How And When To Take Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a prescription medicine. It's important to take it as advised by your doctor.

Dosage and strength

Pregabalin comes as standard tablets and capsules, and as slow-release tablets. Slow-release tablets release the medicine into your body more slowly throughout the day.

Standard tablets and capsules contain 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg, or 300mg of pregabalin.

Slow-release tablets contain 82.5mg, 165mg or 330mg of pregabalin.

If you're taking it as a liquid, 2.5ml is usually the same as taking one 50mg capsule. Always check the label.

If you're taking standard tablets or capsules, the usual dose is between 150mg and 600mg a day, split into 2 or 3 separate doses.

If you're taking slow-release tablets, you'll take these once a day.

Changes to your dose

To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will prescribe a low dose to start with and then increase it every few days.

When you find a dose that suits you, it will usually stay the same.

How to take it

You can take pregabalin with or without food, but it's best to take it in the same way each day. Try to space your doses evenly through the day.

Swallow pregabalin tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water or juice. Do not chew them.

The liquid pregabalin will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a measuring spoon or syringe, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

How long to take it for

If you have epilepsy, it's likely that when your condition is under control you'll continue to take pregabalin for many years.

If you're taking pregabalin for nerve pain or anxiety it's likely that when your symptoms have gone you'll continue to take it for several months to stop them coming back.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's within 2 hours of your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you have epilepsy, it's important to take this medicine regularly. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking too much pregabalin may cause unpleasant side effects.

Go to A&E now if:

Contact 111 for advice now if:

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the pregabalin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Stopping pregabalin

Do not stop taking pregabalin suddenly, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.

If you have epilepsy, stopping pregabalin suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop.

If you're taking it for any reason and stop suddenly, you may have severe withdrawal symptoms, including:

• anxiety
• difficulty sleeping
• feeling sick
• pain
• sweating

It's possible to prevent withdrawal seizures and other symptoms by gradually reducing the dose of pregabalin.

Do not stop taking pregabalin without talking to your doctor.

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