Pregabalin
Pregabalin is used for certain types of nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and as an add-on treatment for some types of seizures. Pregabalin is used for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Postherpetic neuralgia and Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.
Also called: Pregablin (United States) · Alzain (United Kingdom) · Lyzalon (Australia) · Funxion (Philippines)
Pronunciation: pre-GAB-a-lin.
- Generic name
- pregabalin
- Brand names
- Lyrica (United States)
- Drug class
- Gabapentinoid (calcium channel modulator, anticonvulsant/neuropathic pain agent)
- Form
- Capsule or oral solution
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Schedule V controlled substance in the United States, reflecting a recognised potential for misuse.
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · India · Nepal · New Zealand
Australia: Lyrica, Lyzalon, Pregabalin Sandoz, APO-Pregabalin, PREGABALIN-DRLA, Neuroccord, BTC Pregabalin, Prebalin · Full directory
What pregabalin is and how it works
Pregabalin is used for certain types of nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and as an add-on treatment for some types of seizures. (1)
It is a Schedule V controlled substance because of a recognised potential for misuse. It must not be stopped suddenly, since this can trigger seizures even in people without epilepsy, and it can add to the sedating and breathing-related effects of opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
Mechanism of action: how pregabalin works
Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx and neurotransmitter release, which is thought to underlie its effects on neuropathic pain, seizure activity, and fibromyalgia symptoms. (1)
What is Pregabalin used for?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Used to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes affecting the feet, legs, or hands. (1)
Postherpetic neuralgia
Used to relieve persistent nerve pain following shingles. (1)
Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury
Used to relieve nerve pain related to spinal cord injury. (1)
Fibromyalgia
Used to manage the widespread pain of fibromyalgia. (1)
Adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures
Used together with other antiseizure medicines for partial-onset seizures in patients 4 years and older. (1)
Before taking pregabalin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take pregabalin if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to pregabalin or a product ingredient. (all products) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any history of swelling of the face, mouth, or throat (angioedema), including with another medicine.
- Whether you take opioids, benzodiazepines, or drink alcohol, since combining these with pregabalin can add to drowsiness and breathing-related effects.
- Any personal or family history of depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
- Kidney function, since the dose is adjusted for reduced kidney function.
- Any history of substance misuse.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Pregabalin dosage and how to take it
- Take exactly as prescribed.
- Do not change your dose, or stop taking pregabalin, without your prescriber's direct involvement and a tapering plan.
- Avoid or limit alcohol while taking pregabalin, and discuss with your prescriber before combining with an opioid or benzodiazepine.
- Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how pregabalin affects you, since dizziness and drowsiness are common.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
Follow the product instructions for missed doses, or ask your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, or a poison-control/emergency service if an overdose is suspected. (1)
Pregabalin side effects
Dizziness and drowsiness are very commonly reported. Some effects, especially swelling of the face or throat or mood changes, need prompt medical attention.
Dizziness or drowsiness
What to notice: Very commonly reported, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose.
What to do: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. (1)
Dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating
What to notice: Commonly reported effects.
What to do: Tell your prescriber if troublesome. (1)
Weight gain or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
What to notice: Reported in a meaningful proportion of patients.
What to do: Tell your prescriber if significant or concerning. (1)
Mood changes
What to notice: New or worsening depression, unusual mood or behaviour changes, or thoughts of self-harm.
What to do: Contact your prescriber promptly, or seek emergency help for any thoughts of self-harm. (1)
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
What to notice: New muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever.
What to do: Contact your prescriber promptly; this can occasionally reflect a muscle-related effect that needs blood testing. (1)
Serious warnings
Angioedema (swelling of the face, mouth, or throat) — emergency
Symptoms: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or larynx, sometimes with difficulty breathing.
Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately if breathing is affected; a clinician or emergency service will decide whether pregabalin needs to be stopped. (1)
Seizures after stopping suddenly — urgent
Symptoms: New or recurrent seizures after pregabalin is stopped or the dose is reduced quickly.
Action: Do not stop pregabalin suddenly on your own, even if you do not have epilepsy. Your prescriber will provide a tapering schedule of at least one week when stopping is appropriate. (1)
Breathing difficulty when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol — urgent
Symptoms: Excessive sleepiness, slowed or shallow breathing, or difficulty waking.
Action: Seek urgent medical help if these occur; tell every prescriber about all sedating medicines and alcohol use before combining them with pregabalin. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol | Combined use can add to drowsiness, dizziness, and breathing-related effects. | Discuss any combination with your prescriber before use, and limit or avoid alcohol. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Kidney impairment
The dose is reduced according to kidney function; your prescriber will set the correct dose based on your kidney test results. (1)
History of depression or mood changes
Antiepileptic medicines like pregabalin are associated with a modestly increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour; tell your prescriber about any personal or family history of depression or self-harm before starting. (1)
Pregnancy
Animal studies showed potential harm to the developing baby. Discuss the balance of benefits and risks with your prescriber. (1)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking pregabalin, based on findings in animal studies. (1)
History of substance misuse
Pregabalin is a controlled substance with a recognised potential for misuse; tell your prescriber about any history of substance-use disorder. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm the indication and assess kidney function to determine the correct dose.
