Misuse of pregabalin: Case series and literature review

Abstract

Introduction

Pregabalin is widely used in neurology, psychiatry and primary healthcare, and recently in literature different studies explain the possible misuse [1,2]. Pregabalin has shown greater potency in preclinical models of epilepsy, pain and anxiety, and may have potential in the treatment of cocaine addiction [3]. The purpose of this report is to review the clinical evidence for the potential of abuse and misuse of pregabalin. We propose ten different cases and literature review.

Method

Ten inpatients with misuse of pregabalin were assessed with: the SCID-P, Anamnestic Folio, HAM-A and DAST. We conducted a systematic review of the literature (PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo), using the terms “pregabalin”, “misuse”.

Results

All our patients present: cocaine, alcohol and/heroin positive in drugs urine screening at admission; a significant high level of total anxiety at the HAM-A Tot (P < .001), and especially at the item 7 (P < .001); the misuse of pregabalin is made for sniffing; the predominant symptoms assessed were euphoria, psychomotor activation and sedation.

Discussion and conclusion

Schifano F et al., [1,2] suggest that pregabalin should carefully prescribe in patients with a possible previous history of drug abuse. Our result identifies a particular population the misuse pregabalin that are abuser of cocaine, alcohol and/or heroin. Further research is warranted to replicate our clinical and qualitative observations and, in general, quantitative studies in large samples followed up over time are needed. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.