Psychiatria pre prax 4/2024

A little known facts about pregabalin

Pregabalin is a structural analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid, originally developed as an anticonvulsant. However, it has shown a number of other desirable effects and since 2016 is registered and indicated in psychiatry in the Czech Republic for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Pregabalin is undoubtedly an effective and well-functioning drug, but it presents risks that should be considered in daily clinical practice. It’s addictive and abusive potential is coming to the fore in both research and practice, which, as in the case of a number of previous substances, was discovered mainly by specific risk groups of patients and subsequently by their doctors. The article aims to introduce the reader to this lesser-known face of pregabalin. The summary is then supplemented with case studies by the author, who deals with the issue within her addiction practice and, above all, within her practice as a prison psychiatrist.

Keywords: pregabalin, addiction, abuse, addictology