Pregabalin capsules

To return to the main entry click here.

What are Pregabalin capsules?

Pregabalin (Lyrica®) is used to help relieve certain types of nerve pain or seizures. Pregabalin is useful for treatment of nerve pain due to diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia and for helping to control seizures in epilepsy. Pregabalin may be prescribed by your health care provider for other uses. Generic pregabalin capsules are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• a history of drug abuse
• depression
• diabetes
• eye disease, like glaucoma
• heart disease, like congestive heart failure
• kidney disease
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual reaction to pregabalin, gabapentin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant or trying to conceive with your partner
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take pregabalin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If pregabalin upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not share this medicine with anyone.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Pregabalin?

• alcohol found in drinks or some medicines
• antihistamines such as Benadryl®
• barbiturates, such as phenobarbital or butabarbital
• entacapone or tolcapone, medicines used for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for diabetes, like pioglitazone (Actos®) or rosiglitazone (Avandia®)
• medicines used to help you sleep or relax such as Ativan® (lorazepam), Xanax® (alprazolam), or Valium® (diazepam)
• pain medications, such as morphine or codeine
• phenothiazines used for certain mental disorders or for nausea/vomiting (for example, Compazine® or Mellaril®)
• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil®) or imipramine (Tofranil®)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Pregabalin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. You may want to keep a personal record at home of how you feel your condition is responding to this medicine. You may want to share this information with your prescriber or health care professional at each visit.

You may get drowsy or dizzy while using this medicine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you have a heart condition, such as congestive heart failure, and notice that you are retaining water (edema) and have swelling in your hands or feet, contact your health care provider immediately.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Pregabalin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• anxiety, confusion
• bleeding that will not stop easily
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• falls, loss of balance
• jerking or unusual movements of any part of your body
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially you have a fever or extreme tiredness
• rash
• swelling of lips or tongue
• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

More common:
• blurred vision, double vision, or other vision or eye problems
• amnesia or loss of memory
• tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• swelling of ankles or hands
• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• feeling nauseous
• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.