Posted on

Pregablin – An Anticonvulsant

IntroductionPregabalin, available under brand names Gabica, Zeegap, Pregalax, Gablin and others, is an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medicine used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder, among other conditions. It is used as an add-on therapy for partial seizures in epilepsy. It decreases pain but causes more drowsiness and visual abnormalities when administered before surgery.
Class of MedicinePregabalin belongs to the anticonvulsant class of drugs. It works by reducing the number of pain impulses given out by the body’s injured nerves.
Mode of ActionPregabalin inhibits synaptic release of many neurotransmitters by binding to alpha2-delta subunits, which could explain its actions in vivo in reducing neuronal excitability and seizures. Several investigations, including structure-activity assessments of substances binding to alpha2-delta subunits and pharmacology in animals lacking in alpha2-delta Type 1 protein binding, suggest that pregabalin’s pharmacology is dependent on binding to alpha2-delta subunits. Preclinical data so far point to a mechanism involving reduced neurotransmitter release and a reduction in aberrant neuronal excitability. The focus of this review is on preclinical pharmacology.
Medical UsesPregabalin is a drug that is used to treat anxiety and epilepsy.
It’s also used to relieve nerve discomfort. Nerve pain can result from a variety of conditions, including diabetes and shingles, as well as an injury.
Pregabalin acts in a variety of ways:
With nerve pain, it reduces seizures in epilepsy by lowering aberrant electrical activity in the brain.
It reduces pain by interfering with pain messages as they go through the brain and down the spine, and it reduces anxiety by preventing your brain from generating the chemicals that cause anxiety.
Avaiability & UsagePregabalin is available as a capsule, an oral solution, and an extended-release tablet for oral administration. Pregabalin pills and oral solution are commonly taken two or three times a day, with or without food. Pregabalin extended-release tablets are typically used once a day, after dinner. Pregabalin should be taken at the same time(s) every day.
Side EffectsMore than 1 in 100 people may have these typical adverse effects. They are normally moderate and disappear on their own. Continue to take the medication, but let your doctor know if they irritate you or don’t go away:

Headaches
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
Diarrhoea
Mood changes
Feeling sick
Swollen hands, arms, legs and feet
Blurred vision
For men, difficulties with getting an erection
Weight gain – because pregabalin can make you feel hungry
Memory problems

Important WarningOnly a small percentage of persons who take pregabalin develop major side effects.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right once.Suicidal thoughts – a tiny proportion of patients taking pregabalin have experienced suicidal thoughts, which can occur after only a week of treatment. Problems breathing
Extreme dizziness or passing out hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
Issues with going to the bathroom, such as blood in your pee, the urge to urinate more frequently, or constipation
Available BrandsGabica
Zeegap
Pregalax
Gablin