Lyrica a controlled substance
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Pregabalin (Lyrica) as a Controlled Substance
Introduction to Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Pregabalin, commonly known by its brand name Lyrica, is an antiepileptic medication that has been approved for the treatment of several conditions, including epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. It functions as an analog of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system2.
Efficacy in Treating Essential Tremor
A pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in treating essential tremor (ET). The study involved 22 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either pregabalin or a placebo. The results indicated a significant reduction in tremor amplitude and improvement in action tremor limb scores in the pregabalin group compared to the placebo group. Despite these positive outcomes, about one-third of the patients discontinued the study due to adverse events, suggesting that while pregabalin can be effective, its tolerability may be a concern1.
Abuse Potential and Neurotoxic Effects
Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and dependence on pregabalin. In many countries, including Saudi Arabia, pregabalin is classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse. Research involving Wistar rats has shown that chronic abuse of pregabalin can lead to significant neurotoxic effects. These effects include dysregulation of neurotransmitter release, increased oxidative stress, brain tissue inflammation, and apoptosis. The severity of these effects was found to be dose-dependent, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged and high-dose use of pregabalin2.
Conclusion
Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a valuable medication for treating various neurological and pain-related conditions. However, its potential for abuse and associated neurotoxic effects necessitates careful monitoring and regulation. The findings from clinical trials and animal studies underscore the importance of using pregabalin responsibly and under medical supervision to mitigate risks and maximize therapeutic benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A pilot, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of pregabalin (Lyrica) in the treatment of essential tremor
Pregabalin (Lyrica) significantly reduced tremor amplitude and improved action tremor limb scores in essential tremor patients, but larger studies are needed for further evaluation.
RCTNeurotoxic Assessment of Chronic Abuse of Pregabalin in Wistar Rats
Prolonged abuse of pregabalin can cause neurotoxic effects by dysregulating brain neurochemicals, causing inflammation, and promoting apoptosis in Wistar rats.
RCT
Animal StudyEffects of lyric analysis interventions on treatment motivation in patients on a detoxification unit: a randomized effectiveness study.
A single group-based music therapy lyric analysis session can effectively enhance treatment motivation in patients on a detoxification unit, regardless of the song used.
RCTThe Effect of Lyric Analysis on Treatment Eagerness and Working Alliance in Consumers Who Are in Detoxification: A Randomized Clinical Effectiveness Study
A single music therapy session significantly improved therapist perceived working alliance in clients in detoxification compared to verbal therapy.
RCTSAT0487 A randomized, blinded, comparator-controlled trial investigating a 4-week course of lyrica in subjects with knee osteoarthritis who exhibit neuropathic pain, compared with a 4-week course of paracetamol
Pregabalin (300mg) is more effective in reducing pain and improving function than paracetamol in people with knee osteoarthritis who exhibit neuropathic pain.
RCTHow the Pregabalin (Lyrica) Administration as an Abuse Drug Can Affects the Reproductive Health of Male Wistar Rat
Addiction to pregabalin (Lyrica) negatively impacts male reproductive health and fertility by hindering hormone secretion, raising reactive oxygen species, and causing DNA damage and testicular histology.
RCTAnimal StudyA critical appraisal of controlled studies investigating malformation risks following pregabalin use in early pregnancy
Pregabalin use in early pregnancy may have a small increased risk of malformations, but the evidence is low quality and insufficient to justify product literature updates.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalEffects of a Single Lyric Analysis Intervention on Withdrawal and Craving With Inpatients on a Detoxification Unit: A Cluster-Randomized Effectiveness Study
Group-based lyric analysis interventions may temporarily relieve withdrawal and craving in patients on detoxification units, but familiarity with the song does not affect results.
RCTLYRICA NIGHTS–RECREATIONAL PREGABALIN ABUSE IN AN URBAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Pregabalin recreational abuse can lead to seizures and ICU admissions, requiring emergency physicians to be aware of its use and potential toxicity.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalListening to Lyrica: contested illnesses and pharmaceutical determinism.
Pharmaceutical determinism, influenced by Lyrica's approval, promotes and legitimizes contested illnesses, highlighting the need for patients to challenge the industry's role in illness validation.
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited