Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Pregabalin. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Pregabalin with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Pregabalin. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness or sleepiness
• Dry Mouth
• forgetfulness
• lack of energy
• muscle weakness
• trouble concentrating
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• balance problems
• blurred vision
• cough
• extreme fatigue or tiredness
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
• swelling of the extremities (hands and feet)
• thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if accompanied by Fever or a general feeling of being unwell)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• symptoms of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Pregabalin.

25 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 4 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "25" on the body and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder contains pregabalin 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

50 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 3 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "50" on the body, which is also circled by a black line and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

75 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 4 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "75" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

150 mg
Each white, opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 2 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "150" on the body and nothing on the cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder contains pregabalin 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, and titanium dioxide.

225 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 1 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "225" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 225 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

300 mg
Each opaque, hard gelatin, coni-snap, size No. 0 capsule, ink-printed in black with "PGB" over "300" on the white body and nothing on the burnt orange (Swedish orange) cap, filled with white-to-off-white powder, contains pregabalin 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, gelatin, iron oxide black, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

Pregabalin should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to pregabalin or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between pregabalin and any of the following:

• alcohol
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
• antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, doxylamine, Hydroxyzine)
• anti-psychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, Alprazolam, diazepam)
• brimonidine
• Buprenorphine
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• Clonidine
• diphenoxylate
• efavirenz
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• kava kava
• Ketorolac
• Mefloquine
• Mirtazapine
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, Fentanyl, morphine, Oxycodone)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Orlistat
• Pramipexole
• Ropinirole
• Rotigotine
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Levetiracetam, Phenytoin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• suvorexant
• Tapentadol
• thalidomide
• thiazolidinediones (e.g., Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone)
• tolcapone
• Tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pregabalin. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pregabalin.

Allergic reaction: Some people have developed a serious allergic reaction called angioedema to Pregabalin. Symptoms include swelling of the face, mouth (lips, gums, tongue), neck, throat, and upper airway. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Taking CNS depressants such as opiates (e.g., Morphine, Codeine) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam) or alcohol while taking pregabalin could result in excessive sleepiness or drowsiness and even coma. Talk to your doctor if you are taking these medications.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Pregabalin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Pregabalin affects you.

Drinking alcohol while you are taking pregabalin may make these effects stronger. It is strongly recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking pregabalin.

Gastrointestinal problems: Pregabalin can cause constipation. When taken with other medications that cause constipation, such as narcotic pain relievers or some antidepressants, the combination may cause blockage of the digestive system. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions on how to manage constipation.

Heart problems: Pregabalin may cause fluid to build up in the body. If the fluid accumulates around the lungs or heart, symptoms of heart failure may become worse. If you have heart failure or other heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Pregabalin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pregabalin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any signs of heart problems getting worse, such as difficulty breathing, rapid weight gain or chest pain to your doctor immediately.

Kidney function: Pregabalin is primarily eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Kidney Disease or decreased kidney function may cause Pregabalin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Pregabalin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pregabalin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregabalin may reduce kidney function and can cause kidney failure. If you notice any signs of your kidneys not working well, such as decreased amounts of urine being produced, swelling of the legs and ankles, difficulty urinating, or an increased need to urinate at night, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Male fertility: Animal studies have shown the use of pregabalin to be associated with decreased fertility, sperm abnormalities, and birth defects. It is not known if these effects would happen in people. If you plan to father a child, discuss using Pregabalin with your doctor first.

Muscle pain: If you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with or without fever, contact your doctor immediately.

Skin problems: Pregabalin may cause skin ulcers or sores. Pay extra attention to your skin while taking Pregabalin, especially if you have diabetes. If you notice any new skin sores or skin problems let your doctor know.

Stopping Pregabalin: Stopping pregabalin suddenly may result in withdrawal symptoms such as Insomnia, nausea, headache, Diarrhea, and seizures. If it is necessary to stop taking Pregabalin, talk to your doctor about the best way to reduce your dose before stopping your medication.

Suicidal behaviour: People taking Pregabalin may feel that they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Pregabalin. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Pregabalin, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Pregabalin.

Vision disturbances: Pregabalin may cause disturbances in your vision such as blurred vision, double vision, and vision loss. Report any changes in your vision to your doctor immediately.

Weight gain: Pregabalin may cause weight gain and swelling of the extremities. Report any significant weight gain or any swelling of the legs, arms, or other areas of the body to your doctor.

Pregnancy: Information about the safety and effectiveness of using pregabalin during pregnancy is limited. Pregabalin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pregabalin, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Pregabalin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking pregabalin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Pregabalin have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

Seniors: The effectiveness of the kidneys in removing pregabalin from the body tends to decrease with age. Seniors may need lower doses of Pregabalin to reduce the possibility for side effects.

Pregabalin belongs to the class of medication known as analgesics. It is used to relieve neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral Neuropathy (pain from damaged nerves due to Diabetes) and postherpetic neuralgia (persisting pain following healing of the rash due to Shingles).

Pregabalin is also used to relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia (pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons). It is also useful in managing central neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves of the brain and spinal cord).

Pain from damaged nerves may feel sharp, burning, tingling, shooting, or numb. It is not known exactly how pregabalin works, but it is thought to work in the brain to decrease the release of chemicals responsible for pain. For some people, improvement in pain may occur as early as the first week of treatment with pregabalin.

Pregabalin may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Pregabalin may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Pregabalin may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Pregabalin for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Pregabalin, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Pregabalin without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Pregabalin to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Pregabalin if their doctor has not prescribed it.