Pregabalin 300mg UK

What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin 300mg, sold under the brand name Lyrica, is a Gabapentinoid used for its anxiolytic property. Gabapentinoids are GABA-inhibitory neurotransmitter derivatives that lock A2y subunit-containing voltage-dependent calcium channels to bring out their therapeutic effects. Pregabalin is a Schedule V medication, mainly in oral form with low addiction potential. Tramadol 100mg also helps manage moderate to moderately severe pain.

What is Pregabalin 300mg used for?

It has been approved as the first line of treatment for neuropathic pain associated with diabetes, postherpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain by the European Federation of Neurological Societies. It is used as an adjunct medication for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy, not responding to other treatment options. Currently, the medication is under evaluation to test its effectiveness in low back pain, cancer-related pain, and acute post-surgical pain.

What is the mechanism of action of Pregabalin?

It binds itself to the alpha 2 delta subunits and subtly reduces the synaptic release of several neurotransmitters to reduce neuronal excitability and seizures. Instead of directly acting on the GABA receptors, it indirectly works on GABA synthetic enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase, glutamate synthesizing enzyme, and branched-chain amino acids for its effects.

What is the efficacy of Pregabalin for nerve pain?

It does not produce instant results for nerve pain, and it works slowly on neurotransmitters and takes around a month for maximum effectiveness of results. It is started as a single dose for neuropathic cases, with the dose doubled after 3-7 days and further dose modifications in the next 3-7 days. It has good tolerance and is reliable for neuropathic cases.

What is the efficacy of Pregabalin for back pain?

It is effective in treating neuropathic back pain due to disk herniation followed by sciatica and back pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, spinal stenosis, and postherpetic neuralgia. It takes one to two weeks to work for back pain and produces fewer side effects in comparison to Tricyclic antidepressants. It is also used for post-operative back pain cases.

What is the dosage of Pregabalin for diabetic neuropathy cases?

For diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, regular-release capsules are used for the strength of 50 mg but can be increased to 100mg within a week. The total dose should not exceed 300 mg a day. Extended-release tablets can be started with per-day dose strength of 165 mg and can be increased to 330 mg in a week. The total dose should not exceed 330mg.

What is the dosage of Pregabalin for post-herpetic neuralgia?

In cases of post-herpetic neuralgia, doctors may recommend taking regular release capsules of 150-300mg/day at an interval of 8 or 12 hours. The dose may be increased to 300mg/day in a week if required. For extended-release tablets, 165mg PO is the starting dose, increased to 330mg per day in a week with the total dosage not exceeding 330 mg/day. In extreme pain cases, doctors may advise you for a 660mg/day dosage.

What are the Pregabalin dose for Fibromyalgia and Partial onset seizures?

In cases of Fibromyalgia and Partial onset seizures, only regular-release tablets or oral solutions are preferred over other forms. For Fibromyalgia, 75mg PO (12 hourly) is the initial dose which can be increased to 150mg in a week. For seizure cases, 150mg/day PO is given at an interval of 8 or 12 hours. The total dose should not exceed 400mg/day and 650mg/day, respectively.

Can Pregabalin lead to weight gain?

Pregabalin and weight gain are correlated, and weight gain is a common side effect of it. In a 14-week-long study conducted on adults using it, weight gain was observed in 9% of adults with a 7% increase in weight. Sometimes peripheral edema or swelling of the hands, feet, and legs is observed as a side-effect confused with weight gain, and the weight gain is more in diabetic cases than in other conditions.

How to buy Pregabalin in the UK?

It is a Schedule 5 medication in the UK and is a controlled substance. It cannot be procured from over-the-counter shops; you will need a prescription for availing of it. You can obtain it from a registered pharmacy or a physician’s clinic if you have a prescription for it. You can even buy Pregabalin 300mg online. Online ordering ensures that you avail of the medication in a faster, simpler manner.

What are Pregabalin reviews for nerve pain?

It has an average rating of 5.9/ 10 out of a total of 288 ratings for neuropathic pain. 45% of users have reported symptomatic relief after the use of the medication. Some studies have given it a rating of 6.7/10 with a total of 151 for pain. Almost 59% of users have reported symptomatic relief from the use of the medication, with only 23% reporting mixed outcomes.

What are the side effects of Pregabalin as per NHS?

According to the NHS, common side effects associated with its use are headaches, sleepiness, diarrhea, mood changes, weight gain, blurred vision, and memory problems. Serious side effects associated with its use are severe dizziness leading to loss of consciousness, self-harming thoughts, hallucinations, and serious allergic reactions.

Who should not use Pregabalin?

It should not be used in people with hypersensitivity reactions or allergic reactions to the drug as it can lead to hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and breathing difficulties. It is also contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding ladies, people with an addiction history, people on a controlled sodium diet or kidney dysfunctions, and those with breathing problems.

What are the drug interactions of Pregabalin?

Pregabalin with Alfentanil

Alfentanil is a narcotic. Its concomitant use with Pregabalin can lead to nervous system depression, respiratory problems, coma, and even death.

Pregabalin with Hydrocodone

Both Pregabalin and Hydrocodone are potent painkillers. Thus, their concomitant use can lead to overdosing effects proving life-threatening for the patient.

Pregabalin with Gingko

It is used concomitantly with Gingko can increase the risk of seizures and thus is contraindicated.

Pregabalin and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the nervous system’s side effects of it and lead to dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, and slowed reflexes with poor judgment. This can make it unsafe, especially for people driving or operating heavy machinery, and increase casualty risks. It is not recommended to be used with alcohol for the safety of the patients.