Short answer: Pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) is a prescription medicine used in the UK for nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety. It works by calming the way nerves send pain messages. The NHS lists common side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy, and advises that you should never stop taking it suddenly. If it is not suiting you, the right step is to talk to your GP or pharmacist, who can review the dose or options with you. Many people also use simple comfort measures alongside their prescription.
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A 2019 Cochrane review from Oxford found that many people on pregabalin have no benefit or stop taking it, with drowsiness reported by 32% compared with 11% on placebo.
Pregabalin is one of the most prescribed medicines for nerve pain in the UK, and it prompts a lot of questions. This guide gives you neutral, practical information based on NHS guidance. It does not take the place of the conversation with your prescriber, and it does not suggest changing anything you have been prescribed.
What is pregabalin and how does it work?
Pregabalin belongs to a group of medicines called gabapentinoids. The NHS explains that in nerve pain it is thought to work by blocking pain messages travelling through the brain and down the spine. It is a capsule or liquid taken usually once or twice a day.
Since 2019 pregabalin has been a controlled drug in the UK. That means your prescription has extra rules around it, and it is important to take it only as prescribed.
It is worth knowing that pregabalin does not work the same way for everyone. Some people find it makes a clear difference, some notice only a small change, and some find the side effects outweigh the benefit for them. None of these outcomes means you have done anything wrong. It simply means the plan may need reviewing with your prescriber.
What is pregabalin prescribed for?
- Nerve pain, including pain from diabetic neuropathy, shingles and nerve damage.
- Epilepsy, alongside other medicines.
- Generalised anxiety disorder.
For nerve pain, it is one of the options NICE guidance lists for GPs to consider. Your doctor will usually start at a low dose and increase gradually.
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What are the side effects of pregabalin?
According to the NHS, common side effects include:
- Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain, due to increased appetite
- Swelling of the hands and feet
The NHS also lists less common but serious side effects that need medical help, including thoughts of harming yourself and signs of an allergic reaction. The full list is on the NHS website and in your patient leaflet. If you notice anything that worries you, contact your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.
Because pregabalin can make you drowsy, the NHS advises not to drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you, and to be careful with alcohol.
Pregabalin vs gabapentin: what is the difference?
| Pregabalin | Gabapentin | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of medicine | Gabapentinoid | Gabapentinoid |
| Used for | Nerve pain, epilepsy, anxiety | Nerve pain, epilepsy |
| Usual dosing | Usually once or twice a day | Usually three times a day |
| Prescription status | Prescription only, controlled drug | Prescription only, controlled drug |
| Common side effects (NHS) | Sleepiness, dizziness, weight gain | Sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness |
Your doctor chooses between them based on your symptoms, other conditions and medicines. For more on gabapentin, see gabapentin side effects: why so many people look for something to use alongside it.
Can you stop taking pregabalin?
Do not stop pregabalin suddenly. The NHS warns that stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, and for people with epilepsy it can cause seizures. If you feel it is not working, or the side effects are hard to live with, book a review with your GP or pharmacist. They can lower the dose gradually if that is the right choice, or suggest alternatives.
How long does pregabalin take to work for nerve pain?
Everyone is different. Some people notice a change within the first week or two, while others need their dose adjusted over several weeks before they can tell whether it suits them. Your GP will usually review how you are getting on. It helps to keep a short diary of your pain and any side effects, so the review is based on what actually happened rather than what you remember on the day.
Questions worth asking at your medication review
- Is my current dose the right one for me, or should it be reviewed?
- Are any of my other medicines likely to interact with pregabalin?
- Is it safe for me to drive while taking it?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- If I want to reduce it in future, how would we do that safely?
- Are there non medicine approaches, such as physiotherapy or a pain clinic, that could help me too?
Writing your questions down before the appointment makes it easier to get what you need from a short consultation.
What else do people use alongside pregabalin?
Many people want to feel they are doing something for themselves as well. Common additions, always checked with a GP or pharmacist, include:
Movement and foot care
Gentle daily walking, well fitting shoes and checking your feet every day, especially if you have reduced feeling.
A better evening routine
Nerve pain is often worse at night. A cool room, a warm foot soak and keeping sheets off sore feet can all help comfort. See burning feet at night for more ideas.
A soothing cream
Topical creams are popular because they go right where you feel it and do not add anything to swallow. Magnesium creams are one of the most searched options. Our guide to magnesium cream for nerve pain explains why people try them.
NuraCalm Total Relief is a cream designed for this kind of daily comfort routine. It combines magnesium chloride with MSM, arnica and vitamin B6, with a light touch of menthol for an immediate cooling feel. It is a cosmetic comfort product, not a medicine, and it is not a substitute for anything your doctor prescribes. Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure whether it suits you. It comes with a 90 day money back guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What is pregabalin used for?
In the UK it is prescribed for nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder. It is prescription only and a controlled drug.
What are the common side effects of pregabalin?
The NHS lists feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy, headaches, feeling sick, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain and swelling of the hands and feet, among others.
Can I stop taking pregabalin suddenly?
No. Speak to your doctor, who can help you reduce it gradually if needed.
Is pregabalin the same as gabapentin?
They are related and work in a similar way, but they are different medicines with different dosing. Your doctor decides which suits you.
Can I use a cream while taking pregabalin?
Many people use a soothing cream as part of their routine. Check with your pharmacist, and do not change your prescribed dose without speaking to your doctor.
Sources
- Derry S et al. (2019) Pregabalin for neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
- NICE CG173: Neuropathic pain in adults, recommendations
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Side effect information is summarised from the NHS website; always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. Never start, stop or change the dose of a prescribed medicine without speaking to your GP or pharmacist. NuraCalm Total Relief is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Lyrica is a trade mark of its respective owner. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before changing or stopping any medication.
See how NuraCalm Total Relief works
Tried everything for tired, aching nerves? See why thousands in the UK keep NuraCalm Total Relief on their bedside table
- Magnesium chloride with MSM and arnica, made for daily use
- A light touch of menthol for an immediate cooling comfort
- 90 day money back guarantee