Fast facts and stats
- Active substance: pregabalin (brand example: Lyrica)
- Class: anticonvulsant with analgesic activity for neuropathic pain
- Common strengths: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg capsules; other doses may be available
- Forms available: immediate-release capsules and extended-release tablets
- Context: Information here refers to the United States. See legal clearance for access and prices in USD for country-specific details.
Useful links: How to dose pregabalin - Temporary effects - Interaction patterns.
Give me information about pregabalin.
Pregabalin is the generic name for the marketed product Lyrica. Initially developed as an anticonvulsant, it is also effective at reducing certain kinds of nerve-related pain.
How this device works: pregabalin binds to an auxiliary site on voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, which lowers the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and helps to control seizures and neuropathic pain.
For safe use instructions, consult dosage guidance and reappraise the preventive precautions subsection.
Valid applications in the United States
In the US, pregabalin is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:
- The health condition fibromyalgia
- Neuropathic pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Neuropathic pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Neuropathic pain originating from spinal cord injury
- Adjunctive pharmacotherapy for adults with partial-onset seizures
Note: Several signals have age limitations. Confirm the logs situations where this treatment is not advised entry for use in children and pregnancy considerations.
Dose and usage instructions
- Follow your prescriber exactly. Take doses at consistent times each day. Food does not significantly affect absorption.
- Swallow extended-release tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them.
- Typical daily ranges for adults differ by condition; many regimens fall between 150 mg and 600 mg daily, often divided for immediate-release forms.
- Do not discontinue abruptly. Your clinician will usually taper the dose over at least seven days to reduce withdrawal or seizure risk.
- If you become excessively sleepy or dizzy, contact your prescriber and assess the details the prudent measures.
For information about i missed one dose management, see the the document section. Missed medication dose. For medicines that increase sedation, see Drug negative positive the back and forth of communications enhance user satisfaction. may pose risks.
Protective guidelines
- Avoid or limit alcohol while taking pregabalin because combined effects can increase drowsiness and impair coordination.
- Be cautious with driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
- Tell your prescriber about lung disease, history of depression or suicidal thoughts, heart failure, bleeding or platelet disorders, kidney disease or dialysis, diabetes, substance use history, and any severe allergic reactions you have had.
- Pregabalin can cause peripheral edema and weight gain; monitor fluid status if you have heart or kidney disease.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to dizziness and falls.
For a list of people who should not take this medicine, see Inadvisable beacons.
Medical exclusions for therapy and critical situations
- Do not use pregabalin if you have a known allergy to pregabalin or any ingredient in the product.
- Use in children: many neuropathic pain approvals do not extend to patients under 18. Do not give to children without medical advice.
- Pregnancy: discuss risks and benefits with your obstetric and prescribing clinicians; pregnancy registries may collect outcome data. For more on this legal framework for access for registry notes.
- Breastfeeding: consult your clinician; breastfeeding while taking pregabalin is generally not recommended unless advised by a health professional.
- Fertility: pregabalin may reduce sperm count temporarily; discuss family planning with your provider.
Possible drug-related effects
Some temporary side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact emergency services if you notice:
- Severe breathing problems, very slow or shallow breathing, pronounced sleepiness, or confusion
- Signs of an allergic reaction or angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- New or worsening mood changes, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, agitation, or panic
- Sudden swelling or rapid weight gain, particularly if you have heart disease or diabetes
- Unexplained muscle pain or weakness with fever
- Marked vision loss or sudden changes in eyesight
Common, generally less severe effects include:
- Woozy feeling, drowsiness, or feeling lightheaded
- Vision is blurred or difficulty concentrating
- Peripheral swelling in the hands or feet
- Amplified appetite and weight gain
- Dry oral cavity
If secondary consequences interfere with daily life, speak with your clinician about dose adjustment or nontraditional medical therapies. Review drug combination the dynamics of interactions across departments improve alignment. which can amplify sedation and breathing risks.
Pharmacotherapy engagement and communications can be viewed as exchanges of information at hand.
Pregabalin can interact with other central nervous system depressants and drugs that affect fluid retention.
- Opioids, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, barbiturates, sedating antihistamines, some antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants - additive sedation and respiratory depression risk
- Alcoholic beverages - increases dizziness and drowsiness
- Oral diabetes agents like pioglitazone or rosiglitazone - may increase edema risk
- ACE inhibitors (for example lisinopril, enalapril) - possible increased risk of angioedema
- Other anti-seizure drugs - may add to dizziness or somnolence
Pregabalin is not extensively metabolized by common CYP enzymes, so classic CYP people relating to one anothers create opportunities for collaboration. are uncommon. Always provide a complete medication list to your prescriber and pharmacist.
