Pregabalin Adverse Effects

Neurological Effects

Dizziness occurs in 23-46% of patients, and somnolence occurs in 15-25% of patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines 1, 2
Cognitive effects, including confusion, are common, particularly at higher doses, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2

Weight gain is a recognized side effect of pregabalin, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
Peripheral edema occurs in approximately 10% of patients and is dose-dependent, according to the American College of Physicians 3

If a patient on pregabalin develops bruising, alternative causes should be investigated, such as concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet use, as recommended by the European Society of Cardiology 4
Evaluate for NSAIDs, SSRIs, or SNRIs that increase bleeding risk, as suggested by the European Society of Cardiology 4
Consider other medications or medical conditions causing thrombocytopenia, as advised by the European Society of Cardiology 4
Check complete blood count if bruising is unexplained, as recommended by the European Society of Cardiology 4

Pregabalin consistently leads to weight gain and heightened appetite, but the literature does not describe these changes as “extreme hunger” or pathological hyperphagia【5】.

Both pregabalin and gabapentin are reliably linked to weight gain, setting them apart from weight‑neutral antiepileptics such as lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin【6】.

Because weight‑related adverse effects increase with higher doses, clinicians should consider dose reduction or switching to alternative agents when weight gain becomes clinically significant【7】.