title: Changes in mood, depression and suicidal ideation after commencing pregabalin for neuropathic pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pregabalin is a treatment option for patients with persistent neuropathic pain. Its use has been associated with changes in mood and the development of depression and/or suicidal ideation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Case presentations were reviewed of five patients reporting changes in mood, depression and suicidal ideation from the first 50 (approximately) patients commenced on pregabalin at the clinic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although these patients had a history of depression, their mood had been stable before commencing pregabalin. Soon after commencement they reported changes in mood, and development of depression and/or suicidal ideation, which improved with dose reduction or cessation of pregabalin. Ultimately, all five patients ceased pregabalin treatment. Suicidal ideation is a recognised adverse effect of pregabalin. Patients should be warned of and monitored for deterioration in mood.
authors.affiliation: BPharm (Hons), Adv Dipl Clin Pharm Teaching, Postgrad DipMedSci (Palliative Care), Pharmacist Advanced, GCIPPC, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Robina, QLD, and Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Southport, QLD.
authors.forename: Tony David
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Heide Marie
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Feberwee
authors.forename: Leigh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dotchin
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vandermost
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069583:Pregabalin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000069583:Pregabalin