Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia
Just like Gabapentin, Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia pain is prescribed to treat nerve pain. And again just like Gabapentin, Pregabalin is a prescription only anti-epileptic drug. Pregabalin aims to block pain by interfering with pain messages travelling throughout the central nervous system.
Pregabalin is also prescribed for anxiety in Fibromyalgia patients.
Does Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia Pain Work?
Published by Cochrane who looked at the evidence of Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia pain in adults.
They found that:
“We found high quality evidence that pregabalin at daily doses of 300 to 600 mg produces a large fall in pain in about 1 in 10 people with moderate or severe pain from fibromyalgia. Side effects occurred in 8 or 9 people in 10, often while adjusting to the medicine."
After reading this evidence and consulting with a Fibromyalgia Facebook group for their opinions on Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia pain, I decided not to take the drug. I had been prescribed Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia pain by a rheumatologist.
But for me the odds were too high of me being in the lucky 10% who gained SOME pain relief (not completely pain free, by the way) were outweighed by the likelihood of being in the 90% who suffered some gruesome side effects.
Pregabalin Side Effects
There are many Pregabalin side effects effecting both physical and mental health.
Abnormal gait
Amnesia
Blurred vision
Breathing difficulties
Constipation
Diarrhea
Disorientation
Dizziness
Double vision
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Flatulence
Hallucinations
Headaches
Low blood pressure
Memory problems
Mood changes
Muscle pain
Nausea
Poor concentration
Sleeping problems
Suicidal thoughts
Swollen arms, legs and feet
Tiredness
Tremors
Vomiting
Weight gain
Is Pregabalin Addictive?
Yes, Pregabalin can become addictive in some people. Because of the risk for Pregabalin addiction and misuse it had been reclassified as a class C controlled substance in the UK.
Is Pregabalin a Contolled Drug?
In the UK Pregabalin has been classed as a controlled drug since 1 April 2019. There are strict regulations on who Pregabalin is prescribed for and how it is prescribed.
Pregabalin Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking Pregabalin abruptly you may experience serious withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain and sweating.
It is recommended, therefore, to reduce slowly under a doctor’s guidance.
My Experience of being prescribed Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia Pain
I had already seen many doctors and specialists and undergone lots of tests to get a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. When I was finally given a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia by the third rheumatologist I had consulted. She simply gave me a booklet on Fibromyalgia and prescribed Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia Pain.
I had already been prescribed and taken Gabapentin by my GP which gave me zero pain relief and massive weight gain. I weaned myself off Gabapentin. I explained this to the rheumatologist who just handed me the prescription for Pregabalin with the words; “Take these.”
No discussion of side effects, the likelihood of the drug actually working, or any information was forthcoming from her. I decided not to fill the prescription until I had chance to read up on Pregabalin.
As I mentioned previously, the evidence I found of just 1 in 10 benefitting from some pain relief (not completely pain free) against the likelihood of 9 in 10 of suffering horrendous side effects made my decision not to take the drug for me.