Drugs like pregabalin for pain relief

Drugs like pregabalin for pain relief: What You Need to Know

What are gabapentinoids?
Gabapentinoids are medications that affect nerve signals in your body. The two main types are:

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• Pregabalin (Lyrica)

They were originally developed to treat epilepsy but are now commonly used to help manage certain types of chronic pain.

What kinds of pain do they help with?

Gabapentinoids may help if your pain is caused by nerve damage or irritation (called neuropathic pain), such as:

• Diabetic nerve pain

• Shingles pain (postherpetic neuralgia)

• Spinal cord injury pain

• Fibromyalgia

They are not usually helpful for:

• Arthritis

• Back pain not caused by nerve issues

• Headaches

How do they work?

They calm overactive nerves by changing the way nerve signals are sent in your body, which can reduce pain, burning, tingling, or electric shock-like sensations.

How are they taken?

• Taken as a pill or capsule, usually 1 to 3 times per day

• Doses are often started low and increased slowly to reduce side effects

• Please only take medications as prescribed by your GP or pain expert.

Possible side effects

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness

• Fatigue

• Swelling in the legs

• Trouble thinking clearly or memory issues

• Weight gain

• Constipation

• Congenital abnormalities if a person falls pregnant whilst taking the medication

Serious side effects are rare but can include mood changes or breathing problems, especially when taken with opioids or alcohol.

Are they addictive?

Gabapentinoids are not opioids, but in some people, especially at high doses or with a history of substance use, they can be misused. They should be taken exactly as prescribed.

How well do they work?

Gabapentinoids don’t work for everyone. Some people get good relief, while others may not notice much difference. If they don't help after a few weeks, your doctor may adjust the dose or suggest stopping them.

Key points to remember

• They are best for nerve-related pain

• They don’t work instantly—relief may take days to weeks

• Medications like pregabalin should be used as part of a co-ordinated management plan for pain relief