What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Lyrica (Pregabalin)
If you miss a dose of Lyrica (pregabalin), take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. 1
Immediate Actions After Missing a Dose
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose 1
- If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule 1
- Never double up on doses to compensate for a missed dose 1
Potential Consequences of Missing Doses
- Missing occasional doses typically does not cause immediate serious problems 1
- However, abrupt or rapid discontinuation (missing multiple doses) may lead to:
Special Considerations
- Pregabalin has a relatively short half-life of about 6 hours, which means the drug clears from your system fairly quickly 2
- If you frequently miss doses, the therapeutic effect of the medication may be compromised 3
- For patients taking pregabalin for anxiety disorders, inconsistent dosing may reduce its effectiveness in managing symptoms 3
- For patients taking pregabalin for neuropathic pain, missed doses may result in inadequate pain control 2
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- If you've missed multiple doses in a row 1
- If you experience withdrawal symptoms after missing doses 1
- If you're having difficulty maintaining your prescribed schedule 1
- If you notice a return or worsening of the symptoms that pregabalin was prescribed to treat 3
Tips to Avoid Missing Doses
- Set daily reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer 1
- Take your medication at the same time each day to establish a routine 1
- Keep your medication in a visible but secure location 1
- If you travel, ensure you pack enough medication for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays 1
Remember that pregabalin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Maintaining consistent blood levels of the medication helps ensure its effectiveness in treating your condition.