Pregabalin Side Effects and Considerations

Introduction to Pregabalin Side Effects

Dizziness occurs in 23-46% of patients and is the most common reason for treatment discontinuation, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2
Somnolence affects 15-25% of patients and leads to discontinuation in approximately 3% of cases, as reported by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2
Peripheral edema affects approximately 10% of patients and can be particularly problematic in elderly patients, as noted by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2

Ataxia, confusion, thinking abnormalities, tremor, abnormal gait, and amnesia occur less frequently but are still clinically significant, according to Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 3
Nausea is reported as a common side effect, particularly with duloxetine comparison studies, as noted by Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 3
Headache is frequently reported, according to Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 3

Higher doses (600 mg/day) are associated with significantly greater adverse effects without consistently greater efficacy compared to 300 mg/day, as reported by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2
The 300 mg/day dose provides the optimal benefit-to-risk ratio for most patients, according to Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2
Elderly patients are more susceptible to falls, confusion, sedation, balance disorders, tremor, and coordination abnormalities, as noted by Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2
Dose adjustment is mandatory in patients with renal impairment, as pregabalin is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys, according to Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2

Taper gradually over a minimum of 1 week when discontinuing pregabalin, as recommended by Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 2