Is Pregabalin Good 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 essential to improve mental health and overall well-being. Pregabalin, marketed as Nervigesic, Lyrica, and other brand names, has emerged as a potential treatment option for anxiety disorders.

This blog delves into the use of Pregabalin for anxiety treatment and the precautions associated with the use of this medication in managing anxiety. So, does Pregabalin help with anxiety? Let’s find out.

Understanding Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an FDA-approved medication that is used for neuropathic pain management 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].

Mechanism of Pregabalin in Managing Anxiety

The mechanism of action of Pregabalin in managing anxiety is not fully understood. However, researchers believe this medication targets the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the CNS. This medication works by binding to these channels. Pregabalin inhibits the release of various excitatory neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and glutamate.

By reducing the release of these neurotransmitters, pregabalin reduces the overall activity in the brain that causes anxiety symptoms. This modulation of the activity of neurotransmitters helps to alleviate the restlessness, excessive worrying, irritability, and sleep disturbances commonly experienced by people with anxiety disorders.

If you’re looking for a detailed understanding of Pregabalin, including its uses, side effects, drug interactions, and more, we want you to explore our comprehensive guide on Pregabalin medication for detailed knowledge.

How Effective Is Pregabalin For Anxiety?

Various research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Pregabalin across multiple 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.

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.

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-tolerated in treating generalized anxiety disorder [3].

According to another research study by Atul C Pande et al. published in the year 2004, Pregabalin was evaluated for social anxiety disorder and found that 600 mg of Pregabalin per day was well-tolerated and an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.

Pregabalin Dosage For Anxiety

The usual dose of Pregabalin for anxiety disorders is between 150 mg and 600 mg a day, which is split into 2 or 3 separate doses [4].

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 follow the exact daily dosage instructions.
• Swallow the whole capsule with water and do not chew it.
• Follow all the instructions your doctor gives 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.

Benefits Of Pregabalin For Anxiety

Pregabalin is a non-addictive alternative to traditional anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, which have the potential to cause addiction. Pregabalin also has a lower potential for abuse, making it a safer choice for people with a history of substance abuse.

Furthermore, Pregabalin is effective in managing not only generalized anxiety disorder but also other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. This broad spectrum of effectiveness makes Pregabalin a versatile treatment option for people with different types of anxiety disorders [5].

Precautions And Side Effects Of Pregabalin

Side Effects Of Pregabalin

Some of the common side effects associated with Pregabalin use include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and weight gain. These side effects are generally mild and tend to go away with time.

Precautions

• 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 or under 18.
• 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 severe 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.

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 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.