Pregabalin (Lecaent) 200mg

[Richy626]

Hey all, so I've been on Pregabalin for a few weeks now, we started out at 150mg a day first week, upped it to 300mg week before last and last week upped it to 400mg, which it's staying on for the time being as the Doctor's away most days this week all be it because they on leave, I did put in a call today and they said call her for advice but I thought I'd ask the question here.

I know Pregabalin is supposed to be for epilepsy but obviously we are using it to treat general anxiety disorder which it can do.

So basically starting 4th week on it but so far I don't think I've seen much of an effect either way, last week it didn't get a fair shake as I was having choppy sleep that week so my anxiety felt alot worst.

But we purposely put me on this I don't tend to agree with antidepressants, and this wonderful doctor I found said well I know something else we can try!

My question is how long does it take to really have a chance to show if it's having a positive effect? I understand it provides more gamma to the brain that's about it.

So this week is my 4th week and 2nd on 200mg, I've had no real side effects but no significant decrease in my anxiety levels either, let me know anybody who has experience with this please :).

[BilboBaggins16]

Well Pregablin isn't an effective anxiolytic.... The dose for anxiety is 1200mg. A friend I know was on them and often gave me boxes where I'd take 1200mg several times a day. Pregablin is an addictive drug and should be treated with care. In substance support groups they are taking an interest in the prescription and illicit trade of the drug. There is no reduction regime suggested by the BNF or Nice Guidelines. In fact I'd say that you should seek a dose of 10-20mg of Diazepam. This can be prescribed for a couple of months and has a recommended reduction rate. Therefore there is a thought out way to reduce/taper/stop bento's but there's no studies into reduction/tapering/stopping..

[Hidden]

This is similar to Gabapentin (Neurontin) that doctors are using for off-label use. The problem with these medications and anxiety is there isn't a lot of studies. They're small and we can't be too sure if it really works yet. Both medications are prescribed for nerve pain and have been shown to possibly provide help for some mental health issues. I have read that anywhere from 2-3 weeks is where you should begin to see improvements, BUT I've also read that it's dose dependent. I took the smallest dose of Gabapentin and felt awful....and never continued. When looking at the off-label recommended dose from others, I wasn't anywhere near the ballpark figure needed to get the possible benefits. You can try upping the dose again (with your doctor's permission), but these drugs also need caution exercised when using them. Both can be addicting and habit forming. You are correct that they are GABA drugs, but they do not bind to the GABA receptors like benzo medications do. Hopefully someone who has taken Lyrica or Gabapentin regularly can answer this for you. Out of all of the responses I have gotten, most have said the anti-anxiety benefits were minimal or moderate. I understand your issues with anti-depressants having not been able to get benefits from them either. Your doctor will be the best person to ask since it's off-label. Best of luck and hope it works for you.

[Richy626 in reply to Hidden]

So far I've had no bad side effects and it does seem be helping me a mild amount I'm now on 600mg a day which is the therapeutic dose, certainly have no bad effects so it must be agreeing with me but here's hoping it tips the balance in my favour.