Pregabalin abuse and toxicity and related factors

Abstract

Pregabalin is one of a group of gabapentinoids approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. It is a capsule medication taken by mouth that is used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. It is a structural analogue of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and it appears to have a spectrum of benefits and harms similar to those of other adjuvant analgesics used to treat neuropathic pain. The most common side effects mentioned in peripheral neuropathy studies are dizziness and somnolence. Pregabalin could cause liver toxicity by increasing the levels of liver enzymes. It can potentially cause vasodilatation and fluid retention in the heart and blood vessels. It may also lead to addiction. The use of Pregabalin is common among patients with a history of substance abuse and psychoactive drug dependence, as euphoria is one of its main side effects. However, abrupt discontinuation from using Pregabalin may cause nausea, insomnia, or headache. The present review evaluates the significant impact of Pregabalin toxicity on liver and heart in patients and misusers.

Keywords: Pregabalin, liver toxicity, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), heart failure, addiction.

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