Why is this medication prescribed?
Pregabalin capsules, oral solution (liquid), and extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to relieve neuropathic pain (pain from damaged
nerves) that can occur in your arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes if you have diabetes and postherpetic neuralgia(PHN; the burning, stabbing
pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Pregabalin capsules and oral solution are also used to relieve
neuropathic pain that can occur after a spinal cord injury and to treat fibromyalgia (a long-lasting condition that may cause pain, muscle stiffness and
tenderness, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep).Pregabalin capsules and oral solution are used along with other medications to
treat certain types of seizures in adults and children 1 month of age and older. Pregabalin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works
by decreasing the number of pain signals that are sent out by damaged nerves in the body.
How should this medicine be used?
Pregabalin comes as a capsule, an oral solution, and as an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. Pregabalin capsules and oral solution are
usually taken with or without food two or three times a day. Pregabalin extended-release tablets are usually taken once daily after an evening meal.
Take pregabalin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not cut, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of pregabalin and may gradually increase your dose during the first week of treatment.
Take pregabalin exactly as directed. Pregabalin may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of
time than prescribed by your doctor.
Pregabalin may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of
pregabalin. Continue to take pregabalin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pregabalin without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side
effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking pregabalin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including
trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, or seizures. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over at
least 1 week.
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