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Severe and disabling constipation: an adverse effect of pregabalin
Jordan T Kamel1, Wendyl J D'Souza, Mark J Cook
1The Department of Neurology & Neurological Research, The Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia. jordan.kamel@svhm.org.au
Epilepsia
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Pregabalin, often considered to have a low incidence of constipation, can cause severe, disabling constipation in some patients. This reversible side effect is dose-dependent and may require drug withdrawal.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pregabalin is a widely used antiepileptic and neuropathic pain medication.
- