Pregabalin: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Pregabalin is mainly used to relieve nerve pain as in diabetes due to diabetic neuropathy, nerve pain caused by shingles, fibromyalgia, epilepsy and it can also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Pregabalin works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

Pregabalin Side effects

Common side effects of Pregabalin may include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, confusion, irritability, decreased sex drive, impotence in men, ataxia, tremor, abnormal coordination, problems with speech, memory or attention, blurred vision, constipation, vomiting, flatulence. dry mouth, and water retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling. Rare side effects of Pregabalin may include hallucinations, agitation, restlessness, burning sensations, numbness, increased pulse rate, hot flushes, sweating, dry nose or eyes, shortness of breath, acid reflux, rash, and muscles stiffness.

Pregabalin Warning

Pregabalin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion or blurred vision and so may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Pregabalin affects you.

Pregabalin may increase the effects of alcohol.

There may be a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people taking Pregabalin. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any changes in mood, thoughts about suicide.

Pregabalin may cause skin and other allergic reactions.

Pregabalin should be taken regularly as directed by your physician, because missing doses can trigger seizures in some people.

Pregabalin should not be stopped suddenly unless by your physician. Pregabalin should be reduced gradually over at least a week.

Some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, headache, nausea, diarrhea, flu, nervousness, depression, pain, sweating and dizziness after stopping treatment with Pregabalin.

Pregabalin Caution

Pregabalin should be used with caution in elderly people, people with reduced kidney function, severe heart failure, and in Diabetes (Pregabalin may cause weight gain during treatment, diabetics may need an adjustment in their dose of blood glucose lowering drug).

Pregabalin is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Pregabalin and Pregnancy

The safety of Pregabalin during pregnancy has not been established. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Pregabalin.

Pregabalin Interaction

Avoid taking herb St John's Wort while taking Pregabalin. This could increase the risk of seizures. Pregabalin may increase drowsiness if it is combined with other drugs that can cause drowsiness, for example: Benzodiazepines
Painkillers such as Oxycodone
Muscle relaxants.

Pregabalin Overdose

In case of Pregabalin overdose, seek medical attention right away.

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