Pregabalin

Nerve pain

Also known as Lyrica

Pregabalin calms nerves that fire when they shouldn't, easing nerve pain from diabetes or shingles, fibromyalgia pain, and certain seizures. It's a close cousin of gabapentin, but your body absorbs it more predictably. Two honest things to know: it's a controlled substance because some people become dependent on it, and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal — so any change goes through your doctor.

How to take it

When

Two or three times a day, at the same times each day.

Food

With or without food.

Avoid

Alcohol and opioid painkillers — combined with pregabalin they can slow your breathing dangerously. Don't drive until you know how it affects you.

Stopping

Never stop suddenly — taper with your doctor. Quitting cold can cause trouble sleeping, nausea, headaches, and more seizures if you take it for those.

Missed a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose — then skip the missed one. If you take it for seizures, a missed dose can trigger one, so ask your doctor ahead of time what to do. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs
Weight gain
Blurred vision or dry mouth

Call a doctor if

Very slow or shallow breathing, or sleepiness you can't shake — especially with opioids or alcohol; this is an emergency, get help now
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing — a serious allergic reaction; get help now
New or worsening depression, or thoughts of harming yourself — get help now
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or deep fatigue — call your doctor now

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.