Highlights for pregabalin

1. Pregabalin oral capsule is only available as a brand-name drug. It

isn’t available as a generic drug. Brand name: Lyrica.
2. Pregabalin comes as a capsule, a solution, and an extended-
release tablet. All forms are taken by mouth.
3. Pregabalin oral capsule is used to treat neuropathic pain and
fibromyalgia. It’s also used to treat partial onset seizures when
taken with other seizure drugs.

Important warnings
 Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction warning: This drug can cause
serious allergic reactions. These include trouble breathing,
shortness of breath, and rash, hives, and blisters on your skin. If
you have any of these symptoms, stop taking this drug and seek
medical help right away.
 Suicidal thinking and behavior warning: This drug can increase
your risk of having suicidal thoughts and behavior. Talk to your
doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in your mood
or behavior, new or worsening depression, or thoughts of harming
yourself.
 Dizziness and drowsiness warning: This drug can cause dizziness,
drowsiness, and blurry vision. It may affect your ability to think,
see, or move. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other
tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects
you.
 Misuse warning: Use of this drug can lead to misuse. Your risk
may be greater if you have a history of drug misuse.
What is pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a prescription drug. It comes in three forms: a capsule, a
solution, and an extended-release tablet. All forms are taken by mouth.

Pregabalin oral capsule is available as the brand-name drug Lyrica. It

isn’t available as a generic drug.

Pregabalin oral capsule may be used as part of a combination therapy.

This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Pregabalin is a controlled substance. Your doctor will closely monitor

your use of this drug.

Why it’s used

Pregabalin oral capsule is used to treat:

 neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves due

to diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury
 fibromyalgia (pain all over your body)
 partial onset seizures when taken with other seizure drugs

How it works

Pregabalin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. A class of

drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs
are often used to treat similar conditions.
It isn’t known exactly how pregabalin works. It’s believed to work by
calming the damaged or overactive nerves in your body that may cause
pain or seizures.

Pregabalin side effects

Pregabalin oral capsule can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurry
vision. It may affect your ability to think, see, or move. You shouldn’t
drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you
know how this drug affects you.

Pregabalin can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of pregabalin can include:

 dizziness
 sleepiness
 trouble concentrating
 blurry vision
 dry mouth
 weight gain
 swelling of your hands or feet

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a
couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your
doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if
your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a
medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can
include the following:

 Serious allergic reactions. These reactions may be life-

threatening. Symptoms can include:
o swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat, or
neck
o trouble breathing
o rash, hives (raised bumps), or blisters
 Suicidal thoughts or actions. Symptoms can include:
o thoughts of suicide or dying
o attempts to commit suicide
o new or worsened depression or anxiety
o feeling agitated or restless
o panic attacks
o trouble sleeping
o new or worsened irritability
o acting aggressive, angry, or violent
o acting on dangerous impulses
o mania (an extreme increase in activity and talking)
o other unusual changes in behavior or mood
 Heart problems. Symptoms can include:
o swelling of your hands, legs, or feet
 o chest pain
 Dizziness and sleepiness

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current
information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we
cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss
possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical
history.

Pregabalin may interact with

other medications
Pregabalin oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or
herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes
the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from
working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your

medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications,
vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact
with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with pregabalin are listed
below.

Interactions that cause increased side effects

Taking pregabalin with certain medications may cause more side
effects. These drugs include:

 Diabetes drugs, such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Taking

these drugs with pregabalin may cause weight gain or swelling of
your hands or feet. If you have heart problems, taking these drugs
together can increase your risk of heart failure.
 Narcotic pain drugs, such as oxycodone. Taking these drugs with
pregabalin may cause dizziness and sleepiness.
 Tranquilizers (drugs that make you sleepy) or drugs for anxiety, such
as lorazepam. Taking these drugs with pregabalin may cause
dizziness and sleepiness.
 Blood pressure drugs, such as captopril, enalapril, or
lisinopril. Taking these drugs with pregabalin may cause swelling
and hives.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current
information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person,
we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible
interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions
with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-
the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Pregabalin warnings
This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning
This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

 trouble breathing
 swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, neck, throat, or tongue
 rash, hives (raised bumps), or blisters

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency

room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to
it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

The use of drinks that contain alcohol can increase the risk of
drowsiness and dizziness from pregabalin. You shouldn’t drink alcohol
while taking this drug. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.

Warnings for people with certain health

conditions

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a

history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from
your body well. This may increase the levels of this drug and cause
more side effects. Your doctor may give you a lower dosage to help
avoid side effects.

For people with heart problems: Ask your doctor whether this drug is safe
for you if you have heart problems, such as moderate to severe heart
failure. This drug can make your condition worse. Symptoms of
worsening heart problems can include swelling in your arms, legs, or
feet, weight gain, and fluid retention (swelling) in your body.

For people with depression or mental health issues: If you have

depression or other mental health or behavioral problems, this drug may
increase your risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. You and your
family should watch for new or worsened depression, unusual changes
in your mood or behavior, or thoughts of harming yourself.

For people with a history of drug or alcohol misuse: Let your doctor know
if you have misused prescription or street drugs or alcohol in the past.
Pregabalin is a controlled substance and its use can lead to misuse.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to

become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit
justifies the potential risk. Animal studies have shown that high doses of
pregabalin increased the risk of negative effects to the fetus.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, talk to your healthcare
provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug
Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to collect information
about the safety of antiepileptic drugs used during pregnancy.

