title: Pregabalin for the management of neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury.
abstract: SUMMARY Pregabalin is the only US FDA-approved drug to date for neuropathic pain in spinal cord injured patients. Pregabalin is a novel GABA analog whose primary mechanism of action involves binding at the α2-δ subunit of voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Efficacy is noted within the first several days of administration. Dosing is typically initiated at 150 mg/day in divided doses, but may be started at even lower doses. Dosing can be increased gradually to a recommended maximum of 600 mg per day in divided dosing. Adverse events include somnolence, dizziness and dry mouth, and typically manifest within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Pregabalin is generally safe to use in combination with other pain medications or antidepressants, but safety in pregnant patients has not been established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Dalal
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Felix
authors.forename: Diana D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Cardenas