What is Neuromded®?
Neuromded® is a medication that contains pregabalin as its active ingredient. It belongs to a group of medicines used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults.
Neuromded® is used to treat:
- Neuropathic Pain: This includes both Peripheral and Central Neuropathic Pain.
- Epilepsy: Specifically, it is used to treat partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Neuromded® is indicated for the treatment of GAD in adults.
Who manufactures Neuromded®?
Neuromded® is manufactured by Les Laboratoires MédiS in Tunisia.
Before Taking Neuromded®
It is crucial to be aware of potential contraindications and precautions before taking any medication. Here’s what you need to know about Neuromded®:
Who should NOT take Neuromded®?
- Individuals with an allergy to pregabalin or any other ingredients in Neuromded® should not take this medication.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Allergies: Some individuals taking Neuromded® have experienced allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, and skin rashes. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
- Dizziness and Somnolence: Neuromded® can cause dizziness and drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly patients. Exercise caution until you know how this medication affects you.
- Vision Changes: Neuromded® may cause temporary blurring or loss of vision or other visual disturbances. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.
- Interactions with Diabetes Medications: Some individuals with diabetes may experience weight gain while taking Neuromded®, potentially requiring adjustments to their diabetes medication.
- Side Effects for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: Patients with spinal cord injuries may experience increased side effects, such as sleepiness, due to interactions with other medications commonly prescribed for pain or spasticity.
- Heart Failure: There have been reports of heart failure in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions who were taking Neuromded®. Inform your doctor about any history of heart disease before starting this medication.
- Kidney Failure: Some patients have reported kidney failure while taking Neuromded®. If you notice a decrease in urination, inform your doctor, as stopping the medication may improve this condition.
- Suicidal Thoughts: A small number of individuals taking anti-epileptic drugs like Neuromded® have reported suicidal thoughts. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience such thoughts.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Neuromded®, when taken with other medications that can cause constipation (e.g., certain pain relievers), may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, blocked or paralysed bowel. Inform your doctor if you experience constipation.
- History of Alcoholism or Drug Abuse: If you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse or dependence, inform your doctor before taking Neuromded®. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
- Convulsions: Convulsions have been reported in some individuals taking Neuromded® or shortly after stopping the medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a convulsion.
- Encephalopathy: There have been reports of reduced brain function (encephalopathy) in patients taking Neuromded® with other underlying medical conditions. If you have a history of any serious medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, inform your doctor.
Can Children and Adolescents Take Neuromded®?
The safety and efficacy of Neuromded® in children and adolescents (under 18 years old) have not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in this age group.
What Other Medications Interact with Neuromded®?
Neuromded® can interact with certain medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including:
- Oxycodone (Pain Reliever): Taking Neuromded® with oxycodone can increase the risk of side effects.
- Lorazepam (Anxiety Medication): Combining Neuromded® with lorazepam may enhance side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, and decreased concentration.
- Alcohol: It is advised not to consume alcohol while taking Neuromded®, as it can exacerbate side effects.
Can Neuromded® be taken with oral contraceptives?
Yes, Neuromded® can be taken with oral contraceptives.
Can you take Neuromded® with food and drink?
You can take Neuromded® capsules with or without food. However, as mentioned earlier, it is recommended to avoid alcohol while on this medication.
Pregabalin: What You Need to Know
How to Take Neuromded®
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and administration of Neuromded®.
Dosage:
- General Dosage: The typical dosage of Neuromded® ranges from 150 mg to 600 mg daily, depending on your condition and individual needs.
- Frequency: Your doctor will advise you on whether to take Neuromded® twice or three times a day, ensuring consistent timing for each dose.
- Elderly Patients: Elderly patients (over 65 years) generally take the standard dosage unless they have kidney problems.
- Patients with Kidney Problems: Your doctor may adjust the dosage and/or frequency if you have kidney problems.
Administration:
- Take Neuromded® orally.
- Swallow the capsules whole with water.
- Continue taking Neuromded® until your doctor advises you to stop.
What should you do if you take more Neuromded® than you should?
Seek immediate medical attention or contact your doctor if you accidentally take more Neuromded® than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to symptoms such as:
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Seizures
What if you forget to take a dose of Neuromded®?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects of Neuromded®
Like all medications, Neuromded® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The frequency of side effects is classified as follows:
- Very Common: Affects more than 1 in 10 people.
- Common: Affects up to 1 in 10 people.
- Uncommon: Affects up to 1 in 100 people.
- Rare: Affects up to 1 in 1,000 people.