For women who are breastfeeding: Pregabalin passes into breast milk in
small amounts. Therefore, it may cause side effects in a child who is
breastfed.

Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide
whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
For men with plans to father a child: Animal studies have shown that this
drug caused sperm to change and made male animals less fertile. Also,
birth defects were seen in the babies of male animals who were treated
with this drug. It isn’t known if these problems can happen in people
who take this drug.

For seniors: Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This
can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher
amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your
risk of side effects.

For children: This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be

used in children younger than 18 years.

How to take pregabalin

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your
dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

 your age
 the condition being treated
 how severe your condition is
 other medical conditions you have
 how you react to the first dose

Drug forms and strengths

Brand: Lyrica
  Form: oral capsule

 Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225
mg, 300 mg

Dosage for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

(nerve pain due to diabetes)

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 50 mg taken three times per day.

 Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on

your response to this drug.
 Maximum dosage: 100 mg taken three times per day (for a total of
300 mg per day).

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in

children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your
body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a
drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side
effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different dosing

schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too
much in your body.
Dosage for shingles (nerve pain due to herpes
zoster)

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 75–150 mg taken two times per day, or

50–100 mg taken three times per day (for a total of 150–300 mg
per day).
 Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on
your response to this drug.
 Maximum dosage: 300 mg taken two times per day, or 200 mg
taken three times per day (for a total of 600 mg per day).

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in

children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your
body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a
drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side
effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different dosing

schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too
much in your body.

Dosage for partial onset seizures

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 75 mg taken two times per day, or 50 mg

taken three times per day (for a total of 150 mg per day).
 Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on
your response to this drug.
 Maximum dosage: 600 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 4–17 years)

For children weighing 11 kg (24 lbs) to less than 30 kg (66 lbs)

 Typical starting dosage: 3.5 mg/kg/day, given in two or three

divided doses throughout the day.
 Maximum dosage: 14 mg/kg/day, given in two or three divided
doses throughout the day.

For children weighing 30 kg (66 lbs) or more

 Typical starting dosage: 2.5 mg/kg/day, given in two or three

divided doses throughout the day.
 Maximum dosage: 10 mg/kg/day, given in two or three divided
doses throughout the day, not to exceed 600 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–3 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children in this age range. It shouldn’t
be used in children younger than 4 years of age.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your
body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a
drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side
effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different dosing

schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too
much in your body.

Dosage for fibromyalgia

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 75 mg taken two times per day.

 Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on

your response to this drug.
 Maximum dosage: 450 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in

children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your
body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a
drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side
effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different dosing
schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too
much in your body.

Dosage for nerve pain due to spinal cord

injury

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 75 mg taken two times per day.

 Dosage increases: Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on

your response to this drug.
 Maximum dosage: 300 mg taken two times per day (for a total of
600 mg per day).

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in

children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Your kidneys may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your
body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a
drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side
effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dosage or a different dosing

schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too
much in your body.
Special dosage considerations

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, your
doctor will prescribe a lower dosage or change how often you receive
this drug. Your dosage will be based on your kidney function and the
total dosage that’s recommended for your specific condition.

Dosage warnings

Pregabalin has been studied at doses up to 600 mg per day. However,

it hasn’t been shown to be effective in some people at these higher
doses. Also, doses higher than 300 mg per day cause more side effects
in some people.

Your doctor may have you take up to 600 mg per day. Your dosage
depends on how well your pain is controlled and how well you can
tolerate this drug without having side effects.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current
information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we
cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This
information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with
your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Take as directed
Pregabalin oral capsule is used for long-term treatment. It comes with
serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your pain or
seizures won’t go away or may get worse.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication
may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to
work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in
your body. Symptoms may include:

 dizziness
 drowsiness
 loss of control of body movements
 tremors (constant shaking)
 amnesia (forgetfulness or loss of memory)
 trouble speaking
 nervousness
 twitching
 headache

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local
poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the
nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you

remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next
scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two
doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.
How to tell if the drug is working: For peripheral neuropathy, shingles,
and nerve pain caused by a spinal cord injury: You should feel less
burning, tingling, or numbing pain.

For fibromyalgia: You should feel less pain all over your body.

For seizures: Your seizures should be better controlled.

Important considerations for

taking pregabalin
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes pregabalin
for you.

General
 You can take this drug with or without food.
 Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.

Storage
 Store this drug at room temperature. Keep it between 59°F and
86°F (15°C and 30°C).
 Keep this drug away from light.
 Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as
bathrooms.

Refills
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a
new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write
the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

 Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it
into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
 Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your
medication.
 You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your
medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled
container with you.
 Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave
it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very
hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help
make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include
your:

 Kidney function: Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well
your kidneys are working. If your kidneys aren’t working well, your
doctor may lower your dosage of this drug.
 Mental and behavioral health: You and your doctor should watch
for any unusual changes in your behavior and mood. This drug
 can cause new mental health and behavior problems. It can also
worsen problems you already have.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be
sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug.

This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance
company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

Are there any alternatives?

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be
better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug
options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all
information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the
knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You
should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional
before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is
subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a
given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.