Pregabalin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Pregabalin?

What is Pregabalin for?

Pregabalin is a drug with a function to treat pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes or a herpes zoster infection. This drug can also be used to treat nerve pain caused by spinal cord injuries. This medication is also used to treat pain in people with fibromyalgia.

This medication is also used with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures (partial-onset seizures).

The pregabalin dosage and side effects of pregabalin are detailed below.

How do I use Pregabalin?

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily with or without food. Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.

If you are using this medication in liquid form, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device / spoon. Don't use a household spoon as 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 drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this remedy regularly for best benefit. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is at a constant level. Therefore use Pregabalin regularly throughout the day and night.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions (such as seizures) may get worse when this drug is stopped. In addition, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, headaches and diarrhea. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this medicine, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Report immediately if any new symptoms or symptoms get worse.

Along with its benefits, this drug may very rarely cause addictive behavior. This risk can be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to reduce your risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Pregabalin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules of Use of Pregabalin

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Pregabalin dosage for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Neuropathy

Initial dose: 50 mg 3 times a day

The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg 3 times daily in patients with a creatinine clearance of at least 60 mL / minute.

The dosage can be increased to 100 mg 3 times a day for 1 week based on the level of efficacy and tolerability.

Usual Adult Dose for Postherpetic Neuralgia

Initial dose: 75 mg 2 times a day or 50 mg 3 times a day in patients with a creatinine clearance of at least 60 mL / minute

The dosage can be increased to 100 mg 3 times a day for 1 week based on the level of efficacy and tolerability.

Maximum dose: Patients who experience no relief from pain at 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with 300 mg / day and who are able to tolerate Pregabalin may be treated with Pregabalin more than 300 mg 2 times daily or 200 mg 3 times daily. Because side effects are dose dependent and the rate of discontinuation of treatment is higher because of side effects, doses above 300 mg / day are given only to patients who have ongoing pain and can tolerate 300 mg daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Epilepsy

Initial dose: 75 mg 2 times a day or 50 mg 3 times a day

Doses of 150 mg to 600 mg / day have been shown to be effective as adjuncts in the treatment of partial onset seizures. The total daily dose should be divided and given 2 or 3 times a day.

Maximum dose: Based on patient response and tolerability, dose may be increased to a maximum of 600 mg / day.

The additional efficacy of Pregabalin in patients taking gabapentin has not been evaluated in trials. Therefore, dosage recommendations for the use of Pregabalin with gabapentin cannot be offered.

Usual Adult Dose for Fibromyalgia

Initial dose: 75 mg twice a day (150 mg / day)

The dosage may be increased to 150 mg twice daily (300 mg / day) within one week based on efficacy and tolerability.

Patients who have not experienced an adequate recovery reaction to 300 mg / day can increase the dose to 225 mg twice daily (450 mg / day).

The recommended dose: 300-450 mg / day

Although Pregabalin has been studied at 600 mg / day use, there is no evidence that this dosage provides any additional benefit and whether this dose is well tolerated. Given the dose-dependent side effects, treatment in doses above 450 mg / day is not recommended.

Usual Adult Dose for Nerve Pain

For neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries:

Initial dose: 75 mg 2 times a day

Dosage can be increased to 150 mg 2 times daily for 1 week based on efficacy and tolerability.

Doses of 150 mg to 600 mg / day have been shown to be effective as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries. The total daily dose should be divided.

Maximum dose: Patients who experience no relief from pain at 2 to 3 weeks of treatment with 150 mg 2 times daily and who are able to tolerate Pregabalin may be treated with Pregabalin more than 300 mg twice daily. Since Pregabalin is eliminated primarily by renal excretion, the dose should be adjusted in patients with decreased renal function.

What is the Pregabalin dosage for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosage is Pregabalin available?

Capsules: 25 mg; 50 mg; 75 mg; 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg; 225 mg; 300 mg

Solution, oral: 20 mg / mL

Pregabalin dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to Pregabalin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, restless, irritable, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mental) or physical), is more depressed, or has thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using Pregabalin and call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Muscle aches, weakness, or aches (especially if you also have a fever and feel tired);
• Vision problems;
• Easy bruising or bleeding; or
• Swelling in the hands or feet, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness;
• Loss of balance or coordination;
• Problems with memory or concentration;
• Breast engorgement
• Tremor; or
• Dry mouth, constipation

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregabalin side effects

What should be known before using Pregabalin?

In deciding to use a drug, the risks of taking the drug must be considered. It is up to you and your doctor. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read labels or ingredients carefully.

Children

Appropriate studies have not been carried out on the relationship of age to the effects of Pregabalin in pediatric populations. Safety and efficacy have not been confirmed.

Elderly

The precise studies conducted to date have not shown specific problems in older people that may limit the usefulness of Pregabalin in older people. However, elderly patients are more likely to have undesirable effects (eg, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, or clumsiness), and age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Pregabalin.

Is Pregabalin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Studies in women show that this drug poses minimal risk to the baby when used during breastfeeding.

Pregabalin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with Pregabalin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Ketorolac
• Orlistat

Can food or alcohol interact with Pregabalin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Pregabalin?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems .:

• Angioedema, a history of disease or
• Congenital heart failure which can make the side effects worse
• Behavior changes, a history of changes in behavior or
• Bleeding disorders or
• Depression, history of depression or
• Edema (fluid retention) or
• Heart rhythm problems (eg, prolonged PR interval) or
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood) - Use with caution. might make conditions worse.
• Kidney disease - Use with caution. The effect can be increased due to the slow cleansing of the drug from the body

Pregabalin Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.