Pregabalin in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Summary

Neuropathic pain is defined as a pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system and is one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. The current guidelines on treating neuropathic pain recommend pregabalin as one of the first line option. Pregabalin binds to α₂-δ subunit of calcium channels in central nervous system, modulates calcium influx at nerve terminals, and reduces the release of several neurotransmitters. The efficacy of pregabalin in managing peripheral neuropathic pain has been proven in a number of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Pregabalin at doses of up to 600 mg daily showed a significant reduction in mean pain intensity scores and there were also significant reductions in sleep interference scores. Pregabalin is generally well tolerated; somnolence, dizziness, peripheral edema and weight gain are the most common adverse events and generally are reported as mild to moderate. Pregabalin may provide additional pain relief even in patients who received gabapentin or other drugs with only partial effect.

Key words:
neuropathic pain, pregabalin, treatment, clinical trials

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