Pregabalin Capsules

PREGABALIN (pre GAB a lin) treats nerve pain. It may also be used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• Change in vision
• Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior in children after use such as trouble concentrating, hostility, or restlessness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Weight gain

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Have or have had depression
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Substance use disorder
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pregabalin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

This medication may interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease
• Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for diabetes, like pioglitazone, rosiglitazone
• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Opioid medications for pain
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Taking this medication with other CNS depressants can make you too sleepy. This can make it hard to breathe and stay awake. In some cases, it can cause coma and death. CNS depressants include opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, medications for sleep, and alcohol. Talk to your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. They can tell you what is safe to take together. Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake.

This medication can cause new or worsening depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in a small number of people. This can happen while you are taking this medication or after stopping it. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.

If you take this medication for seizures, wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.