Description
Pregabalin belongs to the class of medication known as analgesics. It is used to relieve neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pain from damaged nerves due to diabetes) and postherpetic neuralgia (persisting pain following healing of the rash due to shingles). Pregabalin is also used to relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia (pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons). It is also useful in managing central neuropathic pain (pain from damaged nerves of the brain and spinal cord). Pain from damaged nerves may feel sharp, burning, tingling, shooting, or numb. It is not known exactly how pregabalin works, but it is thought to work in the brain to decrease the release of chemicals responsible for pain. For some people, improvement in pain may occur as early as the first week of treatment with pregabalin.
To treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and post herpetic neuralgia, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day or 50 mg 3 times a day).
To treat neuropathic pain associated with the central nervous system, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day).
To treat pain associated with fibromyalgia, the recommended adult starting dose of pregabalin is 150 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 75 mg twice a day).
After one week of treatment, your doctor may increase the dose of pregabalin to 300 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses (e.g., 150 mg twice a day). The maximum recommended daily dose of pregabalin is 600 mg.
