Drug Notes

Pregabalin (By mouth)

Pregabalin (pre-GA-ba-lin)

Treats nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia. Also treats seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Lyrica

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how pregabalin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
  • An ACE inhibitor (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril)
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, angioedema, a bleeding disorder, or a low blood platelet count. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, depression, or other mood problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Suicidal thoughts
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. It may also cause blurry or double vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurry or double vision
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, fever, or general ill feeling
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe dizziness or drowsiness
• Sudden mood changes, unusual thoughts or behavior such as extreme happiness or depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Swelling in your throat, head, or neck
• Uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion, trouble concentrating
• Constipation
• Dry mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017