Pregabalin

To treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and post herpetic neuralgia, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day or 50 mg 3 times a day).

To treat neuropathic pain associated with the central nervous system, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day).

To treat pain associated with fibromyalgia, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day).

After one week of treatment, your doctor may increase the dose of pregabalin to 300 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 150 mg twice a day). The maximum recommended daily dose of pregabalin is 600 mg.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Pregabalin may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

It is important to take Pregabalin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Pregabalin by a few hours, take it as soon as possible and continue your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Pregabalin at room temperature in the original packaging and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause dryness of the mouth; it may cause drowsiness or dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause unusual tiredness; it could cause water retention and swelling. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

25 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 4 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "25" on the body and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder contains pregabalin 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

50 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 3 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "50" on the body, which is also circled by a black line and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

75 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 4 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "75" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

150 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 2 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "150" on the body and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder contains pregabalin 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

225 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 1 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "225" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 225 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

300 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 0 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "300" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

Pregabalin should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to pregabalin or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between pregabalin and any of the following:

• alcohol
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
• antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, doxylamine, Hydroxyzine)
• anti-psychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, Alprazolam, diazepam)
• brimonidine
• Buprenorphine
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• Clonidine
• diphenoxylate
• efavirenz
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• kava kava
• Ketorolac
• Mefloquine
• Mirtazapine
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, Fentanyl, morphine, Oxycodone)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Orlistat
• Pramipexole
• Ropinirole
• Rotigotine
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Levetiracetam, Phenytoin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• suvorexant
• Tapentadol
• thalidomide
• thiazolidinediones (e.g., Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone)
• tolcapone
• Tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pregabalin. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pregabalin.

Allergic reaction: Some people have developed a serious allergic reaction called angioedema to Pregabalin. Symptoms include swelling of the face, mouth (lips, gums, tongue), neck, throat, and upper airway. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Taking CNS depressants such as opiates (e.g., Morphine, Codeine) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam) or alcohol while taking pregabalin could result in excessive sleepiness or drowsiness and even coma. Talk to your doctor if you are taking these medications.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Pregabalin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Pregabalin affects you.

Drinking alcohol while you are taking pregabalin may make these effects stronger. It is strongly recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking pregabalin.

Gastrointestinal problems: Pregabalin can cause constipation. When taken with other medications that cause constipation, such as narcotic pain relievers or some antidepressants, the combination may cause blockage of the digestive system. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions on how to manage constipation.

Heart problems: Pregabalin may cause fluid to build up in the body. If the fluid accumulates around the lungs or heart, symptoms of heart failure may become worse. If you have heart failure or other heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Pregabalin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pregabalin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any signs of heart problems getting worse, such as difficulty breathing, rapid weight gain or chest pain to your doctor immediately.

Kidney function: Pregabalin is primarily eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Kidney Disease or decreased kidney function may cause Pregabalin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Pregabalin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pregabalin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregabalin may reduce kidney function and can cause kidney failure. If you notice any signs of your kidneys not working well, such as decreased amounts of urine being produced, swelling of the legs and ankles, difficulty urinating, or an increased need to urinate at night, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Male fertility: Animal studies have shown the use of pregabalin to be associated with decreased fertility, sperm abnormalities, and birth defects. It is not known if these effects would happen in people. If you plan to father a child, discuss using Pregabalin with your doctor first.

Muscle pain: If you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with or without fever, contact your doctor immediately.

Skin problems: Pregabalin may cause skin ulcers or sores. Pay extra attention to your skin while taking Pregabalin, especially if you have diabetes. If you notice any new skin sores or skin problems let your doctor know.

Stopping Pregabalin: Stopping pregabalin suddenly may result in withdrawal symptoms such as Insomnia, nausea, headache, Diarrhea, and seizures. If it is necessary to stop taking Pregabalin, talk to your doctor about the best way to reduce your dose before stopping your medication.

Suicidal behaviour: People taking Pregabalin may feel that they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Pregabalin. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Pregabalin, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Pregabalin.

Vision disturbances: Pregabalin may cause disturbances in your vision such as blurred vision, double vision, and vision loss. Report any changes in your vision to your doctor immediately.

Weight gain: Pregabalin may cause weight gain and swelling of the extremities. Report any significant weight gain or any swelling of the legs, arms, or other areas of the body to your doctor.

Pregnancy: Information about the safety and effectiveness of using pregabalin during pregnancy is limited. Pregabalin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pregabalin, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Pregabalin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking pregabalin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Pregabalin have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

Seniors: The effectiveness of the kidneys in removing pregabalin from the body tends to decrease with age. Seniors may need lower doses of Pregabalin to reduce the possibility for side effects.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. Limit alcohol consumption to occasional small quantities.