Pregabalin side effects can be more noticeable when treatment starts, after a dose increase, or when Pregabalin is combined with alcohol, opioids or other medicines that cause sleepiness. Do not change or stop your medicine without speaking with a healthcare professional, particularly if you take it for epilepsy.
What are the most common Pregabalin side effects?
NHS information identifies sleepiness, dizziness and headache as common side effects. UK patient leaflets also describe a broader range of possible effects. You may not experience any of these, and a listed effect does not prove that Pregabalin is the cause of a symptom.
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
- Sleepiness, tiredness or feeling sedated.
- Headache.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Problems with balance, clumsiness or feeling unsteady.
- Difficulty concentrating, confusion or memory changes.
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea.
- Swelling of the hands, feet or other parts of the body.
- Increased appetite or weight gain.
Some side effects improve as the body adjusts, but do not assume that a troublesome or worsening symptom is harmless. Ask a pharmacist, GP or prescriber for advice.
Sleepiness, dizziness and balance problems
Pregabalin can reduce alertness and coordination. This may affect walking, driving, cycling, operating machinery, working at height, or caring for another person. Older adults may be more vulnerable to falls.
Do not drive or use machinery until you know how Pregabalin affects you. Be especially careful after starting treatment, after a dose change, or if you have also taken alcohol or another sedating medicine. See the Pregabalin interactions guide for more information.
Blurred vision and other eyesight changes
Blurred or double vision and other visual changes have been reported with Pregabalin. If your eyesight changes, do not drive and contact a healthcare professional for advice. Sudden or severe loss of vision needs urgent assessment.
Weight gain, appetite and swelling
Increased appetite, weight gain and swelling can occur. People with diabetes should discuss significant weight changes with their healthcare team because diabetes treatment may need review. Sudden or severe swelling, especially with breathing difficulty, requires urgent attention.
Mood, thinking and behaviour changes
Some people report confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, mood changes, unusual thoughts or hallucinations. New or worsening depression, thoughts of self-harm, or suicidal behaviour require urgent professional help.
Tell someone you trust if your mood or behaviour changes. Contact your GP, NHS 111 or an urgent mental-health service according to the seriousness of the situation. Call 999 if there is an immediate danger to life.
Serious Pregabalin side effects
Serious reactions are uncommon, but it is important to recognise them. Seek urgent help for:
- Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing or unusual breathing changes.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives, or difficulty swallowing.
- A widespread or blistering rash, skin peeling, or ulcers in the mouth, eyes or genitals.
- Collapse, loss of consciousness, severe confusion or inability to stay awake.
- A seizure or convulsion.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else.
For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, a seizure that does not stop, or a life-threatening allergic reaction, call 999. Do not drive yourself to A&E.
Pregabalin and breathing problems
Breathing problems have been reported with Pregabalin. Risk may be higher in people with respiratory disease, reduced kidney function, nervous-system disease, older age, or when Pregabalin is taken with opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, alcohol or other sedatives.
If someone taking Pregabalin is unusually difficult to wake, has slow or shallow breathing, becomes blue around the lips, collapses, or cannot breathe normally, call 999.
When should I contact a GP or pharmacist?
Contact a professional if:
- A side effect is persistent, worsening or affecting your daily life.
- You are falling, nearly falling, or feel too unsteady to walk safely.
- You have continuing vision changes.
- You have troublesome swelling, weight change, constipation or urinary symptoms.
- You are worried about dependence, misuse or withdrawal.
- You are taking other medicines or substances that cause sleepiness.
- You want to reduce or stop Pregabalin.
Can Pregabalin cause long-term side effects?
Long-term treatment can involve continued side effects, changes in benefit, dependence or withdrawal risk. The right approach depends on why Pregabalin was prescribed and how well it is helping. A prescriber should review ongoing treatment when appropriate.
Do not stop suddenly because you feel better or because you are worried about side effects. Read the Pregabalin withdrawal guide and discuss any change with your prescriber.
What if I take too much Pregabalin?
If you take more than prescribed, contact NHS 111 for urgent advice. Go to A&E or call 999 if you feel very sleepy, confused or agitated, have a seizure, pass out, or have breathing problems. Take the medicine packet or leaflet and a list of your other medicines if you need medical help.