Pregabalin
Also known as: Lyrica, CI-1008, PD-144723, Alzain, Axalid
* **What to Expect**: The most common side effects seen in animals are sleepiness (sedation) and sometimes difficulty walking (ataxia). If these are severe or persist, contact your veterinarian. * **Important Warnings**: > **Do not stop abruptly!** Suddenly stopping pregabalin without your veterinarian's approval may cause increased adverse effects and can trigger severe seizures in epileptic patients. Always taper the dose under veterinary guidance. * **Allergic Reactions**: Although rare, if you notice a rash, hives, facial swelling, wheezing, or collapse, contact your veterinarian immediately. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If using the liquid form, discard any unused portion 45 days after opening.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Seizure disorders (anecdotal)
- Seizure disorders (PK theory)
- Neuropathic pain and seizures (extrapolated from PK study)
- Seizure disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Refractory seizures (adjunct therapy)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Ataxia
- Somnolence
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with concentration/attention/memory
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Peripheral edema
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Syncope
- Congestive heart failure
- Renal failure (reversible)
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, rash, blisters, wheezing)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pregabalin
- Pregnant animals (toxicity demonstrated in experimental studies)
- Abrupt discontinuation
- Use with caution in patients with renal insufficiency; dosage adjustment should be considered (in humans, adjusted based on creatinine clearance). Use with caution in patients with heart failure. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to increased seizure frequency, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, or nausea. Weigh potential risks versus benefits in pregnant or nursing animals (FDA Category C in humans; very high dosages have caused skeletal malformations in rats and rabbits).
Drug interactions
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, enalapril): In humans, coadministration may increase risks of edema and hives.
- CNS Depressants: May cause additive CNS depression.
- NSAIDs (e.g., ketorolac, naproxen): In humans, cited as possibly reducing anticonvulsant effectiveness, though substantive evidence is weak.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pregabalin used for in pets?
* **What to Expect**: The most common side effects seen in animals are sleepiness (sedation) and sometimes difficulty walking (ataxia). If these are severe or persist, contact your veterinarian. * **Important Warnings**: > **Do not stop abruptly!** Suddenly stopping pregabalin without your veterinarian's approval may cause increased adverse effects and can trigger severe seizures in epileptic patients. Always taper the dose under veterinary guidance. * **Allergic Reactions**: Although rare, if you notice a rash, hives, facial swelling, wheezing, or collapse, contact your veterinarian immediately. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If using the liquid form, discard any unused portion 45 days after opening.
Is Pregabalin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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