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Medication side effects

Lotte1720
  • 2 replies
  • 43 subscribers
  • 398 views

Hi,
I’ve joined this community as I am concerned about my mum. My mum has been quite private about her treatment but this week myself and my sisters have become concerned about her. We see her every day and this week she has not been herself. She has been very down, sleepy and saying confusing things. She is taking Pregabalin and I’m wondering if it is a side effect? Her treatment is changing due to the nerve pain. I’m just feeling a little helpless and would like some advice about who I can talk to to support her? Would I need to contact her consultant? Thank you in advance for your help. 

  • Hi Lotte1720,

    Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.

    I’m sorry to read that your mum has not been herself this week, and that you are feeling a little helpless.

    Pregabalin is often used to treat nerve pain and can cause side effects.

    It’s natural to wonder if this could be causing your mum to be down, sleepy and to say confusing things. However, as nurses on this type of platform, we are unable to say if this, or something else has caused the changes you describe.

    We would recommend that you get in touch with her hospital team or GP straight away so that she can be assessed.

    If your mum has a 24-hour cancer treatment helpline, you could give them a call.

    Her healthcare team would want to know about any changes, new or worsening symptoms and about possible side effects of medication.

    You’re welcome to give us a call too if you’d like to discuss support for your mum and for you and your sisters.

    And our online family and friends forum can be a good place to share feelings and get support too.

    I hope this is helphul.

    Sending best wishes,

    Carole

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/ DT

  • Thank you for your reply.

    we took your advice and got in touch with the hospital. We have also been in touch with the MacMillan nurses who could support Mum and they have contacted her.

    thank you  again :) xxxx 

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