What Factors Affect a Sufficient Pregabalin Dose?

A sufficient pregabalin dose is affected by the condition being treated, the patient's reaction to the treatment, and the kidney function of the patient. The average pregabalin dose for most conditions is 150 milligrams (mg) per day divided into two or three equal doses. Other conditions, such as partial onset seizures, can be treated with between 150 and 600 mg of the drug per day. Most dosages can be increased if the patient does not respond sufficiently to the average dose. If the patient has a creatinine clearance of less than 60 milliliters per minute, the dosage may need to be reduced.

Most conditions, such as postherpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia, can be treated with 150 mg of pregabalin per day. These dosages are split into two 75 mg doses or three 50 mg doses each day. Likewise, diabetic neuropathy must be treated with three 50 mg doses per day at the onset of therapy. Patients suffering from epilepsy are usually started on the average pregabalin dose, but this can be increased up to a maximum of 600 mg per day in some cases.

The patient's response to the drug is an important factor in determining a sufficient pregabalin dose. Dosages listed for all conditions can be increased if the patient doesn’t respond to the initial amount after a week. Doctors can then opt to increase the dose to 300 mg per day for most conditions. More severe cases of a particular condition or less responsive patients can cause doctors to increase the dosage even further. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia, for example, can receive up to 450 mg per day if they don’t respond to lower doses.

Kidney function is an important factor in determining the sufficient pregabalin dose. The kidneys are vital for breaking down medications and therefore patients with kidney problems can’t usually tolerate high doses. Diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia patients can be given less than 150 mg per day if they do not have a sufficient creatinine clearance. Creatinine clearance is used to measure kidney function and generally should be over 60 milliliters per minute. Patients with a lower creatinine clearance should be given less pregabalin to decrease the risk of adverse reactions or renal failure.

Pregabalin can cause several different side effects in patients. Common side effects associated with the drug include dizziness, dry mouth, and tremors. These reactions are only considered a cause for concern if they are severe in nature or continue for an extended period of time. Serious side effects of the drug include visual problems, easy bruising or bleeding, and rapid weight gain. Patients suffering from these side effects should notify a doctor immediately.