Welcome to our blog, today we will be taking a look at the differing information regarding Pregabalin dosages. This medication was originally manufactured by Pfizer, under the brand name, Lyrica. This medication is a Gabapentinoid which has a wide variety of uses. These uses span across many different conditions, and as such, many differing pregabalin dosage amounts are outlined for each condition. This medication is most notably approved and used to treat Epilepsy, Neuropathic pain and Fibromyalgia.
It also has off-label uses in treating anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, chronic pain conditions and insomnia. As each condition has differing pregabalin dosage amounts, patients must take the correct amount for the condition they are treating. For some conditions, progress or relief was not shown until after a few weeks of using this medication. Safety is key when taking any prescription medications. After all, they are supposed to help us overcome conditions, not encourage them.
A pregabalin dosage is the amount of the medication which is taken at one point in time. Most commonly this medication is taken 3 times a day, morning, lunch and night, before bed. A clinical study of nearly 12,000 participants concluded a 300 mg dose had a 30% intensity reduction in postherpetic neuralgia. For each of the approved conditions, the pregabalin dosage is similar with minor differences;
When a patient is taking a pregabalin dosage they must always follow their treatment plan and only increase their dose amount if their doctor has suggested it. A doctors advice is important as they are trying to help treat a condition in the safest possible way. By following a treatment plan correctly, patients have more of a chance of successfully treating a condition and avoiding the adverse effects.
This medication is one of the most versatile medicines on the market. The medications FDA-approved uses are listed as Neuropathic pain linked to; Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Postherpetic neuralgia and Spinal cord injury. Also, this medication is FDA approved for treating pain from Fibromyalgia and preventing partial seizures in those with Epilepsy. Although this medication is classed as an anticonvulsant, these approved uses also take advantage of its analgesic (pain-killing) properties.
When looking at the medications off-label uses, it is clear that it is effective in treating many conditions. Off-label uses include; Restless leg syndrome, Chronic cough, Chronic Pruritus, Chronic pain conditions, Insomnia, Bipolar disorder, Social anxiety disorder and Generalized anxiety disorder. Some of the above conditions above are debatable among the medical community regarding the effectiveness of this medication in treatments, especially for psychiatric conditions.
The exact mechanism of action for this medication is not yet completely known. Despite this, it is known that this medication binds to calcium channels and reduces the inflow of calcium at the nerve endings. By doing this, it decreases the excitement of the nerves which can commonly encourage feelings of pain or seizures. The effectiveness of a pregabalin dosage for seizures is further increased when combined with other seizure medications. Any combinations must be recommended by a medical professional.
As this medication is an analogue of Gamma Amino Butyric Acid or GABA, it also induces feelings of relaxation or euphoria in users. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which is found naturally in the central nervous system. GABA slows down the way chemical and electrical signals are sent and received in the central nervous system, which can cause antidepressant or antimanic effects. This is the reason why it has found use within treatments for psychiatric conditions, like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
A pregabalin dosage typically lasts for between 4.5 – 7 hours. The effects of this medication are usually felt 30 – 60 minutes after oral administration. There are many factors which can alter these times, such as; how much medication a patient has taken, the age of the patient, the size or weight of the patient, if the patient is on any other medication or if the patient has any underlying medical conditions.
Taking a large pregabalin dosage can be dangerous as it puts a user at risk of adverse effects. A large pregabalin dosage may also be debilitating, preventing a patient from carrying out tasks or working. Those with kidney or liver issues and elderly patients have to be careful as their metabolism may be slower than that of a healthy young adult. Because of this, their body may take longer to metabolise the medication. This can make the effects of the medication last longer.
As this medication is a GABA analogue, the effects of a pregabalin dosage are reported to be calming or relaxing. Unlike sleeping tablets and anxiolytic medications, this medication does not target the GABA receptors to slow down the body and mind. Instead, it makes the nerve endings less excitable. The medications molecular composition is similar to GABA which also gives the user similar calming effects as sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications. Many patients report euphoric feelings and reduced stress or anxiety.
Many patients praise this medications ability to prevent social anxiety symptoms. By taking a pregabalin dosage in the morning, they find that it helps them be more open with people, or colleagues than they would normally. When patients find relief from these conditions by using a medication, it is important that they do not use it every day. Every medication can have a tolerance built against it, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
This medication is FDA approved for use in people of all ages, starting with children who are 1 month old. For pregabalin dosage amounts in young children, only a qualified paediatrician can advise how much should be taken. The amounts administered to children are completely based on the weight of the child. An amount of 3.5mg per 1kg, taken 3 times a day, is what is usually followed when doctors are deciding amounts here. With elderly patients and those with kidney or liver problems, a starting pregabalin dosage of 50mg, 3 times a day would be recommended.
Elderly patients or those with a history of kidney or liver issues should be regularly checking in with their doctor to advise them of their progress throughout treatment. Within check-up meetings, a doctor can decide to increase or decrease pregabalin dosages wherever necessary. Even first-time users would be treated similarly here. A doctor aims to reach the desired effects with the lowest dose possible, this is to reduce the possibilities of adverse reactions.
A pregabalin dosage can be taken with or without food, however, this medication should not be taken after a large meal as this can delay the onset of the effects of the medication. Tablets should never be chewed or crushed and should always be swallowed whole with a glass of juice or water. It is very important to stay hydrated when on any medication, so being attentive and drinking enough water will ensure it will be digested and metabolized properly.
There are various other pregabalin dosage forms, such as; capsules, liquids and extended-release tablets. The information outlined in this article is not about these dosage forms, only the standard-release tablets. It is important to follow a doctors individual instructions for whatever pregabalin dosage form he or she has prescribed. Other things which should be followed when going through treatments would be to eat a balanced diet, avoid excess alcohol and get regular exercise.
When pregabalin dosages are kept to a minimum amount which induces the desired effects, this medication is not just safe, it is also very effective. This medication is approved by the FDA, which means it has been rigorously tested before being allowed to be prescribed and used by the general public. As this medication has been proven to be effective through such tests, and then through use by the general public, many doctors have used it in treatments for the various conditions mentioned in todays blog.
Despite being such a useful medication, there are some people with whom it may not interact correctly. Anyone who has exhibited signs of addiction to other substances is usually denied prescriptions for this medication. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding should not be taking a pregabalin dosage. Also, people with respiratory issues should consult with a doctor if they are thinking of starting this medication.
By treating the underlying causes of these conditions with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, patients have a greater chance of overcoming their conditions. For more information and products for treating pain, insomnia and anxiety visit our website at www.stretta-therapy.com.
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