Pregabalin for pain relief (75mg capsules)

The Consultant in Pain Management has recommended a trial of the medicine pregabalin for pain relief
We recommend that you try it for 3 to 4 weeks

We also advise you to read the Patient Information Leaflet included with your medicine

• This leaflet has
• Information on this medicine
• Guidance on how to use it
• The plans for Pain Clinic follow up once the medicine has been started

Please note - Pregabalin is used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. The information included with your
medicine will mention epilepsy and pain. Whatever the reasons for taking it, the possible side effects are the same.

If you have any questions or concerns before starting therapy, please discuss these with your:

• GP
• Pain Clinic Doctor or
• Pain Clinic Nurse Specialist

What is pregabalin and how does it work?

Pregabalin is used to treat long lasting pain sometimes called neuropathic pain.

Neuopathic pain is often described as - Hot or burning, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping and like pins and needles.

Pregabalin is different from other pain medication as it will not work immediately.

It may take up to month or longer to reach its full effect.

Common side effects

Pregabalin may cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness - if you do get these side effects you
should not drive or operate machinery.

Other side effects include:

• increased appetite
• feeling elated, confused, irritable
• changes in sexual interest
• attention, memory and speech is affected
• feeling clumsy
• tingling
• blurred or double vision
• feel dizzy, tremor
• dry mouth
• constipation
• sickness, flatulence
• difficulties with erection
• swelling of toes and fingers
• feeling drunk, walking differently
• weight gain
• Pregnancy

If, whilst taking Pregabalin, you think you may have become pregnant consult your GP or pain clinic as soon as possible.

If you are a woman planning a pregnancy you should speak to your doctor before taking Pregabalin.

• the main aim is to take as little medicine as possible for best effect
• to begin with you will be given enough to last about 3 weeks

The table below shows how best to take the medicine.

If you have any questions about how much to take, or are not sure then please contact the pain clinic or your GP.

• your pain is unique to you
• everyone reacts to medicines in different ways
• you will be the best person to know if the medicine is helping you
• you will also know best whether you want to carry on taking it after the trial period

For this reason you are being offered a 4 week trial

• You should not drive or operate machinery if you are affected by drowsiness while taking the medicine
• You should not drink alcohol

Pregabalin and other medicines

Pregabalin can be taken with most other medicines. However, there are some medications that may require dose adjustment, or have an increased risk of drowsiness when taken with Pregabalin. Please check with your doctor before starting any new medicines including those bought from the chemist or herbal remedies.

You may not need to attend the hospital for a review. A follow up plan will be arranged with you before the trial period.

If you do benefit from pregabalin the Consultant will arrange with your GP for you to carry on taking it.

If you get no benefit, we will discuss with you how best to cut down and then stop taking it.

We will write to your GP to keep him or her up to date.

It is often useful from time to time to slowly reduce this medicine. This will allow you to judge whether you feel the medicine is still giving you pain relief. You should first discuss this with your GP.

Please use the space below to write down any questions or comments you may have. This may be a useful
reminder when the Pain Clinic Nurse Specialist telephones you.

Contact telephone numbers

Nurse Specialist tel:01896 826335

Or leave a message with the Pain Clinic secretary on tel:01896 826323.