What are the risks of pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a medication that is used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety disorders. While it can be an effective treatment option for some people, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.

One of the most common side effects of pregabalin is dizziness. This can be especially concerning for older adults or people who are already prone to falls. Drowsiness and fatigue are also common side effects, and can affect a person’s ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Pregabalin has also been associated with weight gain, which can be problematic for people who are already overweight or obese. In some cases, the weight gain may be significant enough to cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

More serious side effects of pregabalin include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, which can be especially concerning for people who have a history of depression or other mental health conditions. Other potential risks include changes in mood or behavior, such as agitation or irritability, and allergic reactions, which can cause rash or difficulty breathing.

In addition to these potential risks, pregabalin can also interact with other medications, including opioids and benzodiazepines. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects, including drowsiness and respiratory depression.

If you are considering pregabalin as a treatment option, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits. They can help you determine whether pregabalin is a safe and appropriate option for you, and can monitor you for any potential side effects or interactions. If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking pregabalin, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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