Pregabalin needs to be taken regularly at slowly increasing
doses. Follow the plan below to do this.
Date
Morning
Evening
75mg
75mg
If pain has not improved, move to the dose below after 7 days
150mg
Pregabalin
150mg
If pain has not improved and you do not have intolerable side
effects, move to the dose below after 7 days
300mg
300mg
Information for Patients
This information is not intended to replace your doctor’s
advice.
Pain Management
We strongly advise you to read the manufacturer’s
information for patients, which will be supplied by your
pharmacist when your medication is dispensed.
Keep all medicines away from children.
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or
are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and
Liaison Service (PALS):
Freephone: 0800 183 0204
From a mobile or abroad: 0115 924 9924 ext. 65412 or 62301
E-mail: [email protected]
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
This document can be provided in different languages and
formats. For more information please contact:
Pain Management Department
City Hospital
Tel: 0115 840 2652
Pain Management Department © January 2015. All rights reserved. Nottingham
University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review January 2017. Ref: 0956/v2/0115/AM.
Public information
What is the medicine I have been prescribed?
What are the side effects?
The medicine you have been prescribed is called pregabalin. It
is a painkiller used for many types of persistent pain. It belongs
to the group of drugs called anti-convulsant or anti-epileptic
drugs. However, it is also used for patients who have pain
problems, because it alters the way nerve cells conduct
electrical messages.
Most side effects are mild and tend to go away after a few
doses. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting, and unsteadiness on your feet. Less
common side effects include blurred vision and swelling of the
arms or feet.
How is it taken?
The dose of pregabalin must be increased gradually. You will be
told how much to start taking and how to increase the dose. The
information overleaf tells you how many tablets to take each day
and how to increase the medication. Do not take more than
prescribed.
How should I take it?
Pregabalin is best taken with a drink of water. It can be taken
with or without food.
If you are taking antacid medication, it is best to wait for two
hours after taking it, before taking pregabalin.
How long will it take to work?
You may notice some relief in your pain within a few days.
However, it usually takes a few weeks for your pain to improve
and for you to see the maximum effect. Do not suddenly stop
taking pregabalin. It needs to be tapered off over a week. If you
suffer severe side effects, call your GP or the Pain Clinic.
Generally side effects are worse just after increasing the dose. It
is important to persist in taking pregabalin as these side effects
usually wear off. If you have any severe symptoms that are
worrying you, please contact your GP or the Pain Clinic for
advice. The dose of your pregabalin may be reduced until the
side effects go.
If you are drowsy or dizzy, do not operate machinery or drive.
It is not advisable to drink alcohol whilst taking this drug.
What should I tell the doctor?
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What if I miss a dose?
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If you are allergic to any drugs.
If you are on any other drugs or herbal medicines.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or planning to become
pregnant in the future.
If you are on an oral contraceptive.
If you have liver or kidney disease or are diabetic.
If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Take it as soon as you remember, or
If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take
the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not take a double dose.
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