Understanding Pregabalin and Nerve Pain Relief
Pregabalin works by calming overactive nerves, making it effective for neuropathic pain. Pregabalin is often used to manage acute pain, especially when it involves the nervous system or spinal cord. However, it may not fully relieve all types of pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain
1.
Pregabalin combined with other pain relief medications can enhance the analgesic effect and effectively relieve pain, but may also increase the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects. Strong painkillers, such as opioids, may be used in combination with pregabalin for severe pain, but only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Pregabalin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Other treatments, such as physical therapy or psychological support, may be considered alongside medication for comprehensive pain management.
Dosage and Administration
Pregabalin is available in several forms, including capsules, oral solution, and extended-release tablets, allowing for flexibility in how patients take their medication. The prescribed dosage depends on the specific condition being treated, such as nerve pain, anxiety disorders, or fibromyalgia, and typically ranges from 150mg to 600mg per day, divided into two or three doses. When taking pregabalin as an oral solution, it’s important for patients to use the provided measuring device to ensure accurate dosing and avoid potential side effects from incorrect amounts. Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole with water or juice—never chewed or crushed. For those prescribed the extended-release tablet, it should be taken after the evening meal to help maintain a steady level of medication in the body. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely, stick to a consistent dosing schedule, and never adjust their dose without medical advice to ensure the best results and minimize risks.
Which Painkillers Are Safe With Pregabalin?
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Safe to use with pregabalin for mild to moderate pain. There are no known interactions.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen can be used with pregabalin for inflammatory pain, unless you have contraindications (e.g., stomach ulcers, kidney problems).
- Opioids: Codeine, tramadol, or morphine may be prescribed for severe pain, but combining these with pregabalin increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and breathing problems. Always use under medical supervision
2. - Topical painkillers: Gels and creams (e.g., diclofenac gel) can be used safely with pregabalin.
Important: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication with pregabalin, especially if you take other prescription drugs or have underlying health conditions. Discuss potential drug interactions and adverse effects with a healthcare professional before combining pregabalin with any pain relief medications.
Painkillers and Drug Interactions to Avoid or Use With Caution
- Other sedatives: Avoid combining pregabalin with benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, or alcohol, as this increases the risk of sedation and breathing difficulties. Combining pregabalin with recreational drugs can also increase the risk of serious side effects and adverse effects.
- Multiple opioids: Do not combine more than one opioid painkiller with pregabalin unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Unsupervised combinations: Never mix painkillers without professional advice.
Drug interactions can lead to unexpected adverse effects, and patients should be aware of the potential for serious side effects when combining medications.
Special Considerations for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When it comes to taking pregabalin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, careful consideration is essential. Pregabalin may be prescribed if the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks, as there is a slight increase in the risk of birth defects. Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before starting or continuing pregabalin. The medication can pass into breast milk in small amounts, so breastfeeding mothers should watch for any unusual symptoms in their baby, such as poor feeding or excessive sleepiness, and report these to their doctor. Women planning to conceive should discuss their treatment plan with their healthcare provider, as high-dose folic acid (5mg daily) is recommended before conception and during the first trimester to support healthy fetal development. Open communication with your healthcare provider ensures the safest approach to managing pain or anxiety disorders while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Overdose and Emergency Procedures
If a patient accidentally takes more than the prescribed dose of pregabalin, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Signs of overdose can include excessive drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing, which may become life-threatening if not treated promptly. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction—such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat—can occur. If any symptoms of an allergic reaction develop, patients should stop taking pregabalin and contact their doctor or emergency services right away. Emergency treatment may involve procedures like activated charcoal or gastric lavage to limit further absorption of the drug. To prevent these dangerous situations, patients should always take pregabalin exactly as prescribed and never exceed the recommended dose.
Case Study: Real Patient Experience
Case: A 57-year-old man with chronic back pain was prescribed pregabalin for nerve pain. He continued to experience joint pain and, after consulting his doctor, was advised to use paracetamol and topical NSAIDs alongside pregabalin. This combination provided significant pain relief without side effects, allowing him to return to daily activities. The combination offered a strong analgesic effect and resulted in high patient satisfaction.
— ProHealth Clinic Patient, 2023
Treatments for Pain: Beyond Painkillers
- Physical therapy: Exercise and movement can help reduce pain and improve function.
- Psychological support: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness can help manage chronic pain.
- Injections: Steroid or nerve block injections may be considered for certain types of pain.
- Complementary therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques may provide additional relief.
Integrating these other treatments with medication demonstrates significant application value, offering comprehensive pain relief and improved patient outcomes. These approaches have achieved clinical popularization and, in some cases, certain clinical popularization in modern pain management due to their safety, efficacy, and potential for widespread adoption.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat pain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with pain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Herbal Medicines and Remedies
While there are currently no well-documented adverse interactions between pregabalin and most herbal medicines, patients should still exercise caution when considering herbal remedies. Some herbal products, such as St. John’s Wort, may interfere with the effectiveness of pregabalin or increase the risk of side effects when combined with other medications. Because herbal remedies are not regulated to the same standards as prescription drugs, their safety and potential for interaction can be unpredictable. Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about any herbal medicines or supplements they are taking before starting pregabalin, and consult their provider before adding any new herbal remedies. This helps ensure that all aspects of their treatment are safe and effective, and reduces the risk of unexpected adverse interactions.
Patient Counseling and Education
Effective patient counseling is a key part of safe pregabalin use. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the potential side effects of pregabalin, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, and advise them to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Patients should also be informed about the importance of gradually reducing their dose under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms and minimize the risk of addiction. It’s important to discuss the dangers of alcohol consumption and recreational drug use while taking pregabalin, as these can lead to heightened drowsiness and increase the risk of adverse interactions. By providing clear information and ongoing support, healthcare providers empower patients to use pregabalin safely and effectively, helping them achieve better pain relief and improved quality of life.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Uncontrolled pain despite medication
- Side effects from combining medications
- Serious side effects such as hallucinations, respiratory depression, or behavioral changes
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Report any other symptoms that concern you to your healthcare provider.
Never stop or change your medication without consulting your healthcare provider
3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take ibuprofen with pregabalin?
Yes, ibuprofen can be taken with pregabalin for short-term pain relief, unless you have contraindications such as stomach ulcers or kidney disease.
Is it safe to take paracetamol with pregabalin?
Yes, paracetamol is safe to use with pregabalin and is often recommended for mild to moderate pain.
Can I take codeine or tramadol with pregabalin?
These opioids can be used with pregabalin for severe pain, but only under close medical supervision due to increased risk of sedation and breathing problems.
What should I avoid while taking pregabalin?
Avoid alcohol, sleeping tablets, and other sedatives unless prescribed, as these can increase side effects and risks.
Are there non-drug options for pain relief with pregabalin?
Yes, physical therapy, psychological support, and regenerative treatments like prolotherapy can help manage pain alongside medication.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
- Phone: +441234380345
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
Our Clinic Locations
- London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
- Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
- Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH
All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
References
- Moore RA, Straube S, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, McQuay HJ. Pregabalin for acute and chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(3):CD007076. Read study
- British National Formulary (BNF). Pregabalin. BNF Guidance
- NHS. Pregabalin: Side effects, uses, and safety. 2024. NHS Medicines A-Z
Note: Some studies referenced were conducted at Xuzhou Medical University and its affiliated hospital as a single center study.
Research Integrity Statement: The work reported in these studies declares no competing interest, competing financial interests, or known competing financial interests. There are no relevant personal relationships that could have influenced the findings.
Data Mining Compliance: All data mining activities for research purposes complied with copyright and intellectual property regulations.