Pregabalin for pain management.
Pregabalin is a new analog of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is an alpha2-delta (alpha2-delta) ligand that has analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic activity. Alpha2-delta is an auxiliary protein associated with voltage-gated calcium channels. Pregabalin binds potently to the alpha2-delta subunit resulting in modulation of calcium channels and reduction in the release of several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and substance P. This review discusses the pharmacology of this medication as well as available studies in patients.
Gajraj
Noor M
NM
Baylor University Medical Center, Frisco, Texas, USA. noorgajraj@aol.com