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Pregabalin


Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
Pregabalin may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you are affected do not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About pregabalin

Type of medicine Antiepileptic
Used for Treatment of epilepsy
Nerve pain
Anxiety
Also called Lyrica
Available as Capsules

Pregabalin works in the brain and the nerves to help control certain types of epilepsy and relieve nerve pain. It can also help to relieve anxiety.

Before taking pregabalin

Before taking pregabalin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you have kidney problems or have kidney dialysis. If you have heart problems. If you have diabetes. If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take pregabalin

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturers printed information leaflet. Take pregabalin exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will give you a low dose to start with and this will be gradually increased until you reach the best dose for you. Try to take your medicine at the same times each day. If you forget a dose take it as soon as your remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose miss out the forgotten dose and take the next one on time. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.

Getting the most from your treatment

Pregabalin may increase your appetite. Be careful to stick to a healthy diet and not eat too much to stop you from gaining weight . If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored. While you are taking pregabalin, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can pregabalin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Being sick Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Dizziness, drowsiness, problems with vision, poor concentration Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or can not see properly. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness

Other less comon side effects include problems keeping an erection, lack of interest in sex, excess wind, problems with speech, feeling irritable, feeling high, pins and needles, changes in taste, strange dreams, fast or fluttering heart beat, indigestion, hot flushes, dry nose, feeling depressed, problems sleeping, swollen joints, sweating, rash.

Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or shortness of breath you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to pregabalin and you should go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

How to store pregabalin

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).Manufacturer's PIL, Lyrica; Patient Information Leaflet, Lyrica Capsules, Pfizer Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium, Text revised February 2008, accessed 11/04/2008 Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID:3909 DocRef: dils3907 Last Updated: 2 May 2008 Date of Next Review:2 May 2010 Version:24

Author:EMIS
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