Pregabalin For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a persistent condition characterized by pain all over the body. It affects around 4 million adults in the US, about 2% of the adult population [1]. Living with this condition can impact a person’s quality of life significantly, making it essential to explore effective treatment options. One such effective option is Pregabalin, a medication that has shown promising results in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of pregabalin in the management of fibromyalgia, including its benefits, dosage, and side effects, to help you make informed decisions.

What Is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called gabapentinoids. Originally, it was developed as an anticonvulsant, but now it has demonstrated efficacy in managing neuropathic pain. Pregabalin has also emerged as a potential treatment option for Fibromyalgia.  Pregabalin is sold under various brand names,s but the most common ones are Lyrica and Nervigesic [2].

Pregabalin For Fibromyalgia

Pregabalin was approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia on 22 June 2007 [3].

Even though Pregabalin capsules have been approved for several years, research has continued on Pregabalin as a treatment for fibromyalgia.

For it to be approved by the FDA, various clinical trials have to show that it could provide improvements in fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and quality of life. However, Pregabalin doesn’t work for every person with fibromyalgia.

A review published in 2016 found that Pregabalin was moderately effective for 39% of study participants who took a dosage of 300 mg of Pregabalin a day and 43% of those who took 600 mg of the drug a day. Those numbers seem promising until you realize that 28% of people taking a placebo treatment did just as well [4].

Some research studies suggest that the FDA-approved medications for fibromyalgia, namely Pregabalin, Savella, and Cymbalta, are all equally effective in improving fibromyalgia pain. Combining two medications may be more effective. A study published in 2016 suggests that combining Pregabalin and Cymbalta may be more beneficial for either drug on its own, and the authors asked for further research into combined treatments [5].

How Does Pregabalin Work?

Pregabalin binds to calcium channels in the CNS, thereby reducing the release of various neurotransmitters. This mechanism of action is responsible for its analgesic properties and is effective in managing fibromyalgia pain. While the exact mechanism by which Lyrica improves the symptoms of fibromyalgia is still being researched, its ability to reduce pain sensitivity and improve quality of sleep is thought to play a significant role.

Neuropathic pain, a common symptom associated with fibromyalgia, arises from abnormal signaling in the nervous system. Pregabalin’s ability to modulate neurotransmitter release, such as norepinephrine and glutamate, helps to reduce pain signals and restore a balanced pain perception.

In addition, Nervigesic has been found to increase the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that hinders the transmission of pain signals. By regulating these neurotransmitters, Pregabalin helps to reduce pain experienced by individuals suffering from fibromyalgia [2].

Pregabalin Dosage For Fibromyalgia

• The recommended daily dose of Pregabalin for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia is 300 to 450 mg.
• The dose usually begins at 75 mg twice daily (150 mg daily).
• The dose may be gradually increased to 150 mg twice daily, which is 300 mg daily within 1 week based on tolerability and efficacy.
• Patients who do not experience enough benefit from 300 mg daily may be further increased to 225 mg two times a day, which is 450 mg daily [6].

Note: Always take Pregabalin for fibromyalgia with proper consultation with your healthcare provider.

The Benefits Of Pregabalin

Below are some of the key benefits of using Pregabalin for fibromyalgia.

• Lyrica effectively relieves pain.
• Improves sleep quality by reducing pain.
• By providing relief from pain and improving sleep, Pregabalin may alleviate fatigue, which is a common symptom of Fibromyalgia.
• When Pregabalin is effective, there can be an overall improvement in daily functioning.

Side Effects Of Pregabalin

Common side effects, which do not generally require medical attention, include –

• Headache
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Insomnia

Some side effects of Pregabalin are serious enough that you should contact your healthcare provider.

• Unusual bruising
• Mood changes
• Chest pain
• Anxiety/confusion
• Allergic reactions (itching, rash, hives, swollen lips, tongue, or face)
• Unusual involuntary movements
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Before You Take Pregabalin

• Always make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter supplements and herbs.
• Do not drink alcohol when on Pregabalin. Doing so can increase the adverse events.

Learn the interaction between Pregabalin and alcohol in depth by clicking on our blog page, the interaction of Pregabalin with alcohol.

• Women who are planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or pregnant should talk to their doctor about whether Pregabalin is right for them.
• Also, inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including heart problems, kidney problems, bleeding disorders, or low platelet counts.

Conclusion

Pregabalin has proven to be effective in managing the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. However, it may not work for everyone, and many people experience significant relief while taking the medication. If you’re considering Pregabalin, talk to a healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right choice for you or not.