Pregabalin is only for adults. It is not suitable for some people. Do not give it to children under age 18.
Before your GP prescribes pregabalin, tell them if you:
- have any problems that affect your breathing
- had an allergic reaction to any medicine in the past
- have ever abused or been addicted to a medicine
- ever had alcoholism
- have heart disease
- have any serious medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease
- take other medicines including medicines you buy from a pharmacy, herbal remedies or supplements
Pregnancy and pregabalin
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking pregabalin if you:
- are pregnant
- think you may be pregnant
- are trying to get pregnant
Pregabalin should not be taken during pregnancy, unless your doctor advises it.
Your doctor will decide if the benefits of pregabalin outweigh the risks. If you take pregabalin and become pregnant, do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first.
If you take pregabalin for epilepsy, it is particularly important that this is well treated during pregnancy. Seizures can harm you and your baby.
Do not stop taking pregabalin without talking to your doctor first.
It's recommended to use contraception while taking pregabalin. Tell your GP if you are planning to get pregnant. They may want to change your treatment.
Get enough folic acid if you’re taking pregabalin
If you're trying to get pregnant or have become pregnant while taking pregabalin, it is recommended to take folic acid.
Ask your GP what dose of folic acid you should take.
Newborn babies and pregabalin
Your baby might need extra monitoring after they're born if you take pregabalin around the time of giving birth.
This is because your baby might have pregabalin withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding and pregabalin
If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medicines might be better while you're breastfeeding, but they will help you decide.
Tiny amounts of pregabalin can get into breast milk. But it's not clear if it can harm the baby.
Fertility and pregabalin
There's no evidence to suggest that taking pregabalin reduces fertility in either men or women.
But speak to a pharmacist or your GP before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.
Contraception and pregabalin
Pregabalin does not stop any contraception working. You can safely use any type of contraception alongside pregabalin, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.