Pregabalin

Pregabalin treats nerve pain, generalised anxiety disorder and some types of epilepsy. It is a controlled drug because it can be misused.

Type of medicine

Anticonvulsant (also used for nerve pain and anxiety)

Also known as

Lyrica, Alzain, Axalid

Comes as

capsules, liquid

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
Generalised anxiety disorder
Focal seizures in epilepsy, alongside other medicines

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Fibromyalgia
Alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal (limited evidence)

How it works

Pregabalin attaches to calcium channels on nerve cells and reduces the release of chemical messengers. This calms overactive nerves involved in pain, anxiety and seizures.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Pregabalin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sleepy or dizzy
weight gain
blurred vision
dry mouth
unsteadiness
swollen hands or feet
constipation

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

slow or shallow breathing, especially if you also take opioids. Call 999
thoughts of harming yourself
signs of dependence, such as needing more to get the same effect

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It is a controlled drug and can cause dependence and misuse.
Taking it with opioids, alcohol or other sedatives can stop your breathing.
It may harm an unborn baby. Use contraception and talk to your doctor before trying for a baby.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.