How Pregabalin works

Pregabalin is an antiepileptic medication. It decreases pain and seizures by modulating calcium channel activity of the nerve cells.

Side Effects

Sleepiness, Dizziness, Uncoordinated body movement, Fatigue

Usage

Pregabalin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, seizures and anxiety disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Pregabalin a metabolite of gabapentin?

No. Pregabalin a not a metabolite of gabapentin. There is a structural similarity between the two drugs and they are GABA analogue.

Q. Can Pregabalin cause sedation?

Yes, use of Pregabalin can cause sedation or sleepiness.

Q. Is Pregabalin a beta blocker?

No. Pregabalin is not a beta blocker. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is Pregabalin a mood stabiliser?

No. Pregabalin is not a mood stabiliser. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is Pregabalin a muscle relaxant?

No. Pregabalin is not a muscle relaxant. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is Pregabalin a benzodiazepine?

No. Pregabalin is not a benzodiazepine. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is Pregabalin a painkiller?

No. Pregabalin is not a pain killer. Pregabalin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, epilepsy and anxiety disorder.

Q. Is Pregabalin a steroid?

No. Pregabalin is not a steriod. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is Pregabalin a narcotic?

No. Pregabalin is not a narcotic drug. Narcotics are drugs with sleep inducing properties, usual derivatives of Opium like Heroin and Morphine. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Is it safe to take Pregabalin with duloxetine?

If Pregabalin and duloxetine taken together, there is an increased risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty in concentrating and motor co-ordination. Consult with your doctor if you have already taken one of the medications.

Q. What is the interaction of Pregabalin with anticoagulants?

There is no known interaction between the two drugs but consult your doctor and inform if you are taking any of the medication.

Q. Is Pregabalin safe?

Pregabalin is a prescription drug and is safe to use if taken in the dose, frequency, and duration as per the doctor's advice.

Q. Are Pregabalin and gabapentin the same?

Pregabalin and gabapentin are two different medicines. However, they work in a similar way and both are used for conditions like neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Pregabalin is also used for treating anxiety. Please consult your doctor before using any of the medicine.

Q. Is Pregabalin a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

No, Pregabalin is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). IIt is a medicine which decreases pain and seizures or fits by binding to specific calcium channels and increasing the action of GABA, a chemical messenger in the nerve cells and is used for conditions like neuropathic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with methadone?

Methadone is opioid in nature and It may reduce the lower gastrointestinal tract function (e.g., intestinal obstruction, paralytic ileus, constipation) especially when given with Pregabalin. So, when Pregabalin and opioids are used together, measures to prevent constipation may be considered (especially in female patients and elderly).

Q. Is Pregabalin a controlled substance?

No, Pregabalin is not a controlled substance. However, it is a prescription drug which should only be taken as per the doctor's advice.

Q. How long can I take Pregabalin for?

Pregabalin is a prescription drug and it should only be taken for the duration as advised by the doctor.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with gabapentin?

Pregabalin and gabapentin both act via similar mechanism and are used for treating similar conditions. They may also enhance each other's depressant action, so, taking both together is not recommended as you may feel more sleepy and need to take more precautions while driving or using machines. Please consult your doctor before taking both the medicines together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with sertraline?

Pregabalin may increase the depressant action of sertraline. Taking them together can make you feel more sleepy, so, you should be careful while driving or if you are working with a machine. Consult your doctor before taking these drugs together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with naproxen?

Pregabalin and naproxen are not known to have any clinically relevant interaction. However, interactions may occur. Please consult your doctor before taking both them together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with tramadol?

The central nervous system depressant effect of tramadol may increase when it is taken with Pregabalin and you can feel more sleepy, so, you should be careful while driving or if you are working with a machine. Consult your doctor before taking both the medications together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with alprazolam?

Pregabalin can be taken with alprazolam as no interactions have been clinically observed. However, as both the medicines have the tendency to cause sleepiness, so caution may be needed in case both the medicines are used together as it may affect your ability to drive or work on a machine. Please consult your doctor before taking them together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with amitriptyline?

Pregabalin is known to increase the depressant action of amitriptyline. Taking the two medicines together can make you feel more sleepy, so, you should be careful while driving or if you are working with a machine. Consult your doctor before taking the medications together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with ibuprofen?

Pregabalin is not known to have any interaction with ibuprofen and they can be taken together. However, consult your doctor before taking these medications together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with diazepam?

Pregabalin may enhance the depressant effects of diazepam when used together. Taking them together can make you feel more sleepy, so, you should be careful while driving or if you are working with a machine. Consult your doctor before taking these medicines together.

Q. Can I take Pregabalin with paracetamol?

Pregabalin is not known to have any clinically meaningful interaction with paracetamol. They can be safely taken together. However, consult your doctor before taking these drugs together as interactions may occur.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause swelling?

Pregabalin is known to produce edema (swelling) by fluid (water) retention. Kindly consult your doctor if you develop swelling while taking Pregabalin.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause drowsiness (somnolence)?

One of the common side effects of Pregabalin use is drowsiness (somnolence). Consult your doctor if you experience any such symptom while taking Pregabalin especially if you are taking any other medicine which can make you sleepy.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause weight gain?

Weight gain can occur as a common side effect with Pregabalin use. It can be a result of increased appetite (feeling hungry) and fluid (water) retention. Consult your doctor if there is any change in your weight during therapy.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause hair loss?

Clinical studies have shown that Pregabalin can cause hair loss (alopecia) in some patients. It has also been associated with hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Consult your doctor if you notice any difference in your hair growth while taking Pregabalin.

Q. Does Pregabalin make you tired?

Pregabalin is known to cause tiredness (fatigue). Consult your doctor if you experience excessive tiredness while taking Pregabalin.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause water retention?

Pregabalin has been associated with fluid (water) retention and edema (swelling). Consult your doctor if you notice swelling of your body while taking Pregabalin therapy.

Q. Does Pregabalin make you hungry?

Pregabalin is known to increase appetite (make you feel hungry). Consult your doctor if there is a significant change in your appetite while taking Pregabalin.

Q. Does Pregabalin cause diarrhea?

Pregabalin use can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Consult your doctor if you have diarrhea while taking Pregabalin.

Q. Does Pregabalin help with sleep?

Pregabalin is not indicated for the treatment of any sleep problems. Rather, Pregabalin can cause somnolence (increased desire to sleep). Consult your doctor for the treatment of any sleep related problems.