Possible Side Effects of Neuromded®:
- Very Common:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Common:
- Increased appetite
- Feeling of elation, confusion, disorientation, decreased sexual interest, irritability
- Disturbance in attention, clumsiness, memory impairment, loss of memory, tremor, difficulty speaking, tingling sensation, numbness, sedation, lethargy, insomnia, fatigue, feeling abnormal
- Blurred vision, double vision
- Vertigo, problems with balance, falls
- Dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, swollen abdomen
- Difficulties with erection
- Swelling of the body, including extremities
- Feeling drunk, abnormal walking style
- Weight gain
- Muscle cramps, joint pain, back pain, pain in limbs
- Sore throat
- Uncommon:
- Loss of appetite, weight loss, low blood sugar, high blood sugar
- Changes in self-perception, restlessness, depression, agitation, mood swings, difficulty finding words, hallucinations, abnormal dreams, panic attacks, apathy, aggression, elevated mood, mental impairment, difficulty thinking, increased sexual interest, sexual dysfunction (including inability to achieve orgasm, delayed ejaculation)
- Visual changes, unusual eye movements, vision disturbances (including tunnel vision, flashes of light, jerky movements), reduced reflexes, increased activity, dizziness upon standing, sensitive skin, loss of taste, burning sensation, tremor on movement, decreased consciousness, loss of consciousness, fainting, increased sensitivity to noise, feeling unwell
- Dry eyes, eye swelling, eye pain, weak eyes, watery eyes, eye irritation
- Heart rhythm disturbances, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, changes in heartbeat, heart failure
- Flushing, hot flushes
- Difficulty breathing, dry nose, nasal congestion
- Increased saliva production, heartburn, numbness around the mouth
- Sweating, rash, chills, fever
- Muscle twitching, joint swelling, muscle stiffness, pain (including muscle pain, neck pain)
- Breast pain
- Difficulty or pain with urination, incontinence
- Weakness, thirst, chest tightness
- Changes in blood and liver test results (increased blood creatinine phosphokinase, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased aspartate aminotransferase, decreased platelet count, neutropenia, increased blood creatinine, decreased blood potassium)
- Hypersensitivity, swollen face, itchiness, hives, runny nose, nosebleed, cough, snoring
- Painful menstrual periods
- Coldness of hands and feet
- Rare:
- Abnormal sense of smell, swinging vision, altered depth perception, visual brightness, loss of vision
- Dilated pupils, crossed eyes
- Cold sweats, throat tightness, swollen tongue
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slowed or reduced body movements
- Difficulty writing properly
- Increased fluid in the abdomen
- Fluid in the lungs
- Convulsions
- Changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) indicating heart rhythm disturbances
- Muscle damage
- Breast discharge, abnormal breast growth, breast growth in males
- Interrupted menstrual periods
- Kidney failure, reduced urine volume, urinary retention
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Allergic reactions (which may include difficulty breathing, inflammation of the eyes [keratitis], and a severe skin reaction characterised by rash, blisters, peeling skin, and pain)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Are there any long-term side effects of Neuromded®?
After stopping long-term or short-term treatment with Neuromded®, you may experience side effects, such as trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, anxiety, diarrhoea, flu-like symptoms, convulsions, nervousness, depression, pain, sweating, and dizziness. The frequency and severity of these symptoms may be higher if you have been taking Neuromded® for a longer period.
What should you do if you experience side effects?
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects while taking Neuromded®, even if they are not listed in the leaflet.
How to Store Neuromded®
Storage:
- Keep Neuromded® out of the sight and reach of children.
- No specific storage conditions are required for Neuromded®.
Shelf Life:
Neuromded® has a shelf life of two years. Do not use the medication after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Additional Information About Neuromded®
Ingredients:
Neuromded® contains pregabalin as the active ingredient. The excipients include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, and talc.
Appearance and Packaging:
- Neuromded® 75 mg capsules: Available in pack sizes of 15 and 30 capsules.
- Neuromded® 150 mg capsules: Available in pack sizes of 30 and 90 capsules.
Conclusion
Neuromded® is a medication prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. While it can be an effective treatment option, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice, dosage instructions, and any concerns you may have about Neuromded®.
Dr. Ahmad Baker, PharmD
Senior Pharmacist & Health Educator
With over 23 years of clinical experience in hospital and community pharmacy across Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmad specializes in reproductive health and pharmaceutical safety. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based guidance to empower patients in the MENA region.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and reflects the latest pharmaceutical protocols. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always consult Dr. Ahmad Baker or your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.