Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a medication used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders. In addition, this drug can also be used to relieve nerve pain due to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), herpes zoster ( postherpetic neuralgia ), spinal cord injuries, or fibromyalgia.

Pregabalin belongs to the class of anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugs. This drug works by suppressing abnormal electrical activity in the nervous system. That way, seizures can be prevented or overcome.

Pregabalin is also able to inhibit chemical compounds in the brain that are involved in the process of causing anxiety and pain due to nerve damage (neuropathic pain). Therefore, pregabalin can also be used to treat anxiety disorders and relieve neuropathic pain.

Please note that pregabalin is only used to relieve complaints and cannot cure seizures or diseases that cause nerve pain. Pregabalin is available in capsule form and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Pregabalin trademarks: Aprion, Gabatrop, Gamalix, Glinov, Labalin, Leptica, Lyrica, Lyrigad, Neufar, Nevalin, Nomathic, Noleptic, Nulyn, Opibalin, PGB, Pregabalin, Pregamep, Prelin, Pregex, and Provelyn.

What is Pregabalin

Precautions Before Taking Pregabalin

The following are things you need to pay attention to before undergoing treatment with pregabalin:

• Do not take pregabalin if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ), a blood clotting disorder, or thrombocytopenia .
• Tell your doctor if you have or are experiencing mood disorders, depression , or have ever attempted suicide .
• Tell your doctor if you have ever experienced drug abuse or alcohol addiction .
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with pregabalin because of the risk of causing side effects.
• Do not immediately do activities that require alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery after taking pregabalin, because this drug can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking pregabalin before having surgery, including dental surgery.
• Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose, after taking pregabalin.

Dosage and Rules for Using Pregabalin

The doctor will give the dose and determine the duration of treatment according to the patient's condition. The following is the pregabalin dosage for adults based on the condition being treated:

• Conditions: Partial seizures or epilepsy
  . Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. If needed, the dose may be increased to 300 mg daily after 1 week. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
• Conditions: Nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
  Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. If needed, the dose may be increased to 300 mg per day after 3–7 days. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
• Condition: Pain due to diabetic neuropathy
  Dose 50 mg, 3 times daily. If needed, the dose may be increased to 100 mg, 3 times a day. Maximum dose: 300 mg per day.
• Condition: Fibromyalgia
  Dosage 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. If needed, the dose may be increased to 300 mg daily after 1 week. The maximum dose is 450 mg per day.

• Conditions: Anxiety disorders
  . Dose of 150 mg per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. Dosage may be increased by 150 mg weekly. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

• Conditions: Post- herpetic neuralgia or postherpetic neuralgia
  pain . Dosage 75–150 mg 2 times daily, or 50–100 mg 3 times daily. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

How to Take Pregabalin Properly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information on the pregabalin packaging before taking it. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug beyond the timeframe recommended by the doctor.

Pregabalin can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the pregabalin capsules with plain water without opening and removing the contents of the capsules.

Take pregabalin at the same time every day for optimal treatment effect. If you forget to take pregabalin, consume it immediately if it is not yet close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose at a later time.

Do not stop taking pregabalin without consulting your doctor first because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, headaches and seizures. To avoid this, the doctor will reduce the dose gradually if the treatment needs to be stopped.

Carry out periodic controls according to the schedule given by the doctor so that your health condition and response to therapy can be monitored.

Store pregabalin in a closed container in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Pregabalin Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are drug-drug interactions that can occur when using pregabalin with other drugs:

• Increased risk of developing angioedema if used with ACE inhibitor class drugs
• Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as coma or respiratory distress, if used with opioid class drugs, such as codeine , hydrocodone, fentanyl, or oxycodone
• Increased risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, when used with lorazepam , metoclopramide, or alprazolam

Pregabalin Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may appear after taking pregabalin are:

• Drowsiness
• Dizzy
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating or often forgetting
• Appetite increases and weight gain
• Fatigue
• Mood swings

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if a drug allergic reaction appears which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the eyelids and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more severe side effects, such as:

• Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision or double vision
• Swelling in the hands, arms or legs
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Muscle pain or muscle weakness, especially if accompanied by fever
• Easy  bruising  or bleeding
• The color of the skin, lips, fingers and toes turn blue
• Tremors
• Depression
• There is a desire to hurt yourself or commit suicide
• Hallucinations