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Published on: June 25, 2016
Pregabalin-associated acute psychosis and epileptiform EEG-changes
Itziar Olaizola1, Tanja Ellger, Peter Young
1Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Street 33, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Seizure
|March 15, 2006
Summary
Rapid dose increases of pregabalin, an anticonvulsive drug, can cause psychotic symptoms. These symptoms, along with EEG changes, resolved after stopping the medication and using benzodiazepines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic medication approved for treating epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
- Common side effects include dizziness, somnolence, and weight gain.
- Rapid dose escalation is a common clinical practice.
Observation:
- A patient experienced new-onset psychotic symptoms.
- These symptoms coincided with rapid up-titration of pregabalin dosage.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed rhythmic changes during the symptomatic period.
Findings:
- The psychotic symptoms and EEG abnormalities resolved completely after discontinuing pregabalin.
- Concomitant administration of benzodiazepines aided in symptom resolution.
- This suggests a potential causal link between rapid pregabalin titration and psychotic side effects.
Implications:
- Clinicians should exercise caution when rapidly increasing pregabalin dosage.
- Monitoring for psychiatric adverse effects is crucial during dose titration.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying pregabalin-induced psychosis.
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