For: Dogs & Cats
What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and pain relieving medication. Veterinarians may prescribe pregabalin to treat seizures (convulsions) or to treat nerve and cancer pain in dogs and cats.
Cautions:
Other drugs can interact with pregabalin, so be sure to tell your veterinarian what medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) you give your animal, including the amount and time you give each. Tell your veterinarian about any conditions or diseases your animal may have now or has had in the past. This drug should be used with caution in patients that have kidney disease. If your animal is pregnant or nursing, talk to your veterinarian about the risks of using this drug. Keep away from children and other animals.
What are the possible side effects of Pregabalin?
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving your pet this medication and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives). Call your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these serious side effects: personality changes; fever; appetite changes, weight changes. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Other possible side effects include sleepiness, lack of energy, loss of coordination (eg, stumbling), and weakness. Discontinue use if your pet experiences: cough; loss of appetite; dizziness, drowsiness; sleep problems; dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; itching or rash. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
How should this medication be given?
For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. It’s a good idea to always check the prescription label to be sure you are giving the drug correctly. Pregabalin may be given with or without food. If your animal vomits or acts sick after getting it on an empty stomach, try giving it with food or a small treat to see if this helps. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. If you want to stop giving the medication before the prescription is completed, first contact your veterinarian. There may be an important reason to continue giving the medication until it’s gone. When pregabalin is used for seizures, do not suddenly stop giving this medicine or seizures can occur.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medication should help your animal feel better within 1 to 2 hours. Your animal’s clinical signs should improve after that time. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Pregabalin?
If you miss a dose, wait and give the next dose when it is usually time to do so. Do not double-up doses or give an extra dose.
What happens if I overdose my pet on Pregabalin?
Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you feel an overdose was given. One-time overdoses of pregabalin are can worsen side effects such as sleepiness, loss of coordination, and diarrhea. If you witness or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for further advice.
