Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Post-herpetic neuralgia - Management
Pregabalin (neuropathic pain): starting dose

Age from 18 years onwards
Pregabalin: titrate up from 150mg daily until pain settles.
Pregabalin 75mg capsules
Take one capsule twice daily. If pain does not settle, increase the dose to two capsules (150mg) twice daily after 3 to 7 days, then if needed, to a maximum dose of four capsules (300mg) twice daily after an additional 7 days, depending on response and if tolerated.
Supply 56 Capsules.
Age: from 18 years onwards
NHS cost: £64.40
Licensed use: yes
Black triangle
Patient information: To be taken with or after food.
You do not have to increase the dose any further once the pain has settled, so, for example, if the pain is controlled by taking 4 capsules daily, there is no need to increase the dose any further.
You should trial the medicine for 4 weeks (if tolerated) before deciding it is not effective.
Do not discontinue pregabalin suddenly. It should be discontinued gradually over a minimum of 1 week.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement