
What Causes Depression And Increased Lipid Profile Inspite Of Taking Pregabalin?

Question: I had been prescribed pregabalin for spondylitis for 3 weeks. The drug made me extremely depressed and suicidal. At the same time, I had to undergo a health check up for office. While everything was normal (seems like I am in perfect health) my LDL and total cholesterol levels are high. Later I read that pregabalin can raise cholesterol levels. Is this true and secondly is this irreversible. While my levels always remain elevated? I have discontinued the drug now and plan to do a retest after a month of discontinuing.
Brief Answer:
It is infrequent side effect and reversible
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Depression and increase lipid profile are infrequent (0.1–1% of patients) side effects of pregabalin. All these side effects are reversible. Elimination half life of pregabalin is 5 to 6 hours and in two days, drugs would be out of body. Better to taper it down gradually to avoid withdrawal seizure.
If your lipid profile usually remain high, in that case, you can consult a physician and get anti-lipid medication prescribed, that would keep lipid level in control.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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