Pregabalin 300mg

£38.00£157.00

Pregabalin is a medication used for the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy and fibromyalgia. Also known by the popular brand name Lyrica, this medication is also used to provide relief from nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles or spinal injury.

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Pregabalin 300 mg Awareness

Important information about Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a prescription medicine used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder in adults.

It can cause dizziness and sleepiness and, in some people, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to take pregabalin exactly as prescribed. (nhs.uk)

A 300 mg capsule does not mean that 300 mg is the correct dose for everyone.

What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin affects the way certain signals are transmitted in the nervous system.

It is prescribed for:

  • Peripheral and central nerve pain
  • Epilepsy, as an additional treatment for partial seizures
  • Generalised anxiety disorder in adults

Pregabalin is available in several strengths, including 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg and 300 mg capsules. (nhs.uk)

Pregabalin 300 mg

Pregabalin 300 mg is one of the available capsule strengths.

The usual total daily dose of standard Pregabalin capsules is between 150 mg and 600 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. The correct dose is determined by a healthcare professional. (nhs.uk)

For some conditions, treatment starts at a lower dose and is gradually increased according to response and side effects.

Do not start with 300 mg, increase your dose or take additional capsules unless this has been specifically prescribed for you.

People with reduced kidney function may require a lower dose.

How should Pregabalin be taken?

Pregabalin capsules should be taken exactly as prescribed.

They can normally be taken with or without food.

Try to take doses at approximately the same times each day.

Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. (nhs.uk)

Common side effects

Common side effects include:

  • Feeling sleepy
  • Feeling tired
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Swollen hands, arms, legs or feet
  • Weight gain
  • Memory problems
  • Mood changes
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty getting an erection

Many side effects are mild and may improve as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. (nhs.uk)

If side effects are severe, persistent or worrying, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious reactions are uncommon, but they can occur.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Hallucinations
  • Significant changes in your mental state
  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Call 999 if someone has severe difficulty breathing, loses consciousness or cannot be woken. (nhs.uk)

Pregabalin and breathing problems

Pregabalin has been associated with severe respiratory depression in some people.

The risk may be higher in people who:

  • Have respiratory problems
  • Have neurological conditions
  • Have reduced kidney function
  • Are elderly
  • Take other medicines that depress the central nervous system
  • Take opioids

Seek urgent medical help if you develop new or worsening breathing difficulties, particularly if accompanied by extreme sleepiness. (Medicines.org.uk)

Pregabalin and opioids

Extra caution is required when pregabalin is taken with opioid medicines such as:

  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Buprenorphine

Combining pregabalin with opioids can increase central nervous system depression and the risk of serious breathing problems. (nhs.uk)

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take opioid medicines.

Alcohol

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking pregabalin.

Alcohol can increase sleepiness and dizziness, impair concentration and may affect breathing. (nhs.uk)

The risk can be greater when alcohol is combined with other medicines that cause sedation.

Driving and machinery

Pregabalin can cause:

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Poor concentration
  • Reduced coordination
  • Difficulty making decisions

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if pregabalin is affecting your ability to do so safely. (nhs.uk)

Dependence, addiction and misuse

Pregabalin can cause dependence and addiction, including when taken at therapeutic doses.

The risk can be higher in people with a current or previous history of substance misuse or certain mental health conditions. (Medicines.org.uk)

Warning signs can include:

  • Feeling that you need to take more
  • Increasing the dose without medical advice
  • Finding it difficult to control your use
  • Strong cravings
  • Taking pregabalin more often than prescribed
  • Feeling unable to stop

If you are concerned about dependence, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Withdrawal

Do not stop pregabalin suddenly.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur after both short-term and long-term treatment.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Pain
  • Restlessness
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures

Your doctor can create an individual reduction plan. UK prescribing information recommends gradual withdrawal rather than abrupt discontinuation. (Medicines.org.uk)

Pregnancy

Pregabalin is not normally recommended during pregnancy unless a doctor considers the benefits to outweigh the potential risks.

Some studies have found a possible increased risk of birth defects following exposure during pregnancy. (nhs.uk)

If you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Planning a pregnancy
  • Trying to become pregnant

speak to your doctor.

Do not stop Pregabalin suddenly if you become pregnant.

The NHS recommends effective contraception while taking Pregabalin. Women who are trying to become pregnant or who become pregnant while taking it are advised to discuss treatment with their doctor. High-dose folic acid may also be recommended. (nhs.uk)

Breastfeeding

Pregabalin passes into breast milk in small amounts.

Current NHS guidance states that a healthy baby can usually be breastfed while the mother takes pregabalin, but this should first be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist. (nhs.uk)

UK product information notes that the effect on newborns and infants is not fully known and that an individual decision should be made about continuing breastfeeding or Pregabalin treatment. (Medicines.org.uk)

If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Who may need extra caution?

Tell your doctor before taking pregabalin if you:

  • Have kidney problems
  • Have breathing problems
  • Have heart disease
  • Have liver disease
  • Have previously misused medicines or developed dependence
  • Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Take opioid painkillers
  • Take medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness

Pregabalin dosing may need to be adjusted in people with reduced kidney function. (nhs.uk)

Taking too much Pregabalin

Taking more Pregabalin than prescribed can cause serious effects.

Contact NHS 111 if you have taken more than your prescribed dose.

Go to A&E if you have taken too much and become:

  • Very sleepy
  • Confused or agitated
  • Unconscious
  • Experiencing a seizure

Call 999 for severe breathing difficulties or if someone cannot be woken. (nhs.uk)

Take the medicine packet and any other medicines you are taking with you if you need medical attention.

Missed dose

If you forget a dose, follow the instructions provided with your prescription.

Never take two doses together or take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose. (nhs.uk)

If you regularly forget doses, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Interactions

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take.

Particular caution is required with:

  • Opioid painkillers
  • Medicines that cause sleepiness
  • Medicines that cause dizziness
  • Alcohol
  • Other medicines that depress the central nervous system

Pregabalin can increase the sedative effects of some medicines. (nhs.uk)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 300 mg a high dose?
300 mg is an available capsule strength, but whether it is an appropriate dose depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Standard Pregabalin treatment can range from 150 mg to 600 mg per day, usually divided into two or three doses. (nhs.uk)

Can Pregabalin become addictive?
Yes. Dependence and addiction can occur, including at prescribed doses. (Medicines.org.uk)

Can I drink alcohol with Pregabalin?
It is best to avoid alcohol because it can increase sleepiness, dizziness and potentially affect breathing. (nhs.uk)

Can I drive while taking Pregabalin?
Only if you are able to drive safely and the medicine is not affecting you. Do not drive if you feel sleepy, dizzy, confused, clumsy or have blurred vision. (nhs.uk)

Can I stop Pregabalin suddenly?
No. Sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and, in people taking it for epilepsy, may trigger seizures. A doctor should advise on gradual reduction. (nhs.uk)

Can I take Pregabalin during pregnancy?
Pregabalin may increase the risk of certain birth defects and should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor. (nhs.uk)

Can I breastfeed while taking Pregabalin?
The NHS says breastfeeding is usually possible if the baby is healthy, but you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist first. Pregabalin passes into breast milk in small amounts. (nhs.uk)

Never share Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a prescription medicine intended for the person it was prescribed for.

Never give your Pregabalin to another person or take someone else’s prescription.

Because Pregabalin can cause dependence and serious sedation or breathing problems, it should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.

Important safety information

This website provides general educational information about pregabalin and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Always follow your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

If you have questions about your dose, side effects, pregnancy, breastfeeding, interactions, dependence or stopping treatment, speak to a healthcare professional.

In an emergency, call 999. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice in England, contact NHS 111.

Medical information should be reviewed regularly because prescribing guidance can change.