There are some drugs that are used for quite diverse disorders or pathologies. This is the case of pregabalin, an antiepileptic and analgesic medication , indicated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), neuropathic pain and seizures characteristic of epilepsy.

In this article we will know its mechanism of action, how it is administered in each case, its side effects and contraindications.

Question: what is it?

Pregabalin is an antiepileptic and analgesic drug, used primarily for peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults, as an added therapy in partial seizures with or without generalization in adults and for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Its active ingredient is an analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid (GAB)A, i.e. is a drug analogue of GABA (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system), like its predecessor gabapentin.

This drug is given orally, and can be taken with or without food. The contraindication to taking pregabalin is to suffer from hypersensitivity to pregabalin itself.

As for its dosage, the range is 150 to 600 mg per day, dividing its administration in two or three takes. To do this always follow the instructions of the medical staff who prescribed this drug.

Pregabalin should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age , since its safety and efficacy in these groups has not yet been established.

Indications

Pregabalin belongs to a group of medications used primarily for the treatment of epilepsy, adult generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and neuropathic pain.

1. Epilepsy

Pregabalin is used to treat certain types of epilepsy, namely partial seizures with or without secondary generalization, in adults. Pregabalin requires a prescription from your doctor.

It is prescribed for epilepsy when current treatment is not controlling the disease. Usually pregabalin is taken in addition to the current treatment.

It should not be administered alone, but should always be used in combination with other antiepileptic treatments.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

In this case, pregabalin is used for the excessive and prolonged symptoms of anxiety and worry typical of GAD, which are difficult to control.

In addition, GAD can also cause restlessness or a feeling of excitement or nervousness, a feeling of fatigue and easy tiredness, as well as difficulty concentrating or ease in blanking out, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbances. Pregabalin also acts on these symptoms.

However, we should be clear that these symptoms are slightly different from stress itself, and/or from the stresses of everyday life.

3. Neuropathic pain

Pregabalin is also used to treat neuropathic pain (peripheral and central). Neuropathic pain is produced by damage or alteration in the structures of the nervous system . Therefore, this pain can be produced by damage to the peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathic pain) or by damage to the spinal cord or brain (central neuropathic pain).

Neuropathic pain is caused by abnormal functioning of the nervous system, which misinterprets stimuli. It affects 7-10% of the European population.

Side effects

Pregabalin, like all medications, also has a number of adverse effects that can (but do not always) occur when it is taken. The most common side effects (which may affect more than 1 person in 10) are dizziness, drowsiness and headache .

Other slightly less frequent adverse effects (affecting more than 1 person in 100) are

  • Increased appetite.
  • Feelings of euphoria, confusion, disorientation, decreased sexual appetite, irritability.
  • Altered attention, clumsiness of movement, memory impairment, memory loss, tremors, difficulty in speaking, tingling sensation, numbness, sedation, lethargy, insomnia, fatigue, abnormal sensation.
  • Blurred vision, double vision.
  • Vertigo, balance problems, falls.
  • Dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, bloated abdomen.
  • Difficulty in erection.
  • Swelling of the body including the extremities.
  • Feeling of drunkenness, altered gait.
  • Weight gain.
  • Muscle cramps, joint pain, back pain, limb pain.
  • Sore throat.

Bibliographic references:

  • Spanish Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products (AEMPS). (2016). Pregabalin Tarbis 75 mg hard capsules EFG.
  • González-Escalada, J. (2005). Pregabalin in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor 12(3).