This medication is used to treat pain caused by nerve
damage due to diabetes, shingles (herpes zoster) infection, or spinal cord
injury. This medication is also used to treat pain in people with
fibromyalgia.
It is also used with other medications to treat certain
types of seizures (focal seizures).
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for hot flashes that occur
with menopause, restless legs syndrome (RLS), or anxiety.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using
pregabalin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. The dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also
based on weight.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness
and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a
low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's
instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. This
drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a
constant level. It is best to take pregabalin at evenly spaced intervals
throughout the day and night.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. Some conditions (such as seizures) may become worse when this
drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as
difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache and diarrhea. To prevent these
symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may
reduce your dose gradually. Report any new or worsening symptoms right
away.
Though it helps many people, this medication may
sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance
use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this
medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation,
difficulty concentrating, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side
effects, including:
- blurred vision
- unusual bleeding/bruising
- unsteadiness
- confusion
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially if you are tired
or have a fever)
- swelling of hands/legs/feet
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for
any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience
depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell
your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any
unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs
of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming
yourself.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking pregabalin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart problems (such as heart failure)
- kidney disease
- history of an allergic reaction which included
itching/swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema)
- personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such
as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
- breathing problems (such as COPD)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion,
and slow/shallow breathing.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow
breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication
is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing
problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products
such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone),
alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as
alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol,
cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function) may
be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).