Can an extra dose of Pregabalin help with anxiety?

Question

Hello doctor,

I currently take 150 milligrams of Lyrica every night for restless legs, and it helps a lot. I suffer from anticipatory anxiety regarding social engagements, and despite many types of therapy and 30 milligrams of Paxil for the past 20 years, and now 20 milligrams of Buspar, I still have episodes that are awful.

Mostly, I experience physical symptoms such as nausea and pains in my stomach, etc. (rarely any sweating or high heart rate). My question is whether taking an extra dose of Lyrica as needed would help? If not, any other suggestions?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Lyrica (Pregabalin) is a safe and effective medication. You can increase the dose up to 300 milligrams per day now. It can be taken as a single dose or a split dose (morning and night). We need to check which option works better for you.

If taken in the morning, sometimes you may feel drowsy. In some individuals, the high single-night dose can cause drowsiness in the morning. Therefore, the dose needs to be checked, as it varies from patient to patient.

Since it does not have other significant side effects, in some individuals, a maximum of 600 milligrams per day can be used in the later stages of life. If any side effects are observed during the initial days, they usually disappear gradually over time. Therefore, increasing the dose of Pregabalin may provide additional benefits in your case.

The other two medicines have significant side effects; hence, their doses should be increased only if necessary. If the side effects are greater than the benefits, then the dose should be reduced. After the prescription from your doctor, you can increase the dose.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

When we talk about Pregabalin, it is not a fast-acting drug. It gradually exhibits clinical improvement. This means after starting therapy, it takes a minimum of two to three weeks to show clinically recognizable improvement.

So, if you stop the medicine now, for the next two to three weeks, its previous effect will persist. Therefore, these types of drugs should be taken regularly to achieve sustainable benefits. If taken as and when required, it will not show any benefit.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.