Pregabalin

Pregabalin, a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic (nerve) pain, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder (off label). Pregabalin works by reducing the number of pain signals that damaged nerves send out. This drug can help you control your symptoms but it will not cure your condition.

Is Pregabalin a narcotic?

Pregabalin is not a narcotic or an opioid. Pregabalin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants.

Is Pregabalin addictive?

Pregabalin, like most medications, has someside effects.

Pregabalinmay be habit forming.Research in the medical community indicates that Pregabalin withdrawal has not been well documented, but if you stop taking it without gradually reducing the dosage, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Common symptoms of withdrawal include:

trouble falling asleep orstaying asleep

anxiety

tachycardia (abnormally rapid heart rate)

diaphoresis (sweating)

nausea

aggression

diarrhea

headaches

Does Pregabalin cause depression?

For aboutTrusted Source1 in 500Trusted Source people who are taking it, Pregabalin may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

You should call your doctor immediately if you have:

new or worsedepression

new or worseanxiety

new or worse irritability

restlessness

insomnia

aggressive or violent behavior

panic attacks

an extreme increase in talking or activity (mania)

thoughts aboutsuicide ordying

attempted to commit suicide

acted on dangerous impulses

Alternatives to Pregabalin for pain medication

Pain medicines (analgesics) affect different people in different ways. Always read labels thoroughly and follow the instructions, including dosage recommendations, provided by your doctor and pharmacist.

There are three main kinds of pain medications: prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and natural.

Prescription pain medication

There are several different types of prescription pain medications:

anticonvulsants and antidepressants

opioids

corticosteroids

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Anticonvulsant drugs are usually used to treat seizure disorders, but have also been shown to be effective in treating neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor might prescribe gabapentin (Neurontin), milnacipran (Savella), or duloxetine (Cymbalta). The FDA has approved these three drugs and pregabalin (Pregabalin) as non-opioid medications for treatment of various chronic pain syndromes.

Opioid drugs are usually used to treat acute or severe pain. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor might prescribe morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, or codeine. Opioids are highly addictive drugs.

Corticosteroids are usually used to relieve inflamed areas, easing swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor might prescribe prednisone, prednisolone or methylprednisolone.

NSAIDs are usually used to relieve fever, inflammation, and swelling. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor might prescribe celecoxib (Celebrex), flurbiprofen (Ansaid, Ocufen), oxaprozin (Daypro), sulindac (Clinoril), or one of many other prescription NSAIDs.