Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.
Gabapentin (trade name = Neurontin) and pregabalin (trade name = Lyrica) are two drugs that are sometimes prescribed for the relief of more severe pain, especially for nerve/neuropathic pain
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new safety concerns about their use in people who also have a significant respiratory illnesses, especially when they are taking drugs such as antidepressants and antihistamines.
- Read more: FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)
In 2019, the UK government also introduced prescribing restrictions for both drugs amid concerns of recreational misuse, particularly amongst the opioid abusing population, and a resulting rise in deaths.
As both of these drugs are sometimes prescribed in ME/CFS for moderate or severe pain, the ME Association has information leaflets covering all aspects of their use that include the UK prescribing restrictions:
We also have information covering broader topic areas:
Visit the website shop to review and download more of the large range of medical leaflets we have available.
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