Pregabalin

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

Welcome to The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. This leaflet will provide you and your relatives with information about using pregabalin for the treatment of pain. It includes what pregabalin is, what the benefits and risks are and what the treatment involves.

What is pregabalin and how does it work?

Pregabalin belongs to the group of medicines called anticonvulsants which are also used to treat epilepsy.

It works by changing the way that nerves send messages to your brain. If the messages are reduced, the pain will be reduced.

What are the benefits of pregabalin?

• Pregabalin is used to treat some types of persistent pain.
• It is especially good for nerve pain such as burning, shooting or stabbing pain.

What are the risks?

• Most side effects are mild and will go away after a few doses.
• Generally side effects are worse just after starting pregabalin or increasing the dose. It is important to keep taking pregabalin as these side effects usually wear off.
• Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and muscle tremor. If you have these side effects and they are severe, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
• Less common side effects include vision disturbances, indigestion, weight gain, leg swelling, memory loss, mood changes, hallucinations or a rash. If any of these side effects occur, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
• Some people develop severe anxiety if they miss a dose and some take more than prescribed to help their symptoms. If you are worried this is happening to you, discuss it with your GP.

Important: Pregabalin may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy.

What are the alternatives?

You do not have to have this medicine and your consultant will discuss alternative treatments with you appropriate to your condition. If you prefer, you can continue to take your current painkilling medication without having any other treatment.

Can I take this medication long-term?

Yes, if it helps. You may wish to reduce treatment every so often, to check if your pain is still a problem. This should be done with the advice of your GP or pain specialist, gradually reducing your medication over a period of time.

When should I take it?

• Normally, the starting dose is small, taken between one to three times a day, but the dose will be gradually increased.
• Normally a minimum dose of pregabalin 75mg twice a day is needed to get any benefit and the dose may need to be increased to pregabalin 300mg twice a day.
• We will tell you how much to start taking and how to increase the dose. The table at the end of the leaflet will help you remember when to increase the dose.
• If you are taking antacid medication, it is best to wait for two hours after taking it before taking pregabalin.

How is pregabalin taken?

• The capsules should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water.
• Pregabalin may be taken on an empty or full stomach.
• Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

How long will it take to work?

Every patient is different. You may notice some initial benefit within a few days; however, it may take up to one month to get full effect from the medicine.

Pregabalin does not work for everyone. If you do not feel any improvement in your pain after four to six weeks, do not suddenly stop taking the tablets. Speak to your GP to discuss reducing and stopping the medication.

Can I drive?

Pregabalin may cause drowsiness. If this happens, do not drive.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol increases the sedative effects of pregabalin so it is best not to drink alcohol when you start taking it. Once you are settled on a steady dose, you may drink alcohol in moderation but it may make you more drowsy than normal.

What should I tell the doctor?

Please tell your pain consultant if you:

• Are allergic to any drugs
• Are taking any other medicines or herbal medicines
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are planning to become pregnant
• Have had a heart attack recently or have any heart problems
• Have a history of epilepsy or fits
• Have glaucoma
• Have difficulty in passing water
• Have thyroid disease
• Have or have previously had a mental health problem
• Are taking an antidepressant medicine, especially one called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)

What if I forget or miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medication as normal. Do not take two doses together.

What if I want to stop taking pregabalin?

If you stop taking pregabalin suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your GP or pharmacist who will be able to supervise a gradual reduction.

This information is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. We advise you to read the manufacturer’s information for patients, which will be supplied by your pharmacist when your medicine is dispensed. Keep all medicines away from children, vulnerable adults or pets.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Ruth Carter, Alifia Tameem. Date reviewed: February 2023. Next review due: November 2025. Version: 3.     DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01376.