Shortness of breath

[Y0gi]

Does anyone else find that pregabalin causes shortness of breath? Sometimes I can hardly walk along because it's such a struggle to breathe.

[Joolsg]

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/p...

No!!!

It's a rare, severe side effect. Please call 111 and discuss. Make an appointment to see your GP asap to double check.

[Y0gi in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks very much for your quick response - really helpful and I will do as you advise.

[Joolsg]

Your Bio on Health Unlocked says you take Pramipexole. Are you still taking it? I only ask because that can also cause breathing difficulties.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdr...

[Y0gi in reply to Joolsg]

No, I stopped taking that recently and changed to pregabalin. The pramipexole also caused problems, but not as acute as the pregabalin and the GP insisted that I had COPD.

[Joolsg in reply to Y0gi]

Even more reason to be checked asap as the article does mention respiratory diseases.I hope it is all sorted.

For the RLS, if pregabalin causes breathing issues you may need to switch meds.

I know that Buprenorphine has the lowest risk of respiratory depression amongst opioids.

[SueJohnson]

You might want to try switching to gabapentin. Although they are basically the same drug except you need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other. Multiply the pregabalin amount by 6 to get the correct dose. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. If you take magnesium, even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of the gabapentin as it reduces the absorption of the gabapentin. If you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

If you decide to come off the pregabalin (gabapentin) you need to do so very slowly to avoid withdrawal effects. Reduce by 25 mg (100 - 200 mg) every 2 weeks

[Y0gi in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you

[davchar23 in reply to Y0gi]

Just a short comment on reduction of pregabalin. Sue is absolutely right on slow reduction rate. I am trying to reduce from 200mg/day (one evening dose) and cut to 150mg (as not got any 25mg tablets) and it proved too much. I finished up extremely agitated and depressed until I restored the 200mg dose. my next move has to be to get GP to give me some 25mg capsules.

Regards

Davchar

[Y0gi in reply to davchar23]

That must be awful. It sounds like getting the dosage exactly right is the most important thing. What suits one can't be guaranteed to suit another.

[HipHop1972]

Good morning Y0gi. I suffer with shortness of breath but then I have COPD, not severe but like you I’m taking Pregabalin and it’s known to cause respiratory problems, so it’s impacted on my COPD but not enough to cause me concern. I don’t know if you have any underlying respiratory issues but if it’s worrying you then I would suggest a chat with your GP. Are you taking Pregabalin because of RLS and if your GP is knowledgeable about RLS and its treatment then you are indeed fortunate and he should be able to help you but if he suggests a change of medication then please please don’t let him prescribe one of the Dopamine Agonists like Ropinirole. I’m sure others here will have some helpful advice but in the meantime I send you my very best wishes

HipHop1972 🤓

[Y0gi in reply to HipHop1972]

Thanks a lot HipHop1972. I don't know if I have COPD or if the GP decided I have when in fact it was a reaction to the medication. I have an appointment today and hopefully will get something sorted 🤞Best wishes to you too

[WideBody]

I don't take Gabapentin or Pregabalin, but I do find myself with "shortness of breath" when I am dealing with my RLS. I breathe deeper, sometimes I even gasp for air even though I don't feel like I would need to.

It's strange. I ride my bike 100km, but get out of breath on the first flight of stairs.

[Y0gi in reply to WideBody]

That's weird. Also very frustrating I imagine.