Living with pain can be frustrating, especially if you are taking medications like Pregabalin. Pregabalin is used to treat neuropathy pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. But sometimes this medication may not be enough on its own. Many patients wonder if they can safely take other pain medications alongside it to get better relief.

In this blog, we will explain which painkillers are generally safe to use with Pregabalin and which ones to avoid.

An Overview Of Pregabalin

Pregabalin is a prescripton-based medication that comes in three forms: a solution, a capsule, and an extended-release tablet. Pregabalin oral capsules are a generic drug that’s also available under the brand names Nervigesic, Lyrica, and others. It is used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medicines [1].

Pregabalin is approved by the FDA to treat:

• Fibromyalgia in adults
• Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage due to shingles, diabetes, or spinal cord injury in adults.
• Partial onset seizures in people aged 17 years and above.

Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers with Pregabalin

Some over-the-counter pain medications that can be safely taken alongside Pregabalin are listed below.

Pregabalin and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can generally be taken with Pregabalin, but cautiously. These medications help reduce inflammation and provide relief from musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and arthritis. However, long-term use can cause several adverse effects, including kidney issues and stomach irritation. It is advisable to speak to a doctor prior to using NSAIDs with Pregabalin [2].

Pregabalin and Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Acetaminophen is one of the safest analgesics to take with Pregabalin. It works effectively for mild to moderate pain and does not interfere with the working mechanism of Pregabalin. Patients can take it as per the recommended dosage without concern for serious drug interactions [3].

Topical Pain Relief Products

Gels, creams, and patches containing ingredients such as diclofenac, menthol, or capsaicin offer targeted pain relief and have a minimal risk of interacting with Pregabalin. These are especially useful for localized joint or muscle pain and can be applied without impacting Pregabalin’s action.

Prescription Painkillers: Combining Strong Painkillers with Pregabalin

The prescription analgesics that can be safely taken with Pregabalin are listed below.

Tapentadol And Pregabalin

When prescribed by a healthcare professional, combining Tapentadol pain relief medication with Pregabalin capsules can be both effective and safe, especially in chronic pain. According to a study published in 2019 on combining Pregabalin and Tapentadol, it suggests that it helps the body regain its natural ability to block pain signals. This combination is also effective in calming overactive nerves in the spine, which can lead to improved pain relief [4].

What Not To Take With Pregabalin?

Some of the pain relief medications that should not be combined with Pregabalin are :

High-Dose Aspirin

Aspirin is a common pain reliever used to treat a variety of aches and pains, including toothaches, headaches, and menstrual cramps. It is also used to treat flu-like symptoms and a cold [5].

While a low amount of Aspirin, when combined with Pregabalin, is generally considered safe and no drug interaction has been reported between the two, high doses may increase the risk of side effects, including stomach bleeding, when combined with Pregabalin [6].

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to manage peripheral neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and partial-onset seizures [7].

Both Pregabalin and Gabapentin work similarly on managing nerve pain, and taking them together without proper medical guidance can increase the risk of side effects such as sedation and dizziness [8].

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants are medications that work by reducing muscle spasms and stiffness, which can indirectly relieve pain associated with these conditions. Taking Pregabalin with muscle relaxants can cause confusion, weakness, poor muscle control, excessive drowsiness, and even respiratory depression [9].

Other Medications And Substances To Consider

Beyond its interaction with pain medications, Pregabalin can also interact with other drugs, especially central nervous system (CNS) depressants like benzodiazepines, sedatives, antihistamines, or alcohol, leading to enhanced drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and increased risk of respiratory depression or coma. Additionally, combining pregabalin with ACE inhibitors or certain antihypertensives and antidiabetic drugs may raise the risk of angioedema, peripheral edema, and weight gain [10].

Tips For Safe Pain Management with Pregabalin (Nervigesic)

Follow the following tips to manage pain effectively with Pregabalin and other medications [11].

Always talk to a healthcare professional: Ask your healthcare provider before you start on any pain medication with Pregabalin.

Stick to the dose your doctor suggests: Taking the right amount of Pregabalin and other pain medication can lower the risk of adverse reactions.

Watch out for side effects: Check how you’re feeling and tell your healthcare professional if the side effects become serious.

Potential Side Effects When Combining Pregabalin with Painkillers

Co-administering Pregabalin alongside pain medication could lead to several negative reactions, such as:

• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Drowsiness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Patients must be vigilant in observing any behavioural or mood shifts when taking Pregabalin, as side effects can range from mild to severe

Some patients may also experience loss of consciousness, profound dizziness, and hallucinations.

Ways to Manage Mild Side Effects

Not all adverse effects are severe, but even mild symptoms can impact everyday life. Here is how to manage them.

• Allow your body time to adjust to the medication, as these symptoms often subside within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Ensure you are well hydrated and eating enough fiber if you suffer from constipation due to the intake of this drug.
• In case of headaches, resting in a quiet, dark room is advisable.
• To manage diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, such as water.

Conclusion

While looking at additional ways to manage your pain while taking Pregabalin, it is crucial to understand which painkillers can be safely combined with Pregabalin, as it may help you avoid severe adverse reactions.

Be sure to always know what not to combine with Pregabalin. This is the key to effective and safe pain relief.