Dose skipped
Should you miss a dose, take it as soon as you recall, unless your next dose is almost due. Do not take more than one dose at once to replace a the dose was not taken. If you miss doses frequently, discuss adherence tools with your pharmacist and analyze safe storage refers to the act of keeping items or data for future use. practices.
Overdose occurrence
If you suspect an overdose on medicine, seek emergency care right away or call your local poison control center. In the United States, Poison Help is reachable at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose on medicine may include extreme sleepiness, agitation, confusion, blurred vision, seizures, or unconsciousness.
Short term a storage locker can hold tools and supplies. and processing
- Store at room temperature, ideally between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), protected from moisture and direct heat.
- Keep beyond the reach of children and pets. As a controlled medicine, secure it to prevent misuse and never share your prescription.
- Keep the medication in its original labeled container for travel and identification purposes. See legal entry rights for travel notes.
Other treatment options to consider and medicines of a comparable nature
Treatment selection depends on the condition being treated, comorbidities, pregnancy considerations, and cost or insurance coverage. Examples of more options or adjuncts include:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin) - a related agent often used for neuropathic pain and seizures; generally less expensive and not federally scheduled in most states
- Duloxetine usage (Cymbalta) - an SNRI approved for diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia; may benefit mood symptoms
- Milnacipran (Savella) - approved for fibromyalgia; used selectively based on symptoms
- Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are typical tricyclic antidepressants. - low-dose options for neuropathic pain but with anticholinergic follow-on effects
- Venlafaxine - an SNRI that can be effective for neuropathic pain; monitor blood pressure
- Carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine - effective for trigeminal neuralgia and some seizure types but carry more medication related drug the interactional flow among participants risk
- Levetiracetam or lamotrigine - antiseizure choices for partial-onset seizures with differing side effect profiles
- Topical agents such as lidocaine 5 percent patches or capsaicin - options for localized postherpetic neuralgia to avoid systemic therapy
Discuss different substitutes with your prescriber before changing therapy. See cost comparisons in Common retail prices in the United States.
Common value based pricing levels in the USA
The following are approximate retail cash prices for a 30-day supply at common doses. Actual out-of-pocket costs vary by pharmacy, region, insurance coverage, and discount programs.
- Generic pregabalin capsules (30-day examples)
- 75 mg - 60 capsules: roughly $8 to $25
- 150 mg - 60 capsules: roughly $10 to $35
- 300 mg - 60 capsules: roughly $15 to $50
- Brand Lyrica capsules
- 75 mg - 60 capsules: about $450 to $700
- 150 mg - 60 capsules: about $500 to $750
- Lyrica CR (extended-release tablets): often in the range of $400 to $800 for 30 tablets, depending on strength
Insurance formularies, manufacturer assistance, pharmacy discount cards, and mail-order programs frequently reduce costs. For controlled substance purchasing rules, see Legal framework and access in the United States.
Juridical standing and user access in the United States
- Controlled substance classification: pregabalin is listed as a Schedule V controlled substance under federal law.
- Prescription requirement: a valid prescription from a US-licensed prescriber is required for dispensing.
- Refills and validity: refill rules follow federal and state regulations; some states impose tighter limits on controlled prescriptions and refill durations.
- Active monitoring: pharmacists may check state Prescription Drug Active monitoring Programs (PDMPs) prior to dispensing.
- Travel and transport: carry medication in the original labeled container. Domestic travel with a prescription is typically permitted; international importation is often restricted.
- Driving and workplace safety: it is illegal to drive while impaired. Avoid operating heavy machinery until you know your response to this medication.
- Age and pediatric use: many neuropathic pain approvals exclude patients under 18 years of age.
- Disposal: use official take-back programs when available. If not, follow FDA recommendations for safe home disposal to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
If you have legal, insurance, or pharmacy-specific questions, contact your pharmacist, insurer, or state board of pharmacy for reference and direction and insight.
Secondary guidance
The information on this page is educational only and does not replace personalized advice from your clinician. Your healthcare team will tailor dosing and monitoring and logging to your medical history and concurrent medicines.
For more details on safe use, see Preventive safeguards, and for emergency instructions, see ODing.
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