Description
Nervigesic (Pregabalin) 450 mg
Nervigesic 450 mg is a pregabalin capsule medicine. Pregabalin is an antiepileptic and neuropathic pain medicine used for selected nerve-pain conditions and as add-on treatment for partial-onset seizures. The product strength is for identification only.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is pregabalin. It belongs to the class of gabapentinoid antiepileptic medicines and acts as a ligand at the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels.
Established Medical Uses
Regulatory prescribing information for pregabalin includes use in neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury. Availability of specific indications can vary by country and product authorisation.
How It Works
Pregabalin binds with high affinity to the alpha2-delta site on voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This reduces calcium-dependent release of certain excitatory neurotransmitters and is thought to help lessen pain signalling and seizure activity. It is structurally related to GABA, but it does not act directly on GABA receptors.
Important Safety Information
Pregabalin is contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to pregabalin or any component of the product. Important precautions include angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions, suicidal thoughts or behaviour, dizziness and somnolence, peripheral oedema, weight gain, possible visual effects, and respiratory depression, especially when used with other medicines that depress the central nervous system. Abrupt discontinuation may increase seizure frequency or cause other adverse reactions. The medicine is largely eliminated by the kidneys, so renal impairment is clinically relevant. Clinically significant interactions may occur with other sedating medicines and with thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents, which may increase oedema risk.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, oedema, weight gain, and difficulty with concentration or attention. Less common but serious reactions can include angioedema, severe hypersensitivity, respiratory depression, suicidal ideation, and worsening seizures after rapid discontinuation.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews and meta-analyses have found that pregabalin can reduce pain in several neuropathic pain conditions, with the strongest evidence in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Published reviews also report that dizziness and somnolence are among the most frequent adverse effects, and that tolerability can limit use in some patients.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed / FDA label: Pregabalin capsule, prescribing information. View source
- Penzak SR et al. Clinical use of pregabalin in the management of central neuropathic pain. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2009. PubMed
