Pregabalin Addiction: Case Report of a Young Adult

Abstract

Pregabalin has been used widely for the treatment of neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorders and epilepsy. Data is scarce and much is not known about the addictive potential of pregabalin. Herein, we report details of a young adult who got addicted to pregabalin and approached for a smooth withdrawal. The subject had a successful outcome. Literature suggests a growing concern for the abuse of pregabalin. Risk factors associated with the development of addictive behavior with pregabalin need to be assessed.

Pregabalin Addiction: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Thematic map analysis showed that the subject of "opioids" was a motor theme in research on pregabalin addiction. The emergence of opioids as a motor theme, one of the trend topics of the last three years, may be due to the effect of pregabalin on reducing opioid withdrawal syndrome (1). According to the results of a study, 39 of 440 individuals using opioids were found to use pregabalin (23).…”

“…Pregabalin is a new-generation antiepileptic that reduces the emission of multiple stimulants by reducing the calcium flux induced by depolarization (1). It is indicated for use in epilepsy, peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-herpetic neuralgia (2).…”

“…Prior or current opioid use, male gender, young age (18-45 years), chronic diseases, history of addiction, psychiatric comorbidities, and low socioeconomic status are defined as risk factors for pregabalin addiction and abuse (8). Its use over the therapeutic dose causes euphoria, it may be used for recreational purposes, and gives energy, creates a relaxing effect, potentiates some substances (especially opioids), and is preferred to cope with substance withdrawal (1,9), which may be reasons for abuse.…”

“…Pregabalin addiction can occur, mainly when used in high doses and for a long time. (1). Signs of pregabalin addiction include tolerance development, withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, restlessness, tachycardia, agitation, and sweating that occur when the drug is abruptly discontinued or the dose is reduced, the inability to control the habit of using the drug, adverse effects on professional, social and family life and a tendency to increase the dose or frequency taken (10,11).…”

Silencing the Phantom - Pregabalin Misuse in Amputation Patients: A Case Report

“…Pregabalin is a new-generation antiepileptic that reduces multiple stimulus output by reducing depolarization-induced calcium flux (16). It is indicated for the treatment of epilepsy, peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, chronic pruritus, restless legs syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia (17,18).…”