Pregabalin in clinical psychiatry and addiction: pros and cons.

Abstract

Pregabalin acts as a presynaptic modulator of excitatory neurotransmitter release, binding to the α²-δ subunit protein of voltage-gated calcium channels. Pregabalin use is becoming widespread in the psychiatric scenario. Data are encouraging, with some good evidence for efficacy in anxious spectrum, benzodiazepine abuse/dependence, and alcoholism. The abuse potential, however, is an issue that should be taken into account, mostly in subjects at risk for developing substance/alcohol misuse.

• Authors: Giovanni Martinotti
• Journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs (Expert Opin Investig Drugs) Vol. 21 Issue 9 Pg. 1243-5 (Sep 2012) ISSN: 1744-7658 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22725618 (Publication Type: Editorial)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Calcium Channels
• Benzodiazepines
• Pregabalin
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Topics

• Alcoholism (drug therapy)
• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anxiety Disorders (drug therapy)
• Benzodiazepines (adverse effects)
• Calcium Channels (drug effects, metabolism)
• Humans
• Pregabalin
• Substance-Related Disorders (drug therapy)
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)