What is Pregabalin 500 mg?

Pregabalin 500 mg is a prescription drug used for managing several types of neuropathic pain, including fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, seizures, etc. It also aids in improving epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This drug contains Pregabalin (500mg) as a key ingredient, which is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic class of drug. Thus, it works by reducing abnormal activity in the brain and halting communication between nerves and the brain so that pain is not perceived.

About Active Ingredient: Pregabalin

Pregabalin, the main ingredient of this drug, is an FDA-approved neuropathic pain reliever. It is highly recommended for improving symptoms like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injuries, etc. Besides this, it provides necessary relief among elderly patients having epilepsy and who wants to get rid of the partial onset of seizures.

Pregabalin 500 mg Uses: What is Pregabalin used for?

This medicine is prescribed for treating neuropathic pain caused by:

• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Several types of seizures

How does Pregabalin 500 work in the body?

Pregabalin 500 mg belongs to the anticonvulsant class of drugs. It contains Pregabalin as a major constituent which binds with the calcium channels in the CNS. This ingredient prevents abnormal activity in the brain by reducing the release of pain signals to the brain. In other words, it stops pain signals from travelling to and fro in the brain, thus disallowing the body to perceive pain. As a result, symptoms of neuropathic pain improve, and the individual can engage in life activities normally.

Benefits of Pregabalin 500mg Capsules

• Provides effective relief from several types of neuropathic pain
• Helps improve diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, seizures, etc
• Prevents episodes of seizures
• Promotes effective pain management within a short span
• One of the most well-tolerated neuropathic pain relievers
• Diverts focus from pain towards better health
• Improves quality of life

Recommended dosage of Pregabalin

The dosage is recommended according to the patient’s age, underlying neuropathic pain symptoms, severity, and response to the treatment. Hence, the dosage frequency varies among individuals and can be adjusted according to the individual’s response.

Usually, this medicine is consumed once or twice a day with or without meals. Try to take it at the same time daily for the advised treatment period to sustain effectiveness.

Swallow one whole capsule at a time with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the pill else its effectiveness is reduced. Also, avoid having this medicine with alcohol or grapefruit juice, else the risk of dizziness and drowsiness increases.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pregabalin 500?

If you realise the missed dosage, take it immediately. Avoid covering up if the next dosage is scheduled in a couple of hours. On this note, set a reminder so you don’t miss your dosages, as forgetting to use this medicine more frequently can impact overall treatment.

What happens if I take an overdose by mistake?

In case you used it more than suggested, by mistake, the risk of side effects remains. Contact your healthcare provider and seek help as soon as possible. Also, don’t try to overdose intentionally because it will not promote healing faster, but will drive serious health risks.

Side effects and Precautions

Some side effects are well-tolerated and don’t require any medical help as they subside within a few days only. They are as below:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Troubles in concentrating
• Swelling of the hands and feet

These are some serious and rare side effects that require medical help immediately. Such symptoms are severe and so one should not delay in getting medical attention as soon as possible.

• Rashes, itchiness, swelling, etc, allergic reactions
• Easy bruises and bleeds
• Nausea or vomiting that persists
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
• Mood changes
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Tenderness of muscles

As a precautionary measure to avoid such side effects, follow the suggested treatment guidelines. Use the prescribed dosage only and don’t take this medicine more frequently. Altering the amount or frequency can lead to adversities.

Important Precautionary Measures

1. Discuss medical history: Talk to your doctor if you have cardiovascular diseases, kidney or liver diseases, etc.
2. Don’t perform attention-needing tasks: If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurry vision, etc after using this medicine, don’t do any attention-needing tasks (like driving, riding a bike, using machinery, etc).
3. Avoid sudden stoppage: Do not stop using this medicine in the middle of your treatment. Discontinuing suddenly can lead to.
4. Limit alcohol: Alcoholic beverages as well as caffeinated drinks are not suggested while undergoing treatment with this medicine.
5. Use interacting drugs with a gap: If you are using any of the interacting drugs with Pregabalin, inform your doctor. Seek help on how to continue these medicines with a safe gap.
6. Avoid using during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Inform your doctor regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding before starting your treatment right away. Such patients are prescribed this medicine with special caution and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
7. Do not use for the elderly without a prescription: Never use this neuropathic pain reliever among elderly patients without medical consultation. Though this medicine is safe, it is used differently among elderly patients because of their pre-existing medical conditions. Most patients may have impaired kidney functions so a low-dose start is required.
8. Report serious side effects: If you encounter severe side effects (as listed above), report them to your healthcare provider immediately.

Pregabalin Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are using any vitamins or herbal supplements, prescription or OTC drugs before starting treatment with Pregabalin. Here are the major interactions of this neuropathic pain reliever:

• CNS Depressants
• SSRIs
• Diabetes treatment drugs
• ACE inhibitors
• Thiazolidinediones
• Anti-epilepsy medicines
• Narcotic pain relievers
• Benzodiazepines

In which condition should Pregabalin 500 not be used?

• Don’t use this medication if you are allergic to its key ingredient – Pregabalin or any other inactive ingredients. Also, its usage should be avoided if you discover serious allergies right after starting treatment.
• This drug should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women if not discussed these conditions with the doctor.
• It is not for use along with alcoholic beverages or any of its interacting medications.
• Avoid taking this medicine if you have severe health risks – heart, kidney liver, etc.

Guidance on how to store Pregabalin 500 safely

• Store your stash between 15 and 25 Degrees Celsius. Avoid its exposure to direct sunlight or heat.
• Place it somewhere out of reach of children and pets.

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