Maxgalin (pregabalin) is an opioid alternative used to treat chronic pain, control seizures, and other, off-label uses.

This medication is good at treating severe and ongoing pain of the type that is usually only significantly alleviated with opioid use, but with fewer and less severe side effects. Maxgalin is unlikely to produce:

• Respiratory depression
• Severe constipation
• Severe sedation
• Severe Addiction
• Withdrawal effects

The above can be very disruptive to a patients life, not to mention medically dangerous. While they may still appear in some patients taking Maxgalin, they're typically considerably milder than opioids and most patients are able to restore some semblance of regular life.

Addiction to opioids is a big concern these days, and many doctors are increasingly reluctant to prescribe opioids even when a patient would benefit from them. Maxgalin offers an alternative, though some patients do become mildly addicted to the medication as it does produce a sense of well-being bordering on mild euphoria. However, the addiction is nowhere near as powerful as opioids and withdrawal symptoms are very mild in comparison.

Taking Maxgalin

Treatment with Maxgalin is best customized to each individual patient, best done by a doctor who can take into account personal variables such as age, weight, other medical conditions, and so forth. General guidelines are:

• Start with 150 mg per day, divided into two 75 mg doses.
• If pain relief or other symptoms are not significantly reduced after 2 to 3 weeks, dosage may be increased to 300 mg per day, divided into two or three smaller doses.
• If relief is still not sufficient after several weeks dosage may be again increased to a maximum of 600 mg per day, taken in two or three divided doses.
• The medication may be taken with or without food as desired.

While many patients notice some small improvements within the first few days of treatment, it takes two or three weeks of use for maximum benefit to be felt. This is why the wait between dosage adjustments.

Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit, assuming no serious adverse reactions develop. Other medications are often given along with Maxgalin to further alleviate pain or address the condition being treated. If Maxgalin is not producing substantial results don't be afraid to speak with a doctor about additional medications.

If Maxgalin has been taken for more than a few consecutive weeks, especially at higher doses, treatment should not end abruptly; dosage should be gradually reduced over the course of several weeks. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Before Taking Maxgalin

Some individuals are at significantly increased risk of experiencing potentially serious side effects from Maxgalin. Discuss risks with a doctor before starting treatment if there is any history of:

• Allergic reaction to gabapentonoid medications
• Cardiovascular issues
• Diabetes
• Kidney impairment
• Severe depression, self-harm, or suicidal behaviors
• Addiction

Maxgalin is cleared from the body by the kidneys. It is important that kidney function be evaluated by a doctor at regular intervals throughout treatment to ensure levels of the medication don't build up beyond recommended levels. All patients should commit to attending all scheduled doctor checkups while this product is being taken.

Adverse Reactions

Many patients occasionally experience mild side effects, particularly at the start of treatment, including:

• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Fluid retention
• Mild weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Mild constipation

The above side effects are not cause for alarm unless severe enough to be disruptive. In most cases side effects will stop occurring after several weeks of treatment as the body adjusts.

Rarely more serious complications occur; seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Widespread pain
• Severe or persistant blurred vision
• Unexplained bleeding or changes to bleeding
• Rapid swelling in limbs

Maxgalin is known to interact with a few other medications, which may require adjusted doses or even rule Maxgalin use out completely. Double-check with a doctor or pharmacist if also taking:

• Any medications in the thiazolidinedione class
• Any blood pressure medications
• Any heart medications

It's a good idea when taking any medications to check with a doctor or pharmacist about potential complications before adding, removing, or altering the dosage of any of them.

Maxgalin has not been well studied with respect to its effects on unborn or nursing babies. Use should be avoided, if possible, by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.