Pregabalin

Pregabalin

Pregabalin: is an anticonvulsant drug, also anxiolytic. It is a brand name in the market Lyrica.

Indications of pregabalin:

Pregabalin has many indications:

• Seizures: pregabalin use in the treatment of a certain type of seizures.
• Neuropathic pain: pregabalin use in the treatment of nerves pain due to diabetes.
• Postherpetic neuralgia: pregabalin use in treatment nerves pain after herpes zoster infection.
• Fibromyalgia: pregabalin use as an alternative agent in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
• Generalized anxiety disorders: so, known as anxiolytic.
• Spinal cord injury: pregabalin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury.

Pregabalin dosages and strengths:

Pregabalin is available in different dosages form and a variety of strengths:

• Capsules: there are capsules in strengths 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, 300mg.
• Tablets: tablets are extended-release form, available in strength: 82.5mg, 165mg, 330mg.
• Oral solutions: available in 20mg/ml.

General tips when you are starting to use pregabalin:

You should follow your doctor s instructions:

• You should take pregabalin by your mouth.
• You should not crush or chew tablets.
• You should swallow the whole tablet.
• You should take it in a scheduled manner.
• You can take it with or without food.
• You should keep it away from heat and light.
• You should not stop pregabalin suddenly.
• You should avoid alcohol during treatment.

Pregabalin side effects:

Your doctor will tell you about side effects, and you should refer back to your doctor in case of the side effects severity increased.

 

• Hypotension or hypertension.
• Weight gain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Chest pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Decreased libido.

In severe cases side effects may occur:

• Severe allergic reaction.
• Trouble breathing.
• Mental problems.
• Severe dizziness.
• Suicidal attempts.
• Unusual change in your mood.

Pregabalin warnings and precautions:

There are many different warnings and precautions of pregabalin use:

• Cardiovascular disorder: pregabalin should be used with caution in a patient with congestive heart failure.
• Peripheral edema: pregabalin cause peripheral edema as a common side effect that’s why it uses with caution in heart failure and concomitant use with medications causes weight gain.
• Renal impairment: you should tell your doctor if you have renal impairment, as pregabalin has dose adjustment in renal impairment.
• Severe allergic and hypersensitivity reactions: if you have an allergy from pregabalin, you may feel skin redness, skin rash, dyspnea, and wheezy.
• Respiratory depression: high-risk side effects commonly occur in the elderly and patients who suffer from obstructive pulmonary disease.

You need to tell your doctor if you have one of the following medical conditions before start pregabalin:

• If you have depression.
• If you have suicidal thoughts.
• If you have an allergy to pregabalin.
• If you have a heart problem: especially congestive heart failure.
• If you have renal impairment.
• If you have respiratory disorder: especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• If you have a bleeding disorder: as a case of thrombocytopenia which is a low platelet count.

Pregabalin interactions with other medications:

If there are interaction with pregabalin a modify dose, or discontinue medication need to be ordered by your doctor.

Examples of pregabalin interactions:

Medications should avoid use in concomitant use of pregabalin:

 

Medications decrease the effect of pregabalin:

 

Medications increase the effect of pregabalin:

 

• Kava-kava.
• Magnesium sulfate.

Also, pregabalin itself may affect the efficacy and safety of other medications:

 

• CNS depressant.
• Oxybate salt products.

Things should never do when you start the use of pregabalin:

• You should not drink alcohol.
• You should not drive.
• You should not operate machinery.
• You should not stop pregabalin suddenly.
• You should not use it if you have a previous history of allergy to pregabalin.

Pregabalin overdosing signs and symptoms:

Pregabalin overdose causes:

• Ingestion of too much pregabalin dose.
• Use of concomitant medications that interact with pregabalin and increase its effect.

Pregabalin overdosing signs and symptoms:

 

• Trouble breathing.
• Reduced consciousness.
• Trouble breathing.
• Heart block.

If you have one of the previous symptoms stop the medication immediately, call your doctor, and visit the nearest emergency department.

Pregabalin and special populations:

Use of pregabalin under the supervision of your doctor, also, there are many concerns about use in a certain population.

• Elderly: pregabalin use with caution in the elderly and should start with a low dose and gradually increase in dose according to tolerability.
• Renal impairment: specific dose adjustment is mandatory in renal impairment according to the severity of impairment.
• Pregnancy: under the supervision of your doctor, pregabalin may use to control seizures in some cases but the benefit should outweigh the risk.
• Lactation: it’s preferred to avoid use in lactating women.
• Pediatric: pregabalin is not FDA-approved in pediatrics.
• Cardiac patient: pregabalin use is high cautious in patients who have heart failure.

9 things you should know about Lyrica medication

Lyrica medication side effects

Lyrica side effects