Pregabalin For Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of uneasiness, fear, and dread. It might cause you to sweat and feel tense and restless. It is a normal reaction of the body to stress. But if you have anxiety that does not go away or gets worse over time, then it is termed an anxiety disorder [1].

Anxiety disorders are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Managing this condition is important in order to improve mental health and overall well-being. Pregabalin, marketed as Nervigesic, Lyrica, among other brand names, has emerged as a potential treatment option for anxiety disorders.

This blog delves into the use of Pregabalin for anxiety and the precautions associated with the use of this medication in managing anxiety.

Understanding Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an FDA-approved medication that is used to treat neuropathic pain and seizures. Apart from treating these conditions, this medication is also used off-label (unapproved use of an approved drug) to treat insomnia, chronic cough, generalized anxiety disorder, etc [2].

If you want to understand pregabalin in more detail, then visit our guide on pregabalin.

Pregabalin For Anxiety

Various research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Pregabalin in various anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Clinical trials have shown significant reduction in the symptoms of anxiety with the use of nervigesic.

In anxiety, Pregabalin works by stopping the brain from releasing the brain chemicals or neurotransmitters that make you feel anxious.

A study, namely “Pregabalin for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder,” published in 2013, stated that Pregabalin is effective in treating psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety and also helpful in reducing sleep disturbances and coexisting depressive symptoms. It is also efficacious as a second-line treatment in people who have not responded to the initial treatment of anxiety with SSRI or SNRI antidepressants [4].

Another study compared Pregabalin and sertraline for generalized anxiety disorder. In this study, it was found that Pregabalin, compared to sertraline, is efficient and well-tolerable in treating generalized anxiety disorder [5].

Another research paper published in the year 2004 evaluated pregabalin for social anxiety disorder and found that 600 mg of pregabalin per day was well-tolerated and an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder [6].

Pregabalin Dosage For Anxiety

The usual dose of Pregabalin for anxiety disorders is between 150mg to 600mg a day, which is split into 2 or 3 separate doses [7] [3].

The best dosage of Pregabalin for anxiety disorder must be decided by a doctor based on the severity of your condition, and self-medication must be avoided.

Administration Guidelines

• Take Nervigesic with or without food, but it’s advised to take it in the same way each day.
• Swallow the whole capsule with water and do not chew them.
• Follow all the instructions of your doctor to avoid any unwanted effects.
• Do not crush or cut the pregabalin tablets.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to a doctor first.

Precautions And Warnings

• Breastfeeding and pregnant women should refrain from taking Pregabalin as it may cause birth defects in the fetus while affecting the development and growth of the infant.
• Pregabalin should not be taken by people older than 65 and under 18 years old.
• If you develop a severe allergic reaction after taking Pregabalin, stop taking the medication and seek medical help.
• Do not consume alcohol while taking pregabalin because it can cause excessive sleepiness and could even cause breathing difficulties in serious cases.
• Avoid driving until you know how Lyrica will affect you.
• Keep Pregabalin in its original packaging and keep it away from the reach of children.
• Pregabalin can cause weight gain in some individuals. In such cases, one can consult a dietician to manage their weight.

Find out more about Pregabalin and weight gain at our blog page, “Can Pregabalin Cause Weight Gain.”

Conclusion

Pregabalin is an important option in the management of body pain and anxiety. However, its usage must be done with mindfulness to avoid potential risks. If you’re considering Pregabalin for anxiety, consult with a healthcare provider. With proper usage, Pregabalin can be a great way to not only manage the symptoms of anxiety disorder but also improve overall well-being and quality of life.