Pregabalin: an anticonvulsant drug

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug used for neuropathic pain and as an adjunct therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults. It has also been found effective for generalized anxiety disorder and is (as of 2007) approved for this use in the European Union and Russia.

Pregabalin is used alongside other medicines in the treatment of focal seizures, which is a type of epilepsy. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms which is caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With a focal (sometimes called 'partial') seizure, the burst of electrical activity stays in one part of the brain. Therefore, you tend to have localised or 'focal' symptoms. Pregabalin is used to control the symptoms of seizures.

Pregabalin(CAS.NO:148553-50-8) is also used either alone or alongside other medicines to treat certain types of long-lasting pain caused by damage to nerves. This type of pain, called neuropathic pain, can be caused by a number of different conditions including diabetes and shingles.

1. Medical uses

Pregabalin appears to be as effective as gabapentin for neuropathic pain; however costs more. It is effective for some people with postherpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia. There is not enough data to state that it should be used in all neuropathic pain. It has not been found to be effective for HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy. It has not been shown to be useful for cancer related neuropathic pain. There is no evidence for use in acute pain. Pregabalin is also used for the treatment perioperative pain. There is no evidence for its use in the prevention of migraines and gabapentin has been found not to be useful.
Pregabalin may be used as a second line medication in general anxiety disorder. It appears to have anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines.

2. Usage
Pregabalin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two or three times a day. Take pregabalin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

3. Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If you are using the liquid, after you open the bottle, discard any unused liquid after 45 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

4. Overdosage


Several renal failure patients developed myoclonus while receiving pregabalin, apparently as a result of gradual accumulation of the drug. Acute overdosage may be manifested by somnolence, tachycardia and hypertonicity. Plasma, serum or blood concentrations of pregabalin may be measured to monitor therapy or to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients.