Pregabalin Abuse: A Case Report

Abstract

Pregabalin is a gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) analogue used in the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and generalized anxiety disorder. Although pregabalin is not a controlled medication in Turkey, it has a potential risk of abuse. It has not been approved for the treatment of psychiatric disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder) in Turkey, so it is not yet popular as a drug of abuse among psychiatric patients. We report the first case of pregabalin abuse in Turkey in a 37 year old male patient who has a history of bipolar disorder and benzodiazepine abuse. In spite of the fact that pregabalin can be used in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence, and pregabalin augmentation could be beneficial in treatment of anxiety disorders unresponsive to other medications, clinicians should be cautious while using pregabalin in treating patients with a history of drug or alcohol dependence.