PREGABALIN

Pregabalin is approved for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. A systematic review of 106 studies found limited intrinsic addictive potential but noted higher abuse liability than gabapentin, particularly among patients with prior substance use disorders. Evidence for efficacy in sciatica pain is lacking per a 2022 meta-analysis. Pregabalin has demonstrated postoperative analgesic benefit in septorhinoplasty and is being explored for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, though robust RCT evidence remains insufficient. Pure overdoses appear relatively safe, but fatalities have occurred when combined with opioids or sedatives. Rare cases of pregabalin-induced rhabdomyolysis have been reported, especially in patients concurrently taking statins.