Pregabalin
Pregabalin is a medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain conditions, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. It works by binding to calcium channels in the nervous system to reduce pain signals and seizure activity. It is typically prescribed when other treatments have proven insufficient.
Pregabalin is a pain and seizure medication used primarily for nerve pain, epilepsy, and anxiety.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02BF02
- RxNorm
- 187832
- Generic
- Pregabalin
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Bonqat, Lyrica
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose if needed
may cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms
fetal growth monitoring and neonatal assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant
use with caution - drug excreted in breast milk
observe infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
reduce starting dose due to age-related renal decline
monitor renal function and for falls
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not approved for use in children under 12 years
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17use with caution
limited data available - use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
monitor renal function periodically
check creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose significantly
reduce dose to 25% of normal dose for CrCl less than 30 mL/min
regular monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available - use with caution
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid alcohol
avoid alcohol consumption while taking pregabalin
monitor for excessive sedation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval
FDA approval year for Lyrica (Pregabalin)
Drug class
ATC classification N03AX16
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Treats neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures as adjunctive therapy, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing calcium influx and decreasing release of excitatory neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission and seizure activity.
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Avoid abrupt discontinuation—dose must be tapered gradually. Has potential for abuse and dependence. Avoid alcohol and certain other CNS depressants. Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy