Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Pregabalin is widely used in neurology, psychiatry and primary healthcare. Pregabalin has shown greater potency than gabapentin in preclinical models of epilepsy, pain and anxiety and pregabalin may have potential in the treatment of some aspects of cocaine addiction. The purpose of this report is to review the clinical evidence for the potential of abuse and misuse of pregabalin. We propose ten different cases and literature review. Method: Ten in patients with misuse of pregabalin were assessed with: the SCID-P, Anamnestic Folio to qualify all the possible clinical correlates linked to drugs abuse, Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Drug Abuse Screening Test. All patients received a complete internistical examination, blood test exams and as well as a urine drugs screening. We conducted a systematic review of the literature. Results: There are any significant different in socio-demographic characteristics. At the admission all patients have a presence of cocaine, alcohol and/heroin positive in drugs urine screening; a significant high level of total anxiety at the HAM-A Tot (p<0.001); the misuse of pregabalin is made for sniffing; the predominant symptoms assessed were euphoria, psychomotor activation and sedation. Discussion & Conclusion: Our result identifies a particular population the misuse pregabalin that are abuser of cocaine, alcohol and/ or heroin. Further research is warranted to replicate our clinical and qualitative observations and in general, quantitative studies in large samples followed up over time are needed. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered.

Biography

Matteo Preve is working in Psychiatric Clinic, from Sociopsychiatric Organization, in Switzerland. His research interest is mainly on Bipolar Disorder, Psychiatry, Psychopathology, Mental Illness, Psychotherapeutic Processes, Clinical Psychiatry, Clinical Assessment, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychological testing, Psychometrics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Psychology Behavioural Science, Cognitive Science, Psychological Assessment, Psychiatric Epidemiology Treatment, Comorbidity and Biological Psychiatry.

Eamil: Matteo.Preve@ti.ch