Pregabalin (Nervigesic) Capsules IP 150 mg

Description

Pregabalin Capsules IP 150 mg are a prescription-strength anticonvulsant and analgesic medication widely used across the United Kingdom and internationally. The “IP” designation stands for Indian Pharmacopoeia, indicating that the product meets the quality and manufacturing standards set by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission — a mark of pharmaceutical-grade purity and consistency.

Each capsule contains 150 mg of pregabalin as the active ingredient, along with inactive excipients that help form the capsule shell and aid absorption. Pregabalin belongs to a class of medicines known as gabapentinoids, which act on the central nervous system to reduce abnormal electrical activity and calm overactive nerve signals.

Originally developed and approved under the brand name Lyrica by Pfizer, pregabalin is now widely available in generic form, including as Nervigesic IP 150 mg. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 and has since become one of the most prescribed medicines globally for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and generalised anxiety disorder.

In the UK, it is listed as a Class C controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, meaning it requires a valid prescription and is subject to specific regulations regarding its dispensing and supply.

How Pregabalin 150mg Works in the Body

Pregabalin works by binding to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding action reduces the influx of calcium into nerve terminals, which in turn decreases the release of several excitatory neurotransmitters — including glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P.

In simpler terms, pregabalin essentially turns down the volume on overactive nerve signals. When nerves are damaged or overstimulated, they tend to fire erratically and excessively, causing pain, seizures, or anxiety. Pregabalin calms this hyperexcitability without completely blocking normal nerve function.

Key pharmacological properties include:

• Rapid absorption: Pregabalin is quickly absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within one hour.
• High bioavailability: Unlike some other anticonvulsants, pregabalin has a bioavailability of around 90%, meaning the body efficiently uses most of what is ingested.
• Linear pharmacokinetics: Its concentration in the blood increases predictably with dose, making it easier for doctors to titrate accurately.
• Renal excretion: Pregabalin is eliminated almost entirely unchanged through the kidneys, which is why dose adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment.

The onset of therapeutic effects varies depending on the condition being treated. For nerve pain, some patients notice improvement within a week, while full effects for anxiety or epilepsy may take two to four weeks.

Medical Uses of Pregabalin Capsules IP 150 mg

Pregabalin ( Nervigesic ) 150 mg has several well-established clinical applications approved by regulatory bodies including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK:

1. Neuropathic Pain Pregabalin is licensed for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults. This includes conditions such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain), spinal cord injury pain, and other nerve damage-related pain syndromes.

2. Epilepsy Pregabalin is used as an adjunctive (add-on) therapy for adults with partial-onset seizures, with or without secondary generalisation. It is not typically used as a first-line monotherapy for epilepsy.

3. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Pregabalin is licensed in Europe (including the UK) for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in adults. This is a notable difference from countries like the United States, where it is not formally approved for anxiety.

4. Fibromyalgia (off-label in the UK) While pregabalin is FDA-approved for fibromyalgia in the US, it is sometimes used off-label for this condition in the UK when other treatments have not provided adequate relief.

Benefits of Pregabalin 150mg Capsules

The Pregabalin 150 mg dose sits in the mid-range of pregabalin’s therapeutic spectrum (which typically runs from 75 mg to 600 mg daily in divided doses), offering a meaningful balance between efficacy and tolerability. Key benefits include:

Effective pain relief: Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that pregabalin significantly reduces pain intensity scores in patients with neuropathic conditions, often outperforming placebo by a substantial margin.

Improved sleep quality: One of the frequently reported secondary benefits of pregabalin treatment is improved sleep — particularly valuable for patients whose nerve pain or anxiety disrupts their rest.

Anxiety reduction: For patients with GAD, pregabalin provides anxiolytic effects comparable to some benzodiazepines but with a different side effect profile and, in many cases, without the same level of sedative dependency.

Predictable dosing: Its linear pharmacokinetics make it easier for clinicians to predict how increasing or decreasing the dose will affect the patient, leading to more precise treatment optimisation.

Well-tolerated at moderate doses: Compared to higher doses, the 150 mg dose tends to produce fewer side effects, particularly in terms of cognitive impairment and excessive sedation.

Who Should Take Pregabalin 150 mg?

Pregabalin 150 mg may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have been diagnosed with peripheral or central neuropathic pain and have not achieved adequate relief with first-line treatments such as amitriptyline or duloxetine
• Are living with epilepsy and require additional seizure control beyond their current medication regime
• Have been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and need pharmacological support
• Have previously been on a lower dose of pregabalin (e.g., 75 mg twice daily) and require a dose increase due to insufficient response

The prescribing decision is always made by a qualified healthcare professional who will assess your individual medical history, current medications, kidney function, and the nature and severity of your condition.

