Trade Names: Lyrica, Pregabalin Zentiva, Pregabalin Accord, Pregabalin Sandoz, Pregabalin Mylan, Egzysta, Pragiola, Linefor, Preato
Pregabalin: How It Helps with Anxiety and Pain
- Pregabalin is a medication that helps people cope with anxiety and pain related to the functioning of the nervous system. Although it resembles a natural substance in the body—GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—its effect on the brain is quite different. Pregabalin works by reducing overexcitation in the nervous system, thereby relieving both anxiety and pain.
Mechanism of Action
Imagine the brain as having many “faucets” that control the flow of excitation signals. When the brain is overloaded, these faucets open too much, leading to pain or anxiety. Pregabalin “turns off” these channels, reducing the flow of excitatory signals like glutamate and norepinephrine.
Interestingly, it does not act directly on GABA despite having a similar structure. Instead, it targets calcium channels in nerve cells. By blocking their function, it reduces the excessive excitation of the nervous system.
Key Effects
- Anxiety Reduction: Patients taking pregabalin for generalized anxiety disorder often describe their experience as feeling “calm” and “at peace.” The drug helps reduce muscle tension and calms the constant stream of anxious thoughts. Example: A man with chronic anxiety shared that after starting pregabalin, he was able to sit through meetings without worrying about potential mistakes.
- Pain Relief for Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve damage is usually difficult to treat with standard painkillers. Pregabalin reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings, helping patients with diabetic neuropathy, lower back pain, or pain after injuries. Example: A woman with burning pain in her legs after an injury noticed that after several weeks of taking pregabalin, she could sleep better and walk longer without pain.
- Sleep Improvement: Pregabalin helps people fall asleep faster and experience deeper sleep. It enhances the slow-wave phase of sleep, which is crucial for bodily recovery. Although its sedative effect is most pronounced during the initial weeks of treatment, improvements in sleep structure persist throughout therapy.
Side Effects
Like any medication, pregabalin has potential side effects. The most common include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Temporary blurred vision
These symptoms typically subside within a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some individuals may experience additional side effects, such as weight gain or fluid retention.
Tolerance and Withdrawal Syndrome
Long-term use (over 12 weeks) may lead to tolerance in some patients, meaning the drug’s effectiveness diminishes over time. To prevent this, doctors may recommend temporary breaks or dose adjustments.
Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including depression, insomnia, and headaches. Therefore, the dose should be tapered gradually, reducing by 75 mg per week.
How to Take Pregabalin Correctly
Treatment should begin with a minimal dose of 75 mg per day. Depending on the patient’s condition, the dose can be increased to 150-300 mg per day for anxiety disorders or up to 600 mg per day for neuropathic pain.
It is important to take the medication regularly and follow the doctor’s instructions. When the dosage is properly adjusted, side effects are minimal, and results are noticeable within a few days.
Drug Interactions
Pregabalin combines well with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications since it is not metabolized by the liver and does not cause significant drug interactions.
Conclusion
Pregabalin helps people suffering from chronic anxiety and pain regain control of their lives. It reduces tension, improves sleep, and alleviates pain. However, proper use requires an individualized approach and adherence to medical recommendations. With the right treatment plan, many patients experience long-awaited relief and return to a full, active life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts or your well-being has worsened, don’t postpone taking care of yourself. At the Plexus center in Warsaw, you’ll find a psychiatrist who speaks Polish and Russian, who will help you find a solution tailored to your needs.