Quick answer: Pregabalin is a prescription medicine used for certain types of nerve pain, as add-on treatment for some forms of epilepsy, and for generalised anxiety disorder in relevant prescribing contexts. It can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and some people can experience dependence or withdrawal. The right medicine and dose depend on the individual.

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Pregabalin is available in the UK under several brand names, including Alzain, Axalid, Lyrica and Misabri, according to NHS information. It is also supplied as generic Pregabalin. Product names, formulations, licensed indications and prescribing rules can change, so check the current leaflet supplied with your medicine and speak with a pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure.

What is Pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a medicine in the gabapentinoid group. It changes the release of certain chemical signals in the nervous system. This can reduce abnormal electrical activity involved in some seizures and may reduce pain signalling in some forms of neuropathic pain.

Pregabalin is not a general-purpose painkiller and it does not treat every kind of anxiety or pain. Whether it is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, other health conditions, current medicines, kidney function, previous treatment, and the balance between possible benefit and harm.

What is Pregabalin used for?

Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage or changes in the nerves. It may feel burning, shooting, stabbing, electric, tingling or like pins and needles. Examples can include some pain associated with diabetes, shingles or nerve injury. Pregabalin may be considered when a clinician believes it is suitable.

Epilepsy

Pregabalin may be used as an add-on treatment for some partial seizures. People taking it for epilepsy should follow their prescribed schedule carefully, because missed doses or sudden stopping can have serious consequences.

Generalised anxiety disorder

Pregabalin may be prescribed for generalised anxiety disorder in relevant clinical circumstances. The decision should take account of diagnosis, alternatives, dependence risk, other medicines and the person’s wider health.

For a fuller discussion, see what Pregabalin is used for.

How does Pregabalin work?

Pregabalin affects the way nerve cells release signalling chemicals. In simple terms, this can reduce excessive or amplified nerve signalling. That helps explain why it may be useful for some nerve pain and seizures, and why it may also cause effects such as dizziness, sleepiness or reduced coordination.

The mechanism does not predict exactly how well the medicine will work for one person. Benefit, side effects and the time needed to assess treatment vary between individuals.

How is Pregabalin taken?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and the leaflet for your specific product. NHS information states that standard tablets or capsules may be taken with or without food and are generally spaced evenly through the day; slow-release products have different instructions. Swallow solid forms as directed and use the supplied measuring device for liquid medicine.

Prescribers commonly start with a lower dose and adjust it according to response and side effects. Kidney function is important because Pregabalin is cleared through the kidneys. Never copy another person’s dose, alter your dose yourself, or take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Read the dedicated Pregabalin dosage and how-to-take guide for missed-dose and dose-adjustment information.

Common side effects

Commonly reported effects include dizziness, sleepiness, headache, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, nausea, swelling, tiredness, balance problems, changes in concentration and changes in appetite or weight. Not everyone experiences these effects, and they may be more noticeable when treatment starts or changes.

Dizziness and sleepiness can increase the risk of falls and accidents. Do not drive, cycle, operate machinery or do safety-sensitive work until you know how Pregabalin affects you. Visit the dedicated Pregabalin side-effects page for a more detailed breakdown.

Serious symptoms and urgent help

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure, severe confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. New or worsening thoughts of self-harm also need urgent attention.

In the UK, call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. If you have taken more than prescribed, NHS guidance advises seeking urgent advice; call 111 or use NHS 111 online, and go to A&E immediately if you feel sleepy, confused or agitated, have a seizure, or pass out. Do not drive yourself to A&E.

Pregabalin interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, supplement, herbal product and recreational substance you take. Pregabalin can add to the sedating effects of alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines and other medicines that cause drowsiness or dizziness.

The combination of Pregabalin with opioids or other central-nervous-system depressants can increase the risk of profound sedation and breathing problems. Do not assume a combination is safe simply because each medicine was prescribed separately. Read more on the Pregabalin interactions page and the dedicated Pregabalin and alcohol guide.

Dependence, addiction and withdrawal

Pregabalin can cause physical dependence, tolerance, misuse and addiction in some people. These are related but different concepts. Dependence means the body may react when the medicine is reduced or stopped; addiction involves loss of control, cravings or continued use despite harm.

Do not stop Pregabalin suddenly unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so. NHS and MHRA information warn that abrupt stopping or rapid dose reduction can cause withdrawal symptoms, and sudden stopping can be particularly dangerous for people taking it for epilepsy. Read the dedicated Pregabalin withdrawal guide.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disease and age

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease, have breathing problems, have heart disease, or have previously misused or become dependent on medicines. Pregabalin may not be suitable for everyone and may require additional discussion or monitoring.

Older adults may be more vulnerable to dizziness, sedation and falls. Children and adolescents should not be given adult Pregabalin information as a dosing guide. See the relevant specialist pages for more detail.

What is specific to the UK?

This resource is written in UK English and links to UK sources, but it is not an NHS or government website. In Great Britain, Pregabalin is a Class C controlled drug and is subject to Schedule 3 requirements under UK regulations. Prescription status, approved uses, brands and product availability can differ between countries and can change over time.

For current legal, prescribing and product information, use the official sources listed on our Pregabalin sources and review page.

Questions people commonly ask

Can Pregabalin make you sleepy?

Yes. Sleepiness is a common concern and can affect driving, balance and concentration. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.

Can you drink alcohol with Pregabalin?

Alcohol may increase drowsiness and impaired coordination. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about your situation, particularly if you take other sedating medicines.

Can Pregabalin be stopped suddenly?

It should not usually be stopped suddenly. A healthcare professional can plan a gradual reduction appropriate to the person and the reason for treatment.

Does Pregabalin work immediately?

Some people notice effects early, but the time to benefit varies by condition, dose, treatment changes and the individual. Do not increase the dose independently if benefit is not immediate.

Complete Pregabalin topic directory

MediHarbour includes 29 comprehensive, source-backed guides covering specific clinical indications, substance safety, withdrawal management, and special patient circumstances.

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Sources for this guide

Draft publication status: This page is prepared for a UK audience but has not yet received qualified clinical review.
Author: MediHarbour Editorial Team · Medical reviewer: To be assigned · Review date: Pending · Draft updated: 1 October 2026.
Sources should be checked against current NHS, MHRA, NICE, UK product information and peer-reviewed evidence before publication. Read our editorial policy.

Pregabalin: uses, dosage, side effects and warnings