Fibromyalgia affects millions of people in the world, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Many people turn to medications to eliminate their symptoms, and Pregabalin is one of the most commonly prescribed options.

This blog will explore how Pregabalin works, its benefits and effectiveness, and what you need to know before considering it as part of your pain management plan.

Understanding Pregabalin And Fibromyalgia

Pregabalin is a prescription-based medication used to treat a variety of conditions that involve anxiety, nerve pain, and certain types of seizures. It belongs to a group of drugs known as anticonvulsants.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by sleep, memory, fatigue, and mood issues [1].

Pregabalin And Fibromyalgia

The FDA approved the use of Pregabalin for fibromyalgia in 2007. Even though this medication has been approved for several years, research has continued on Pregabalin for treating fibromyalgia.

Various studies have shown that Pregabalin could provide improvement in fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and quality of life. However, Pregabalin is not effective for every patient with fibromyalgia.

A study published in 2016 indicated that Pregabalin was moderately effective for 39% of people participating in the study who took 300 mg of the medication a day and 43% of those who took 600 mg of the drug a day [2].

Some studies suggest that medications approved by the FDA, such as Pregabalin, Savella, and Cymbalta, are all equally effective in improving fibromyalgia pain.

According to a study by Chad S Boomershine, combining Pregabalin capsules and Cymbalta may be more effective for fibromyalgia than either drug on its own, and the authors asked for further investigation into combined treatments [3].

How Does Pregabalin Work For Fibromyalgia?

The working mechanism of action of Pregabalin involves binding to calcium channels in the CNS (central nervous system), thereby reducing the release of certain neurotransmitters. This effect accounts for its analgesic properties and makes it a potent option for managing pain associated with fibromyalgia. The exact mechanism of action through which Pregabalin improves Fibromyalgia symptoms is being researched.

Neuropathic pain, a common symptom associated with fibromyalgia, takes place from abnormal signaling in the nervous system. Pregabalin’s ability to modulate the release of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and norepinephrine, helps reduce pain signals.

Additionally, Pregabalin has been found to increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that blocks the transmission of pain signals. By regulating these neurotransmitters, Pregabalin helps to reduce pain experienced by people suffering from fibromyalgia [4].

Factors To Consider When Choosing Pregabalin For Fibromyalgia

When choosing Pregabalin for fibromyalgia, numerous factors should be taken into account. These factors include individual preferences, severity of symptoms, cost, potential side effects, and suitability for long-term use. Each individual’s experience with fibromyalgia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The severity of symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary greatly in patients. Some patients may experience mild to moderate pain and fatigue, while others may be severely impacted by their symptoms. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals [4].

The Benefits of Pregabalin For Fibromyalgia

Pregabalin can quickly reduce pain associated with fibromyalgia, improve sleep quality, and help people function better and get back to their everyday routine.

Pregabalin Dosage For Fibromyalgia

The initial dose of Pregabalin for fibromyalgia is 75 mg twice daily (150 mg per day). Based on effectiveness and tolerance, the dosage may be gradually increased to 150 mg twice daily (300 mg per day) within one week.

For individuals who do not experience sufficient relief at 300 mg per day, the dose may be further increased to 225 mg twice daily (450 mg per day).

Side Effects Of Pregabalin

Pregabalin’s most common side effects are weight gain, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, swelling of your hands or feet, dizziness, sleepiness, and blurry vision.

Pregabalin, Oral Capsule, healthline

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Hives, rashes, blisters, itching, blurred vision, swelling of the eyes, face, throat, lips, mouth, gums, tongue, head or neck, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and muscle pain.

For a better understanding of Pregabalin’s side effects, visit the content on this topic provided by Drugs.com.

Before You Take Pregabalin

• Always make sure your healthcare provider knows about all the other medicines that you are taking. This includes prescription, over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbs and supplements.
• Some prescription-based medications may interact with Pregabalin and may lead to serious side effects. These drugs include:

Blood pressure medicines known as ACE inhibitors and taking Pregabalin with these medications increase your risks of swelling and hives.

Narcotic pain medications, tranquilizers, and anxiety medicines; combining these drugs with Pregabalin increases your chances for sleepiness and dizziness.

Diabetes medications such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, if you take these drugs with Pregabalin, you may have a higher risk for weight gain and swelling.

• Do not drink any alcoholic beverage when on Pregabalin. Doing so can increase Pregabalin’s side effects and make you dangerously drowsy.
• Also, tell your healthcare provider about any other medical ailments, including heart disease, kidney problems, bleeding disorders, or low platelet counts.
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant should speak to their doctor about whether Pregabalin is right for them.

Alternative To Pregabalin For Fibromyalgia

The following nondrug approach can help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia [5].

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of fibromyalgia treatment, and experts recommend sticking to low-impact aerobics like walking or swimming.

Proper Diet

Diet can both help and make fibromyalgia worse. According to Kathleen Holton, an associate professor in the Department of Health Studies at American University in Washington, D.C, people with fibromyalgia should eat unprocessed foods that are low in additives and high in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. She suggests avoiding all types of processed foods high in additives such as aspartame and monosodium glutamate.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talk therapy that aims to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia by changing the way patients think or act. In a study by Kathrin Bernardy et al., researchers compared fibromyalgia patients who participated in CBT once a week for 10 weeks with those who did not participate in CBT. It was found that patients who received CBT reported less pain and a better ability to perform daily tasks.

Conclusion

Pregabalin has demonstrated its effectiveness in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly pain and sleep disturbances. It is an effective and potent treatment option for this condition. However, as with every treatment option, careful consideration of individual treatment preferences and potential side effects is essential. Therefore, always make sure to speak with a medical provider before choosing any treatment option for fibromyalgia.