Recommended Dosage of Pregabalin 150mg in the UK

In the UK, pregabalin is typically initiated at a low dose and gradually titrated upward to minimise side effects. Here is a general overview of dosing guidelines, though individual prescriptions may vary:

For Neuropathic Pain:

• Starting dose: 75 mg twice daily (150 mg/day)
• After one week: may be increased to 150 mg twice daily (300 mg/day)
• Maximum dose: 300 mg twice daily (600 mg/day)

For Epilepsy:

• Starting dose: 75 mg twice daily or 50 mg three times daily
• May be increased to 600 mg/day in divided doses based on response

For Generalised Anxiety Disorder:

• Starting dose: 150 mg/day in divided doses
• May be titrated up to 600 mg/day based on response

The 150 mg capsule is commonly prescribed at a frequency of twice daily (morning and evening), providing a total daily dose of 300 mg. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Dose adjustments for renal impairment: Because pregabalin is renally excreted, patients with reduced kidney function require lower doses. Your doctor will calculate the appropriate dose based on your creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels.

How to Take Pregabalin Capsules Safely

Taking pregabalin correctly maximises its effectiveness and reduces the risk of unwanted effects:

• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule unless specifically instructed by your pharmacist.
• Take with or without food — pregabalin can be taken either way, though some patients find taking it with food reduces stomach discomfort.
• Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels and make it easier to remember.
• Do not abruptly stop — if you need to discontinue pregabalin, your doctor will guide you through a gradual taper over at least one week to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Set reminders if needed — missing doses can reduce effectiveness for epilepsy or increase anxiety and pain levels.
• Keep all follow-up appointments — your prescriber will want to monitor your response to the medication and check for any side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Pregabalin 150 mg

Like all medicines, pregabalin can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Understanding the difference between common, manageable effects and rarer, serious ones is important for patient safety.

Common vs Serious Side Effects

Common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness — particularly at the start of treatment or after dose increases
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Headache
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs (peripheral oedema)

Less common but notable side effects:

• Mood changes, including irritability or low mood
• Coordination problems (ataxia)
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Increased appetite
• Muscle twitching or cramps

Serious side effects (seek medical attention promptly):

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation — all anticonvulsants carry a small risk of increasing suicidal thoughts in some individuals; report any such changes in mood immediately
• Severe allergic reaction (angioedema) — characterised by swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat; difficulty breathing; rash
• Signs of heart failure, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions — worsening breathlessness, rapid weight gain, and oedema
• Rhabdomyolysis (rare) — muscle breakdown indicated by unexplained muscle pain, dark urine, and weakness

Warnings and Precautions Before Use

Before beginning pregabalin, inform your doctor if you have or have had any of the following:

• Kidney disease — dose reduction is required
• Heart failure or heart disease
• A history of substance misuse or addiction
• Diabetes — pregabalin may cause weight gain which can affect blood sugar management
• Respiratory problems — pregabalin can cause respiratory depression, especially in elderly patients or those taking opioids concurrently
• Depression or mental health conditions
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant — pregabalin may harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is recommended during treatment
• Breastfeeding — pregabalin passes into breast milk; discuss risks with your doctor

Drug Interactions with Pregabalin 150mg

Pregabalin interacts with several other medicines and substances. Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of everything you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.

Significant interactions include:

Central nervous system depressants: Combining pregabalin with opioids (such as morphine, codeine, or tramadol), benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or lorazepam), or other sedatives significantly increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. This combination has been associated with a number of fatalities in the UK.

Alcohol: Enhances CNS depression — see the dedicated section below.

Thiazolidinediones (diabetes medications such as pioglitazone): May increase the risk of weight gain and oedema.

ACE inhibitors: May increase the risk of oedema and urticaria.

Antidiabetic drugs: Pregabalin-induced weight gain may require adjustment of diabetes medication dosages.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Pregabalin?

The answer is clear: alcohol and pregabalin should not be combined. Both substances depress the central nervous system, and their effects are additive and potentially dangerous.

Drinking alcohol while taking pregabalin can lead to:

• Excessive sedation — even modest alcohol consumption can cause severe drowsiness
• Impaired coordination and judgment — greatly increasing the risk of accidents and falls
• Respiratory depression — in severe cases, breathing can be dangerously slowed
• Memory blackouts — loss of recollection of events during the period of combined intoxication
• Increased risk of overdose — particularly if opioids are also involved

In the UK, the concurrent misuse of pregabalin with alcohol and opioids has been implicated in a rising number of drug-related deaths, particularly in Scotland and Northern England. If you drink regularly, speak honestly with your prescriber before starting pregabalin.

Is Pregabalin 150mg Addictive?

