If you spend many hours contemplating what is in store or what is coming up next, these thoughts can make your anxious. You need to know anxiety is one of the first responses of your system. It depends on the extent of fears you nurse. It can occur when you are giving a speech to a gathering or while attending an interview. If these anxieties persist for long – for say, more than 24 weeks, it is labelled as an anxiety-based disorder. Can you take meds like pregabalin for anxiety? It is useful to have a deeper understanding.
It is fine to feel stressed or anxious rarely. It can happen when you are doing something new or have lost a loved one. People who are going through divorce proceedings or those who are taking up a new assignment tend to have high levels of anxiety. Living in a stressful frame of mind can make you lose interest on many things – especially, things you enjoy doing.
Anxiety has turned into a commonly experienced mental condition. One may get it anytime and at any stage of their life. In general, females are more vulnerable to anxieties than men. As per the American psychiatric association (APA), females are more-likely to be diagnosed of anxieties or related mental disorders.
What is pregabalin?
This med is known to have several properties namely, anxiolytic, analgesic as well as antiseizure capabilities. It is widely used for the treatment of neuro pains i.e., neuropathy, withdrawal of alcohol of opioids, anxiety-based conditions, restless legs, etc. In some cases, this med is used prior to surgical interventions; in such applications, pregabalin is known to numb pain levels.
Pregabalin
Pregabalin and gabapentin for anxiety
Pregabalin is a successor to gabapentin. The good thing is the former is available as a generic offering. As per latest estimates, pregabalin fares among top 100 widely administered meds in US. The number of prescriptions each year has already crossed the 7.5 million level.
Gabapentin
The standard dosage plan of gabapentin is between 300 milligrams (mg) to 900 mg, taken within a 24-hour timeline. On the other hand, pregabalin is taken in strengths ranging from 150 to 300 mg. Owing to its relatively lower dosage level, pregabalin is less likely to trigger symptoms of withdrawal. Gabapentin for anxiety Gabapentin, typically used for nerve pain, also shows promise in treating anxiety. It affects neurotransmitters to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety symptoms, offering a potential alternative for those who tolerate traditional anxiety medications poorly. Always consult a doctor before use.
What is the highest dose of pregabalin for anxiety?
The highest dose of pregabalin is 600 mg within a day. Those who took a larger dose – than 600 mg – may turn dependent on this drug. It is important to take this med strictly as per the instructions of a qualified mental health professional or a certified caregiving team. The last few doses of pregabalin are tapered off to avoid possible signs of withdrawal.
Typical signs of withdrawal of pregabalin include sleeplessness, tremors or involuntary shaking of your body, spells of migraines, memory lapses, inability to stay focused, loss of coordination, etc. If you are unable to exert control overt these signs, call your treating physician as quickly as possible.
How long does it take for pregabalin to work for anxiety?
It may need a few weeks’ time for pregabalin to work on your anxiety levels. However, this anxiolytic med works well when it is taken at the same timeslot on a daily basis. It becomes essential to follow the instructions of your treating doctor all through the dosage plan.
If you have skipped a dose, never make up by taking a double dose. It can make you dizzy. Instead, skip the dose you forgot to take, and move ahead with the next dose. On the other hand, if you have skipped multiple doses, talk to your caregiving team or pharmacist to reschedule your dosage plan.
Moreover, if your anxiety levels do not improve after a few days of taking pregabalin, consult with your caregiver on an urgent mode. Your caregiver may alter the dosage strength or prescribe a substitute to treat anxieties.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