- Screen for history of angioedema, substance misuse, and depression or self-harm risk.
- Review use of opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.
During treatment
- Watch for dizziness, drowsiness, mood changes, and swelling.
- Never stop abruptly; any discontinuation should follow a tapering plan of at least one week set by the prescriber.
- Reassess ongoing need and dose periodically.
Storage
Store as directed on the product label, out of reach of children, and keep secure given its controlled-substance status.
Study the drug class: Gabapentinoids and neuropathic pain agents (practice MCQs)
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local product information for exact dosing and taper schedules.
United States
Indication: Neuropathic pain (varies by specific condition)
Dose summary: Initial dose 150 mg/day; maximum dose ranges from 300 mg/day to 600 mg/day depending on the specific indication.
Renal context: Dose reduced by creatinine clearance: approximately half the standard dose for CrCl 30-60 mL/min, and approximately 25% of the normal dose for CrCl under 15 mL/min. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Not detailed in the source reviewed for this dossier; use current local product information.
Overdose note
Manage suspected overdose supportively per local poison-control and emergency guidance. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop pregabalin suddenly if I feel better?
No. Stopping suddenly, even in people without epilepsy, can trigger seizures. Your prescriber will give you a tapering schedule of at least a week when it's time to stop. (1)
Why is pregabalin a controlled substance?
It is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance in the United States because of a recognised potential for misuse. (1)
Can I drink alcohol while taking pregabalin?
It's best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol, since combining it with pregabalin can add to drowsiness and breathing-related effects, similar to combining it with opioids or benzodiazepines. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of pregabalin?
Pregabalin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx and neurotransmitter release, which is thought to underlie its effects on neuropathic pain, seizure activity, and fibromyalgia symptoms. (1)
What is the generic name of Pregabalin?
The generic name is pregabalin. It is sold under brand names including Lyrica (United States). (1)
What class of drug is pregabalin?
Pregabalin is classed as: Gabapentinoid (calcium channel modulator, anticonvulsant/neuropathic pain agent). (1)
References
- LYRICA (pregabalin) capsule — prescribing informationDailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (FDA-approved label) · United States · accessed 2026-07-26 · source 1
- PREGABALIN CAPSULE [A-S MEDICATION SOLUTIONS] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Pregabalin — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- PREGABALIN — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA210432)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- pregabalin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 187832)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient pregabalin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Lyricatablet, film coated, extended release, capsule, solution · 165 mg, 25 mg, 300 mg, 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 75 mg · viatris specialty llcregulator source
- Pregablincapsule · 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg · macleods pharmaceuticals limitedregulator source
- PREGABALIN capsules, CVcapsule · 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 25 mg, 225 mg · cipla usa inc.regulator source
United Kingdom
- Lyricareference source
- Alzainreference source
- Axalidreference source
- Rewiscareference source
- Misabri PRreference source
Canada
- LYRICAregulator source
Australia
- Lyricareference source
- Lyzalonreference source
- Pregabalin Sandozreference source
- APO-Pregabalinreference source
- PREGABALIN-DRLAreference source
- Neuroccordreference source
- BTC Pregabalinreference source
- Prebalinreference source
India
Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.
- Nervzone 75mg CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Zeelab Pharmacy Pvt Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- pregabaNYL 75 CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Leeford Healthcare Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- Pregabel 75 CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Knoll Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- LYRIca 75mg CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Pfizer Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- Maxgalin 150 CapsuleCapsule · 150mg · Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- pregabID 75 CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- preGAlin 75 CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
- pregaba 75 CapsuleCapsule · 75mg · Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltdpharmacy source · checked 2026-09-24
Nepal
Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.
- ApabalinCapsule · 150mg · Apple International Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
- Gabix 150Tablet · 150mg · S.R. Drug Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
- JublinTablet · 75mg · THE MADRAS PHARMACEUTICALSreference source · checked 2026-09-24
- LyricaCapsule · 150mg · Pfizer Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
- MahagabaCapsule · 50mg · QMED Pharmareference source · checked 2026-09-24
- MaxgalinCapsule · 50mg · Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
- MygabTablet · 75 mg · Nova Genetica Pvt. Ltd.reference source · checked 2026-09-24
- NEBALINCapsule · 75mg · Simcareference source · checked 2026-09-24
New Zealand
- Pregabalin Pfizerreference source
- Lyricareference source
View brands in additional countries.
Philippines
Lyrica, Funxion, Gabica, Nervagest, Vexer, Gablin, K Barin