Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a drug with an anticonvulsant action which - in addition to being used in the treatment of epilepsy - can also be used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and in the treatment of anxiety.

Pregabalin - Chemical Structure

Indications

For what it uses

The use of pregabalin is indicated for the treatment of:

Partial epileptic attacks, with or without secondary generalization;
Central or peripheral neuropathic pain;
Generalized anxiety disorder.

Warnings

Pregabalin can cause side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness. Such effects can cause an increase in accidental falls in elderly patients, so great care must be taken.

A lot of caution should be used when administering pregabalin in patients suffering from pre-existing cardiovascular diseases - especially if they are elderly - because the drug can cause heart failure.

Cases of occurrence of suicidal ideation and thoughts have occurred in patients receiving pregabalin therapy. If these symptoms occur, you must immediately inform your doctor.

Patients with a history of alcohol and / or drug abuse should tell their doctor before taking pregabalin.

Pregabalin should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Alcohol consumption during pregabalin therapy should be avoided.

Pregabalin may cause effects that may impair the ability to drive and use machines, therefore, these activities should be avoided.

Interactions

Certain side effects induced by pregabalin - such as dizziness, drowsiness and decreased concentration - may be increased by the concomitant administration of:

Oxycodone (an opioid analgesic);
Lorazepam (a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety);
Alcohol .

However, you need to tell your doctor if you are taking - or have recently been taken - drugs of any kind, including over-the-counter medications and herbal and / or homeopathic products.

Side effects

Pregabalin can cause various side effects, although not all patients experience them. This depends on the sensitivity that each person has towards the drug.

The following are the main adverse effects that may occur during pregabalin therapy.

Nervous system disorders

Pregabalin treatment may cause:

Drowsiness;
Sedation;
Lethargy;
dizziness;
Headache;
Tremors;
Memory impairment;
Difficulty of the word;
Tingling sensation;
Numbness;
Insomnia;
fatigue;
Dizziness and balance disorders;
Gait abnormalities;
Convulsions.

Psychiatric disorders

Pregabalin therapy may cause:

Excitement;
Confusion;
Disorientation;
Decrease or increase in libido;
Restlessness;
agitation;
Depression;
Hallucinations;
Abnormal dreams;
Panic attacks;
Apathy;
Aggression;
Euphoria;
Difficulty in concept.

Eye disorders

Pregabalin treatment can cause visual changes, strabismus, vision loss, mydriasis (dilation of the pupils), dryness, swelling or pain in the eyes, increased tearing and eye irritation.

Cardiovascular disorders

Pregabalin therapy may cause heart rhythm disturbances, hypotension or hypertension and heart failure.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

During pregabalin treatment there may be an increase or loss of appetite, an increase or decrease in body weight and an increase or decrease in blood sugar levels.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Pregabalin therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, heartburn, abdominal bloating and pancreatitis.

Lung and respiratory tract disorders

Treatment with pregabalin can cause difficulty in breathing, nasal dryness and congestion, sore throat, feeling of constriction in the throat, coughing and the presence of fluid in the lungs.

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Pregabalin therapy can cause difficulty in erection, delay in ejaculation, breast development in men (gynecomastia), painful menstrual cycles in women and abnormal breast growth.

Renal and urinary tract disorders

Pregabalin treatment can cause difficulty urinating, pain when urinating and incontinence.

Alteration of diagnostic tests

Pregabalin therapy may cause an increase in blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, of alanine aminotransferase, of aspartate aminotransferase and of creatinine.

Other side effects

Other adverse effects that may occur during treatment with pregabalin are:

Allergic reactions in sensitive subjects;
Dry mouth;
Swelling;
Joint pain;
Joint swelling;
Muscle cramps;
Muscular pain;
Loss of sense of taste;
Fainting;
Hyperacusis (hypersensitivity and intolerance to sounds);
Skin sensitivity;
Weakness;
Increased thirst.

Overdose

Symptoms that may occur if overdose of pregabalin is taken are drowsiness, confusion, agitation or restlessness.

If an overdose is suspected, it is necessary to immediately contact a doctor and go to the nearest hospital.

Action mechanism

Pregabalin performs its action by binding to voltage-dependent calcium channels present in the central nervous system.

In this way, pregabalin is able to decrease the release of particular neurotransmitters, such as:

Glutamate (the main excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain);
Norepinephrine;
Substance P, a vasodilator polypeptide implicated in many biological processes, including the modulation of pain and vomiting;
The peptide correlated to the calcitonin gene (or CGRP, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide), endowed with a powerful vasodilatory action and involved in the transmission of pain.