If you have trigeminal neuralgia, you may benefit from taking a medicine called pregabalin. It can help to control the pain by stopping nerve messages from reaching the brain. It is also known as Lyrica or alzain.
Many people with this condition respond to pharmacotherapy (medicine). Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the first line medicines, but they typically do not work immediately.
Side Effects
There are many treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. These can be medicines or surgical procedures. Medicines are usually the first treatment. If they do not work or cause side effects, a specialist can offer other options.
Some of the medicines used to treat trigeminal neuralgia are anticonvulsants. These include carbamazepine, tetracyclic acid derivatives and oxcarbazepine. They may be taken alone or together. They have different side effects, but most are not serious. If you are taking a combination of anticonvulsants, it is important to follow the advice from your doctor for the best results.
Studies have shown that Pregabalin 150mg is effective in reducing pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. It also reduces the need for other medications. It works by inhibiting the release of sensory neuropeptides like substance P and CGRP and suppressing NF-kB activation. It also prevents lipid peroxidation and microglial cell apoptosis.
It is also useful in treating neuropathic pain caused by diabetes and other conditions, such as herpes simplex virus. It also attenuates neuropathic pain after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Other treatments for trigeminal neuralgia are acupuncture, biofeedback and chiropractic therapy. These treatments have not been as well studied as medicines or surgery, but some people find them helpful. If you are trying an alternative treatment, talk to your healthcare professional before starting it. They can advise you on whether it is safe to use with your other treatments and can give you more information about it.
Precautions
For best results, take this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if this side effect occurs. Drinking alcohol can increase this risk. Also, it is important to avoid smoking while taking this drug.
Most people who have trigeminal neuralgia are treated with pain medicines, and surgery can be considered for the longer term if pain is not controlled by medicine or if it causes serious side effects. Your doctor will explain the different surgical and non-surgical options for you.
Pregabalin can interact with certain other medications, such as ACE inhibitors (beta blockers) such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, moexipril, ramipril or trandolapril. This can lead to dangerously slow breathing or death. Tell your doctor or pharmacist before you take this medicine if you are taking an ACE inhibitor.
This medicine should not be used if you are breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk and can harm a baby. Talk to your doctor before you decide to breastfeed. This medicine may cause sores or other skin problems, especially if you have diabetes. Call your doctor if you have any unusual sores or other skin problems, especially with a fever.
Dosage
During one year of a controlled trial, researchers found that pregabalin reduced pain intensity and frequency by over 50%. It also had a favorable safety profile in the elderly population.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that causes painful, stabbing facial nerve pain. Often, it is triggered by a specific event or activity. If you are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare professional. They may refer you to a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions, known as a neurologist.
Your doctor will discuss your medical history and symptoms to help diagnose trigeminal neuralgia. They will also run tests to rule out other conditions. Then, they will recommend treatments that can reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Many people with trigeminal neuralgia find relief from alternative medicines and procedures, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, and vitamin or mineral therapy.
While most people do well with pharmacotherapy, there are some who cannot. In these cases, surgical options such as microvascular decompression or a gamma knife radiosurgery are available.
Overdose
Pregabalin, the drug better known by its brand name of Lyrica, has been shown to be effective in treating fibromyalgia and nerve pain. It’s also been useful in helping people with anxiety and PTSD. However, overdose and addiction are not uncommon with this medication. This is especially true when it’s mixed with other CNS depressants such as opioids. It is recommended that you avoid taking any recreational drugs or alcohol while using this medicine.
The mechanism of action for this medication is not fully understood, but it works by blocking certain calcium channels in the brain and affecting the way nerves send signals to each other. It calms overactive nerves and reduces the ‘chatter’ that might cause pain. It is also thought to be helpful in reducing the amount of morphine required after surgery.
Several studies have shown that this medicine is effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia. It can be used alone or in conjunction with first-line treatments such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine for a synergistic effect. It has also been found to be useful in preventing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
It is important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, including hives, blisters on the skin; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; and unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Hotline if you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others, or if you feel impulsive, aggressive, restless, or hyperactive (mentally or physically). You should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe allergic reaction, including a rare but serious one called a rash with fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
