Pregabalin

General Information

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is an analog of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and also of gabapentin and has been used clinically since 2002 as an analgesic, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic agent. The European Federation of Neurological Societies recommends pregabalin as a first line agent for the treatment of pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Other first line agents, including gabapentin and TCAs, are given equal weight as first line agents, and unlike pregabalin, are available as inexpensive generics. The side-effects of pregabalin therapy can include asthenia (weakness), dry mouth, constipation, peripheral oedema, dizziness, solnmolence, ataxia, confusion and blurred vision. Patients have taken up to 2400 mg with no unusual effects. Therapeutic drug monitoring is not recommended due to wide range of clinically effective serum concentrations, a low incidence of toxicity and short half-life. However, blood measurement may be used to adjust dosing during renal failure or to assess compliance