This is one of the most important questions for prospective patients, and it deserves a direct and honest answer: yes, pregabalin carries a risk of physical dependence and misuse, which is why it was reclassified as a Class C controlled substance in the UK in April 2019.

Pregabalin produces euphoric effects at higher doses, which has led to its misuse — particularly among people with a history of substance use disorder. Even at therapeutic doses, patients can develop physical dependence, meaning that abrupt discontinuation causes withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Insomnia and disturbed sleep
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating and tremors
• Anxiety and agitation
• Seizures (in severe cases)

This does not mean pregabalin is inappropriate for therapeutic use — for many patients it provides life-changing relief. However, it should be taken exactly as prescribed, without increasing doses independently, and should be tapered gradually under medical supervision when discontinuing.

If you have a history of addiction or substance misuse, inform your prescribing doctor before starting pregabalin.

Pregabalin 150 mg for Nerve Pain

Neuropathic pain — pain caused by damaged, dysfunctional, or irritated nerves — is notoriously difficult to treat. Traditional painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen often provide little relief for this type of pain, which can be burning, stabbing, electric-shock-like, or characterised by extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia).

Pregabalin 150 mg is particularly effective for:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by longstanding high blood sugar, typically affecting the feet and legs. Pregabalin reduces the characteristic burning and shooting pains.

Post-herpetic neuralgia: The persistent nerve pain that can follow a shingles (herpes zoster) infection, sometimes lasting months or years after the rash has healed.

Central sensitisation pain: Pain arising from central nervous system dysfunction, such as that occurring after spinal cord injury.

Clinical evidence consistently shows that pregabalin reduces pain scores by 30–50% in a significant proportion of patients with neuropathic conditions, representing a clinically meaningful improvement in daily functioning and quality of life.

Pregabalin 150 mg for Anxiety Disorders

Pregabalin is one of the few non-benzodiazepine medications licensed in the UK specifically for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This is significant because GAD is a chronic condition characterised by persistent, excessive worry that is difficult to control, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Pregabalin addresses the neurological overactivity that underlies anxiety. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, which typically take four to six weeks to take effect, pregabalin’s anxiolytic benefits can be felt within the first one to two weeks of treatment — a meaningful advantage for patients experiencing significant distress.

Key advantages over benzodiazepines for anxiety:

• Does not cause the same degree of tolerance and loss of effectiveness over time
• Generally less cognitive impairment at therapeutic doses
• Approved for longer-term use

However, as discussed, pregabalin carries its own dependency risks and must be used judiciously in patients with a history of substance misuse.

Pregabalin 150 mg for Epilepsy

In the context of epilepsy, pregabalin is used as adjunctive therapy — meaning it is added to an existing anticonvulsant regimen (such as levetiracetam, lamotrigine, or sodium valproate) when seizures are not adequately controlled by a single agent.

Pregabalin specifically helps control partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures), which originate in one part of the brain. It may be used whether or not these seizures secondarily generalise to involve the whole brain.

Patients and caregivers should be aware that abruptly stopping pregabalin in someone with epilepsy can precipitate breakthrough seizures, which is why gradual tapering under medical supervision is essential.

Who Should Avoid Pregabalin Capsules?

Pregabalin is contraindicated (should not be used) in individuals who:

• Are allergic to pregabalin or any of its excipients
• Are under 18 years of age (not licensed for paediatric use in the UK for most indications)
• Have a rare hereditary condition causing galactose intolerance, as some formulations contain lactose

Pregabalin should be used with significant caution in people who:

• Have severe renal impairment (dose reduction required; if on haemodialysis, supplemental dosing after each session may be needed)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have pre-existing respiratory compromise
• Have a history of substance misuse, addiction, or substance use disorder
• Are over 65, due to increased risk of dizziness, falls, and cognitive effects

Storage Instructions for Pregabalin 150 mg

Proper storage ensures the medication retains its potency and safety throughout the treatment course:

• Store at room temperature, typically below 30°C (86°F)
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light
• Store in a dry place — avoid bathrooms or kitchen areas near steam and humidity
• Keep out of reach and sight of children — accidental ingestion can be extremely dangerous for a child
• Do not use capsules past the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour into drains — return unused or expired pregabalin to your pharmacy for safe disposal, as it is a controlled substance

Buying Pregabalin Capsules IP 150 mg Online in the UK

The online marketplace for medications in the UK includes both legitimate registered pharmacies and illegal, unregulated vendors. It is critically important to understand the legal and safety landscape before purchasing pregabalin online.

Legitimate online purchase: You can legally purchase pregabalin from a registered UK online pharmacy, provided you have a valid prescription. The pharmacy must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and display the EU common logo (or its UK equivalent) on their website.

