Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog that is approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain and partial-onset seizures. Pregabalin selectively binds to the alpha 2 delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. Thus, the release of excitatory neuro-transmitters are inhibited and neuronal GABA levels are increased. Pregabalin has also been approved in the European Union for treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The anxiolytic effects of pregabalin are similar to the benzodiazepines and occur rapidly after administration. However, the Food and Drug Administration in the USA (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have included pregabalin in the Schedule V Controlled Substances. This means that just like the benzodiazepines, pregabalin is considered to be a drug with a low potential for abuse.
Key words: Addiction, pregabalin, substance abuse
|
