--- title: "Pregabalin: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers" description: "Pregabalin is a medicine used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder, and it must be tapered slowly when stopped, not stopped…" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/pregabalin/ robots: noindex --- # Pregabalin: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers Treatments Pregabalin is a medicine used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder, and it must be tapered slowly when stopped, not stopped abruptly. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is pregabalin used for? Pregabalin is a medicine that treats neuropathic pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it is best to stand up slowly. It is a controlled drug because dependence is possible, so it should never be stopped abruptly and must be tapered instead. It can also affect driving, especially early in treatment. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Pregabalin, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about pregabalin - Pregabalin is a first-line option for neuropathic pain alongside amitriptyline or duloxetine. - It is classed as a Schedule 3 controlled drug in the UK. - Dizziness and weight gain are common side effects. - Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms including seizures, so doses are tapered gradually. - It is cleared by the kidneys, so doses are reduced in people with chronic kidney disease. ## What pregabalin is used for Pregabalin is prescribed for neuropathic (nerve) pain, as an add-on treatment for epilepsy, and for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is not intended to be used as a substitute for opioid painkillers in chronic pain that is not nerve-related, so it is reserved for these specific conditions. ## How the pregabalin dose is increased Treatment for nerve pain typically starts on a low dose taken twice daily, with the total daily amount increased gradually and divided across the day as needed. This gradual titration helps the body adjust and reduces the likelihood of side effects. People who are elderly or who have chronic kidney disease usually need their dose adjusted to account for reduced kidney function. ## Side effects of pregabalin The most common side effects of pregabalin are drowsiness, swelling in the legs or ankles (peripheral oedema), and blurred vision. A rare but serious side effect is angioedema, which involves swelling of the face, lips or throat and needs urgent medical attention if it occurs. ## Dependence and stopping pregabalin Pregabalin should be tapered off gradually rather than stopped suddenly, with the reduction taking place over at least a week, and longer if the dose has been high. This is because pregabalin carries a potential for misuse and dependence, which is why prescribing is monitored closely by GPs. ## ! Important safety information for pregabalin A GP starts pregabalin treatment and reviews it regularly, so keep any follow-up appointments they arrange. Tell your GP if you notice mood changes or swelling while taking this medicine. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about pregabalin What is the difference between pregabalin and gabapentin? Pregabalin and gabapentin belong to the same class of medicines and work in a similar way. Pregabalin has more predictable pharmacokinetics, meaning its effects in the body are easier to anticipate, and some people switch between the two if one does not work well enough. How quickly is the pregabalin dose increased? Pregabalin is usually increased gradually, with the dose reviewed and adjusted on a weekly basis. Starting on a low dose and titrating upward slowly helps reduce the risk of side effects. Is pregabalin a controlled drug? Yes, pregabalin is a controlled drug because there have been reports of dependence and misuse. It should only be used for the condition it was prescribed for and should never be shared with anyone else. Can I drive while taking pregabalin? Pregabalin can impair the ability to drive safely, particularly when treatment is first started or the dose is changed. Driving while unfit to do so is illegal, so it is important to assess how the medicine affects you individually before getting behind the wheel. ## Sources - [NHS — Pregabalin](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin) - [NHS — Neuropathic Pain](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neuropathic-pain)