

Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.

Gabapentin (trade name = Neurontin) and pregabalin (trade name = Lyrica) are two drugs that are sometimes prescribed for the relief of more severe pain, especially for nerve/neuropathic pain

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new safety concerns about their use in people who also have a significant respiratory illnesses, especially when they are taking drugs such as antidepressants and antihistamines.

Read more: FDA warns about serious breathing problems

In 2019, the UK government also introduced prescribing restrictions for both drugs amid concerns of recreational misuse, particularly amongst the opioid abusing population, and a resulting rise in deaths.

As both of these drugs are sometimes prescribed in ME/CFS for moderate or severe pain, the ME Association has information leaflets covering all aspects of their use that include the UK prescribing restrictions:

We also have information covering broader topic areas:

Visit the website shop to review and download more of the large range of medical leaflets we have available.

The ME Association

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