Neugaba 75mg

Description

Product Overview: Neugaba 75mg Capsule typically contains Pregabalin 75 mg as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. Pregabalin belongs to a class of drugs called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogues or anticonvulsants. It is structurally related to GABA but does not act directly on GABA receptors. Neugaba is manufactured by companies like Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a prominent pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in Nepal.

Mechanism of Action: Pregabalin’s exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by binding to the alpha-2 delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. This binding reduces the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, norepinephrine, and substance P. By modulating these neurotransmitters, pregabalin helps to:

1. Reduce nerve pain signals: It calms overactive or damaged nerves, decreasing the number of pain signals sent to the brain.
2. Stabilize electrical activity: In epilepsy, it helps to stabilize the abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing seizures.
3. Reduce anxiety: In generalized anxiety disorder, it helps to calm the nervous system, reducing excessive worry and tension.

Therapeutic Uses (Indications): Neugaba 75mg (Pregabalin 75mg) is primarily prescribed for:

1. Neuropathic Pain: This is pain caused by nerve damage. It is effective in treating:
   • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Nerve pain due to diabetes.
   • Postherpetic neuralgia: Nerve pain that persists after a shingles (herpes zoster) infection.
   • Pain following spinal cord injury.
   • Other forms of nerve pain.
2. Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness. Pregabalin helps to alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
3. Epilepsy (Partial Seizures): It is used as an add-on therapy (adjunctive treatment) for adults with partial-onset seizures, often when other medications are not fully effective.
4. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): It is used to manage excessive worry, tension, and other symptoms associated with GAD in adults.

Dosage and Administration:

• Oral Capsule: Neugaba 75mg capsules are taken orally, with or without food.
• Swallow Whole: The capsules should be swallowed whole with water. Do not open, crush, or chew them unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can affect the release of the medication.
• Individualized Dose: The dosage is highly individualized and determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s condition, age, kidney function, and response to treatment. It is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased over a few days or weeks to achieve the desired effect.
• Frequency: It is usually taken two or three times a day, depending on the total daily dose.
• Consistency is Key: Take the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to maintain consistent blood levels and maximize its effectiveness.
• Do NOT stop suddenly: NEVER stop taking Neugaba 75mg abruptly without consulting your doctor. Sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, headache, nausea, anxiety, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, nervousness, depression, pain, sweating, and even seizures. The dose must be tapered gradually under medical supervision.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side Effects:

Like all medications, Neugaba 75mg can cause side effects. Many are mild and tend to decrease with continued use as your body adjusts. However, some can be more serious and require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects (Dose-related and often occurring at initiation):

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects:
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory impairment
  • Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination), unsteadiness
  • Headache
  • Tremor
• Vision Problems:
  • Blurred vision, double vision (diplopia)
• Gastrointestinal Effects:
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, constipation, increased appetite (leading to weight gain)
• Other:
  • Peripheral edema (swelling in hands, feet, ankles): This is a common and characteristic side effect.
  • Weight gain (due to increased appetite and fluid retention).

Serious (but less common) Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these):

• Allergic Reactions (Angioedema, Hypersensitivity): Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, skin rash, hives. These can be life-threatening.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: Antiepileptic drugs, including Pregabalin, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in a small percentage of patients. Patients and caregivers should monitor for any new or worsening changes in mood, behavior, or the emergence of suicidal ideation and report them to the doctor immediately.
• Heart Problems: Though rare, it can worsen heart failure in some patients. Symptoms include shortness of breath, significant weight gain, and swelling.
• Kidney Problems: Rarely, can cause kidney failure or worsen existing kidney disease. Symptoms might include decreased urination.
• Respiratory Depression: Serious, sometimes life-threatening, breathing problems can occur, especially in patients taking other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids) or those with underlying respiratory conditions.
• Euphoria/Misuse Potential: Pregabalin has a potential for misuse and psychological dependence, especially at higher doses or in individuals with a history of substance abuse.
• Muscle Problems: Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (rare, but can indicate rhabdomyolysis).
• Skin Reactions: Although less common than with some other AEDs, severe skin reactions can rarely occur.

Precautions and Warnings:

Before taking Neugaba 75mg, and throughout treatment, it is essential to be aware of certain precautions and inform your doctor about your complete medical history.

• Abrupt Discontinuation: DO NOT STOP TAKING NEUGABA 75MG SUDDENLY. Abrupt withdrawal can lead to withdrawal symptoms or increased seizure frequency. Always taper the dose gradually under medical supervision.
• Allergies: Do not take Neugaba 75mg if you are allergic to Pregabalin or any of its ingredients.
• Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dosage adjustments are almost always necessary in patients with impaired kidney function, as pregabalin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys.
• Heart Problems: Use with caution in patients with a history of heart failure or other significant cardiac issues.
• Respiratory Problems: Use with caution in patients with pre-existing respiratory compromise.
• Diabetes: Pregabalin can sometimes lead to weight gain, which may necessitate adjustments in diabetes medications for diabetic patients.
• History of Substance Abuse: Use with caution in patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse due to the potential for misuse and dependence.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Neugaba 75mg can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and impaired coordination. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing tasks requiring mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol consumption while on Neugaba 75mg, as it can significantly enhance central nervous system side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
• Pregnancy: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or could become pregnant. The safety of pregabalin during pregnancy is not fully established, but studies have shown potential risks. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Effective contraception is crucial for women of childbearing potential.
• Breastfeeding: Pregabalin is excreted in breast milk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects on the infant. Discuss with your doctor.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution in elderly patients (over 65 years), especially those with kidney problems, as they may be more susceptible to side effects like dizziness and somnolence, increasing the risk of falls.
• Drug Interactions: Pregabalin can interact with other medications, particularly those that depress the central nervous system. Inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are taking. Key interactions include:
  • Opioid analgesics (e.g., oxycodone, morphine): Increased risk of CNS depression and respiratory problems.
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam): Increased risk of CNS depression.
  • Other CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers).
  • It generally has fewer pharmacokinetic interactions (affecting drug levels) compared to older AEDs, but additive pharmacodynamic effects are common.
• Monitoring: While routine blood level monitoring for pregabalin is not usually performed, your doctor may monitor for side effects, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like kidney or heart disease.

Prescription Information:

Neugaba 75mg Capsule is a prescription-only medication (POM). This means:

• It cannot be purchased over-the-counter without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional (e.g., neurologist, pain specialist, psychiatrist).
• A doctor will diagnose the condition (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, GAD) and determine the appropriate starting dose, titration schedule, and maintenance dose based on the patient’s individual needs and response.
• Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring efficacy, managing side effects, and ensuring safe and effective use.