What to look for in a legitimate online pharmacy:

• GPhC registration number displayed prominently
• Requires a valid prescription before dispensing controlled medicines
• Has a registered UK address and contactable pharmacist
• Is transparent about its supply chain and sources

What to avoid:

• Any site offering to supply pregabalin without a prescription — this is illegal in the UK
• Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true
• Sites based outside the UK without UK regulatory registration
• Sites that do not ask for a prescription for a Schedule 3 controlled drug

Purchasing pregabalin from unregulated sources puts you at risk of receiving counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrect medications, and may expose you to legal consequences.

Is Pregabalin 150mg Available on Prescription in the UK?

Yes — pregabalin is only legally available on prescription in the UK. Since its reclassification as a Schedule 3 Controlled Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (effective 1 April 2019), additional controls apply to its prescribing and dispensing.

Under current UK regulations:

• A prescription for pregabalin must comply with controlled drug prescription requirements
• Pharmacists must record dispensing in their controlled drugs register
• Emergency supplies (without a prescription) are not permitted for Schedule 3 drugs like pregabalin
• Prescriptions are valid for 28 days from the date of signing
• Instalment dispensing may be specified by the prescriber

You can obtain a prescription from your GP, a specialist (neurologist, pain specialist, or psychiatrist), or through a registered online prescribing service that follows UK prescribing guidelines.

Next Day Delivery Options Across the UK

For patients who obtain their pregabalin through a legitimate, GPhC-registered online pharmacy, next day delivery services are available across most of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Typical delivery options available from registered UK pharmacies:

• Standard delivery: 2–5 working days, often free or low cost
• Next day delivery: Ordered before a specified cut-off time (commonly 2 pm or 3 pm), available with tracked courier services
• Saturday delivery: Available from some pharmacies for an additional fee
• Express same-day delivery: Available in select UK cities through certain services

When using next day delivery for a controlled substance, be aware that:

• A valid prescription must be in place before dispensing
• Some pharmacies may require the original paper prescription to be posted and received before dispatching the medication
• Others operate via electronic prescriptions (EPS) which can allow faster dispatch
• Delivery must be to a verifiable UK address

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregabalin 150 mg

Q: How long does it take for pregabalin 150 mg to work?

A: For nerve pain, many patients notice some improvement within one to two weeks, though full benefit may take up to four weeks. For anxiety, effects may be felt within the first week. For epilepsy, it may take a few weeks at the target dose to assess full effectiveness.

Q: Can I drive while taking pregabalin 150 mg?

A: Pregabalin commonly causes dizziness and drowsiness, especially when starting treatment or after dose increases. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. The UK DVLA requires you to inform them if you are taking pregabalin and it affects your ability to drive safely.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.

Q: Can I take pregabalin with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

A: Pregabalin does not have significant interactions with paracetamol or ibuprofen, and combining them is sometimes done for complex pain conditions. However, always inform your doctor or pharmacist of everything you are taking.

Q: Will I gain weight on pregabalin?

A: Weight gain is a recognised and fairly common side effect. It appears to be dose-related and may be linked to increased appetite and fluid retention. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help manage this.

Q: How do I stop taking pregabalin?

A: Never stop pregabalin abruptly. Your doctor will design a tapering schedule, typically reducing the dose gradually over a minimum of one week (and often longer for patients on higher doses or those who have been taking it long term). This minimises withdrawal symptoms and, for epilepsy patients, reduces the risk of rebound seizures.

Q: Is pregabalin the same as gabapentin?

A: They are closely related — both are gabapentinoids that work on voltage-gated calcium channels. Pregabalin is generally considered more potent and has superior bioavailability compared to gabapentin, meaning it tends to work more predictably at lower doses. They are not interchangeable without medical guidance.

Q: Can I take pregabalin during pregnancy?

A: Pregabalin is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing baby. If you become pregnant while taking pregabalin, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking it without medical advice, especially if it is controlling seizures.

Q: Is pregabalin available as a generic in the UK?

A: Yes. Since Pfizer’s patent expired, pregabalin is now widely available as a generic medication in the UK, often at significantly lower cost than the branded Lyrica. Pregabalin IP 150 mg is one such generic formulation.

Q: What should I do if I take too much pregabalin?

A: An overdose of pregabalin is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, restlessness, and in severe cases, respiratory depression. Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately. Bring the medication packaging with you.

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Medical Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pregabalin is a prescription-only controlled medication in the UK and must be used only under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional. Always consult your GP or qualified prescriber before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

 

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Author / Written By: Dr. Ben Carpio

 

Checked By: Dr. Mark Sebastian

Post Uploaded Date: February 26, 2026

Next Reviewed:: December – 2026

Reading Time:   8 min read