What is Pregabalin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Pregabalin

• Take your medicine as directed.

• Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for a copy.

• Do not stop taking pregabalin doses until you’ve talked to the prescriber.

• How to take pregabalin capsules:

  • Pregabalin capsules can be taken with or without food.

  • Try to take doses at the same time every day.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water.

  • Store pregabalin capsules at room temperature that are out of the reach of children.

• How to take pregabalin oral solution:

  • Pregabalin oral solution can be taken with or without food.

  • Try to take doses at the same time every day.

  • Measure each dose using the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine. If one is missing, ask the pharmacist to supply one.

  • Store pregabalin oral solution at room temperature that is out of the reach of children.

• How to take pregabalin extended-release tablets:

  • Pregabalin extended-release tablets must be taken with food.

  • The dose should be taken right after the evening meal.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.

  • Store pregabalin extended-release tablets at room temperature that are out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pregabalin

• Taking a missed dose will depend on what format is being used. 

• Taking a missed dose of pregabalin capsules or liquid:

  • If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time.

• Taking a missed dose of pregabalin extended-release tablets:

  • If the evening meal dose is missed, take the missed dose right before bedtime with a snack.

  • If the missed dose isn’t taken before bedtime, take the missed dose in the morning with food.

  • If the missed dose is not taken in the morning, skip it. As always, take the next dose with the evening meal.

• Never take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Pregabalin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to pregabalin.

Pregabalin warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

• Your doctor may need to perform regular check-ups to check your progress and monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are male, tell the doctor if you are trying to father a child with your partner.

• Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, especially:

  • Kidney disease

  • Heart failure

  • Heart rhythm problems

  • Breathing problems

  • Diabetes

  • A bleeding disorder or history of low blood platelets

  • Any history of angioedema (severe swelling of the face, mouth, or throat)

  • A history of depression or other mood disorders

  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse

• Pregabalin can cause serious adverse effects, including:

  • Heart rhythm abnormalities

  • Slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression) when taken with certain other drugs

  • Mood or behavior changes

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

  • Increased risk of some cancers

  • Increased risk of bleeding episodes

  • Swelling in your hands, feet, and lower legs (peripheral edema)

  • Vision changes

  • Muscle damage

  • Withdrawal symptoms

  • Severe allergic reactions, including angioedema

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or impair your vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Immediately notify the doctor if you notice any vision changes.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor must slowly decrease the dose before it’s stopped completely.

Pregabalin interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being used, particularly:

  • Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors

  • The Type 2 diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone)

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy, particularly opioids. Other examples include sleeping pills, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and even antihistamines. 

• Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis products while you are using this medicine.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are on pregabalin before they prescribe new medications.

Find more detailed information about pregabalin interactions to avoid here.