What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication normally used to treat seizures. It is also useful for treating pain and can be particularly helpful where nerve damage is present. Pregabalin works by changing the way nerves send messages to your brain.

In addition, Pregabalin can help you to sleep at night and may help to reduce any feelings of anxiety you may have. 

How is Pregabalin taken?

You will receive Pregabalin as a capsule which is taken by mouth. If you have trouble swallowing or difficulty with capsules, see the frequently asked questions below.

Pregabalin is usually taken twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart. In some cases your treating team will suggest you only take Pregabalin once a day, usually at night. If this is the case, your treating team will give you specific instructions.

What strength are the Pregabalin capsules?

The strength of Pregabalin capsules range from 25mg to 300mg.  While the dose is increased, you may need to take several capsules of differing strengths, you team will give you specific advice regarding this.

Your maximum dose will depend on how you respond to the Pregabalin and any side affects you may develop.

How quickly does Pregabalin work and how long will I need to take it for?

Pregabalin is a long term medication and you are unlikely to notice an instant benefit to your pain. Your team will prescribe a low dose initially and gradually increase this over several weeks. It can therefore take up to six weeks to judge the overall benefit to your pain and so it is important you continue with them under the guidance of your team.

If Pregabalin helps your pain, you can safely continue these for as long as you need them. If you do not feel any improvement after six to eight weeks, or you are having significant side effects, speak with your treating team.

It is important not to stop taking Pregabalin suddenly. They must be reduced slowly over time under the guidance of your treating team. If you are unable to swallow the Pregabalin capsules, see the advice below or speak with your treating team.

What side effects can Pregabalin cause?

Like any medications, Pregabalin can cause side effects. The majority are mild, occurring in the first few days after starting the medication or after increasing the dose whilst your body gets used to the changes.

Most side effects are self-limiting and your team will work with you to increase the dose gradually to minimise any side effects as much as possible.

The most common side effects are listed below. This list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned about any side effects after starting Pregabalin, please talk to your treating team.

  • Dizziness and blurred vision

  • Drowsiness

  • Constipation

  • Change in appetite and / or weight

  • Dry mouth

Experiencing drowsiness while taking Pegabalin.

Feeling drowsy in the first few days after starting or increasing your Pregabalin is very common. In the majority of people, this is only a temporary side effect.

Taking Pregabalin alongside certain other medications (see below) or substances such as alcohol can make any drowsiness more pronounced. Your treating team will make changes to Pregabalin gradually and may advise you to adjust any other medications / substances to limit any drowsiness as much as possible. 

Important: If drowsiness is significant or persists, please speak to your treating team. They will look at options to help manage this. If you drive, see section below.

Other medications and substances that may add to the sedative effect of Pregabalin: opioid medications e.g. Morphine, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl, medications for anxiety e.g. Lorazepam, other medications for pain e.g. Amitriptyline, medications for seizures e.g. Levetiracetam, Sodium Valproate, Phenytoin, medications for hay fever, alcohol, illicit substances e.g. Cannabis.

Driving while taking Pregabalin

Once you are on a stable dose of Pregabalin, you may be able to restart driving if you are no longer drowsy. Please see driving leaflet for specific advice or speak with your treating team.

Important: Pregabalin may cause drowsiness. If this happens, you must not drive.

Frequently asked questions

What if I can’t swallow the Pregabalin capsules?

You will receive Pregabalin as a capsule which is usually swallowed whole. If you have any difficulty in swallowing, the capsule can be gently opened and the powdered medication contained within can be:

  • Mixed with 5-10mls of water and swallowed as a liquid

  • Mixed into a small amount of yoghurt or apple sauce and taken from a spoon

If you have a PEG tube, you can mix the powder into 5-10mls of water and given via the PEG tube as per your usual methods.

What if I forget to take a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as your remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, just miss the dose you forgot. Do not take two doses within 6 hours of each other.

Please note, if you have taken a dose late, you may feel some increased drowsiness or other side effects. This may temporarily impair your ability to drive.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Pregabalin?

Alcohol increases the sedative effects of Pregabalin. It is best to avoid alcohol when you first start taking Pregabalin or when the Pregabalin dose is increased.

Once settled on a steady dose, you may drink alcohol in moderation but it may make you more drowsy than normal. If you have concerns about this, please talk to your treating team.

Confidentiality

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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302