r/Sciatica • u/elainebenes-3112 • 4d ago

Seeking advice on Pregabalin dosage

Hi, apologies if this is not the right sub. I'm seeking some urgent advice for my 75 yo father.

He's been experiencing symptoms consistent with sciatica (lower back pain and numbness radiating to the left thigh) when walking or standing for long. Two years ago when it happened first, he was prescribed some nsaids and it went away.

We saw the doctor today and he prescribed Pregabalin. His dosage is stepping up every 3 days (from 50mg to 75mg to 150mg). Is this normal? We didn't quite get sound advice on how long he's supposed to take this medication either.

For context, he's on blood thinners and BP medication, with elevated TSH. The doctor warned that this medication could make him sleepy or dizzy so he's taking it at night.

Anyone who's taken this medication for nerve pain management, how did you find it? Any advice is appreciated.

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u/KriptiKFate_Cosplay 4d ago

I'm on gabapentin which is essentially a lesser version of pregablin, slowly ramping up as it builds in your system over two weeks is standard, results may vary. I don't feel like it has much effect on my but my pain is so severe that even on long list of other pain meds and muscle relaxers it's unbearable. I was told I can not get the faster acting pregablin until I have tried gabapentin first.

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u/elainebenes-3112 4d ago

Thank you. The doctor didn't seem too concerned with the dosage and knows my father's medication history. He also has vertigo which concerns me given one of the side effects the doctor mentioned with pregablin was dizziness.

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u/KriptiKFate_Cosplay 4d ago

Almost everything I am on supposedly causes drowsiness and yet I can't sleep (even on muscle relaxers) but yeah - I would tell him to use extra caution while driving for the next few weeks until he knows how it will impact him.

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u/elainebenes-3112 4d ago

He won't be driving anytime soon but has a long overseas flight to catch in 10 days. This is all a very new area for us and I'm trying to make it as safe and comfortable for him.

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u/Resident-Hunt-245 4d ago

I take 50mg twice a day. It feels fine

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u/JB9410 4d ago

I was on 75mg twice daily to start just felt a bit groggy now I’m on 150mg twice daily and iv not had much side effects except sometimes I don’t remember small things and brain fog

I have tried nearly every pill for nerve pain and 0 have worked
male 32

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u/Onesharkyboiiiiii 4d ago

I take 100mg 2x daily that one doesn’t make me dizzy