Pretyline affect my sexual life?
The use of Pretyline can affect the sexual life of both men and women. Most commonly caused problems are decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (inability to develop or maintain erection during the sexual activity) and inability to reach orgasm. It can also cause a decrease in satisfaction and cause discomfort while intercourse. If you experience these problems, discuss them with your doctor but do not stop taking Pretyline.
Q. Are there any serious side effects associated with the use of Pretyline?
Serious side effects because of Pretyline are uncommon and rare. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following: changes in body temperature, difficulty in breathing, increased heartbeat (palpitations), weakness, unsteadiness when walking, reduced coordination or slowed reactions, unusual changes in mood or behavior (such as restlessness, nervousness or excitement), signs of depression, seeing or hearing things that are not there, irrational thinking, blurred or double vision, uncontrollable jerky eye movements, difficulty seeing, signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These side effects are uncommon but may be serious and need urgent medical attention.
Q. How long will the Pretyline take to act?
An initial benefit with Pretyline may be seen after 2 weeks of treatment. However, it may take around 2-3 months to see full benefit. It may even take longer in some patients.
Q. What if I forget to take Pretyline?
If you forget to take the scheduled dose of Pretyline and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed because this may increase the risk of unwanted side effects due to overdosage. If you are not sure what to do, consult your doctor about how to manage a situation like this.
Q. What if I take too much of this drug by mistake?
In a situation like this, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency help at the nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, weakness, unsteadiness while walking, having double visions, slurred speech or diarrhea, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, body temperature changes (low and high), difficulty in breathing and increased heartbeat.
Q. Will Pretyline be more effective if a higher than the recommended dosage is taken?
No, taking a higher than the recommended dose may not be more effective, rather it may increase the chances of having some serious side effects and toxicity. If you experience increased severity of your symptoms that are not relieved by the recommended doses, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. Is there anything I need to avoid while taking Pretyline?
Pretyline may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful while driving or doing an activity that requires you to be alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Pretyline. It can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact with this medicine and cause unwanted side effects. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Use of Pretyline can make you more prone to sunburns. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors during daytime.
Q. How often should I see the doctor ?
You may need to see your doctor regularly if you have started to take Pretyline. However, you must consult your doctor if the advised dosage of Pretyline does not improve your symptoms or you continue experiencing some unwanted side effects that affect your routine activities.
Q. Are there any special instructions regarding the storage and disposal of this medicine?
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Store them in a cool and dry place. Store them out of sight and reach of the children. Unused medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them.Show moreShow less
