What are the most common side effects of pregabalin?
The most common side effects of pregabalin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness (see below)
- Sleepiness (see below)
- Headache (extended-release tablets)
- Tiredness (extended-release tablets)
- Fluid retention (see below)
- Nausea (extended-release tablets)
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating (capsules or solution)
- Increased appetite (in children)
There may be other side effects of pregabalin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pregabalin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of pregabalin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions.Pregabalin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pregabalin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Angioedema. Pregabalin may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking pregabalin and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If it is causing problems breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Pregabalin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Breathing Problems. Pregabalin can cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you are taking another medicine that can cause slowed breathing, such as the opioid medicines codeine or oxycodone, or if you already have breathing problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start pregabalin or when your dose is increased. Get emergency help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
- Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Dizziness or Sleepiness. Pregabalin can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pregabalin affects you.
Fluid Retention and Weight Gain. Pregabalin can cause fluid retention and weight gain, especially when used with other medicines, such as certain medicines used to treat diabetes, like pioglitazone. Contact your healthcare provider if you have swelling in your feet, hands, or legs or if you are gaining weight.
Eye Effects. Pregabalin may cause blurred vision or other vision disturbances. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your vision changes.
Muscle Problems. Pregabalin may cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking pregabalin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark-colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Severely Low Platelet Levels. Pregabalin can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nosebleeds
Heart Rhythm Changes. Pregabalin may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms of heart rhythm changes.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
