By: Annabelle Clarke
May 08, 2021
The pregabalin tablet is an anticonvulsant treatment known for its ability to manage and control seizures and epileptic fits. This medication has been on the market for several decades and is approved for the treatment of various conditions. It is generally safe to use in the long term and you do not need to have epilepsy for this medication to help with pain and anxiety.
The reason for this is that this medication has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and analgesic properties. These effects are able to work independently or together to provide effective relief for patients who suffer from conditions like nerve pain, fibromyalgia and anxiety.
Pregabalin’s long list of therapeutic effects is joined by a small percentage of negatives that come in the form of side effects. Side effects can be described as an unwanted, or unexpected, effects that differ from the intended effects.
Common side effects are generally mild entirely tolerable. They tend to disappear shortly after the commencement of treatment as the body gets used to the medicine. Common pregabalin side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness
Home remedies can be used to reduce the discomfort associated with the effects mentioned above. Experts advise that users follow the recommended pregabalin dose and frequency schedule to minimise the risk of developing other serious side effects.
Pregabalin Interactions
An interaction may happen when pregabalin reacts with another medication that a patient is taking at the same time. It can also be caused by the combined consumption of food, beverages or supplements with this treatment.This type of interaction occurs when the compounds present in one treatment alters another’s pharmacokinetics.
While some medicines can be safely used in conjunction with pregabalin, others can change how the medication works and increase the occurrence of pregabalin side effects. Thus, patients are urged to avoid using the following substances in conjunction with this medication:
- Antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
- Muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
- Opioid-based pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone)
- Treatments that are used for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem)
Interactions can cause the following side effects:
- Unexplainable bruising
- Slow/shallow breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disorientation
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Bleeding
- Swelling
The side effects mentioned above can cause a considerable amount of discomfort. Therefore, patients who experience the effects of an interaction are urged to contact a medical professional. The use of this medication should be discontinued until the issue had been rectified.
Pregabalin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are a set of physical and psychological effects that present themselves after a person abruptly reduces or stops treatment with this medicine. The symptoms usually vary in intensity and duration, depending on various factors such as the dosage level and duration of use.
If a patient has been using a medical treatment like pregabalin on a long-term basis, they generally need to follow a tapering off schedule before discontinuing treatment. The absence of a tapering off program can cause a patient to experience a combination of pregabalin side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can also occur if a patient drastically reduces their dose in a short time frame.
The occurrence of these symptoms can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous if they are not handled accordingly. Signs and symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Cravings for the medication
- Increased heart rate
- Mood changes
- Confusion
- Depression
- Headaches
Immediate withdrawal symptoms such as those mentioned above usually last 24-48 hours, while residual symptoms can last several weeks. Patients who use this medication excessively may experience pregabalin side effects and withdrawal symptoms that require an extended tapering off process.
Advice When Consuming Both Pregabalin and Alcohol
When it comes to taking treatments like painkillers or anticonvulsants, a common misconception is that combining the treatment with alcohol will intensify its effects. The fact of the matter is that alcohol significantly increase the chance of adverse effects so the combination is not advisable.
Whether you are taking a prescription treatment or an OTC supplement, most medications come with a warning against alcohol use. Consuming alcoholic beverages can intensify the effects of the administered dose. This may transform common residual effects like drowsiness or light-headedness into more serious side effects.
Alternatively, the combination can cause physical and mental impairments that reduce patient functionality. Individuals need to remember that alcohol can cause serious pregabalin side effects even if the alcohol-based substance is consumed long before or after a dose. The following are some of the possible reactions that the combination of alcohol and pregabalin tablets can cause:
- Increased risk of seizures
- Excessive dizziness or drowsiness
- Unusual behaviour and changes in mental health
Does Pregabalin Weight Gain Happen?
The pregabalin tablet is well known for treating several conditions that stem from physical or mental health issues. The treatment comes with a host of benefits and is considered a versatile painkiller. Like other medicinal treatments, the tablet does have side effects, one of them being weight gain.
A rehabilitation medicine physician, Kimberly Sackheim, said, that this is the Lyrica side effect individuals are most worried about, experts do not precisely know why Lyrica can cause weight increase, but when you take a medication, the constituents can engage with your body’s chemicals in a variety of ways. She further noted that some people may gain weight, but then when they stop the medication, it does get better.
Many dieticians recommend following a diet a calorie-controlled diet. General advice is to try and eat well without increasing the size of portions. Avoid snacking on foods that are high in calories. If you get hungry between meals, try and eat healthy foods like fruit and vegetables instead of high-calorie snacks. Also, exercise on a regular basis will help keep your weight stable.
Sometimes, experts suggest lowering the dose to stop weight gain if it is becoming unbearable and affecting other aspects of your health. This is only a viable option if the condition being treated allows it. It is advisable to implement a dose reduction in steady intervals to avoid experiencing pregabalin side effects. You can buy pregabalin 300 mg from any registered online pharmacy that services your area and have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
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