Potential for pregabalin abuse or diversion after past drug-seeking behavior.
Pregabalin, primarily used to manage neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, is categorized as a Schedule V drug (ie, lowest potential for abuse) in the US Drug Enforcement Administration's Controlled Substances Act. Because pregabalin is not recognized as a drug with high-abuse potential, data on pregabalin abuse and addiction are lacking. The authors report a case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of opioid-seeking behavior who was prescribed pregabalin for pain control. The patient requested an increase in her medication 2 months after beginning treatment and, after her physician denied her request, subsequently obtained pregabalin from other sources. Over a 28-day period, the patient received a total of 88,500 mg of pregabalin. After learning of the other prescriptions, the patient's physician became suspicious of pregabalin abuse or diversion. In accordance with state medical board guidelines, the patient was discharged from the practice and referred to a local detoxification center.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, Department of Family Medicine, 42 E Laurel Rd, Suite 2100A, Stratford, NJ 08084-1354, USA. filipefa@umdnj.edu
Frank A
FA
Filipetto
Christopher P
CP
Zipp
Joshua S
JS
Coren
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069583:Pregabalin; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000069583:Pregabalin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid