Pregabalin and its use in pain management
Why do I need pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a drug used to treat nerve pain. This type of pain is often not relieved
by traditional painkillers. It can be used in combination with other painkillers to
improve your pain relief.

How does pregabalin work?
Pregabalin works by changing the way in which nerves send messages to your
brain. When something presses on a nerve, or a nerve doesn’t work properly in
some way, the nerve can send false messages to your brain. The brain thinks that a
part of your body is being hurt when it is not. This makes you actually feel pain. By
altering the way nerves work, pregabalin may reduce your pain.

pregabalin for treating epilepsy
Yes, pregabalin is used for treating epilepsy by ‘calming down nerves’. Research
has shown that pregabalin by a ‘similar process’ is also effective in helping to relieve
certain types of pain.

How long will pregabalin take to work?
You should notice that your pain starts to improve over one to two weeks after
starting pregabalin, but it may take longer in some people. However, some people
feel benefit straight away. Your treatment will be reviewed when you next see the
doctor or nurse.

How long will I have to take pregabalin for?
If pregabalin is helpful, you can continue taking it and your treatment will be
reviewed regularly. It is important that you continue to take your regular painkiller,
unless you have been advised to stop taking these by your doctor.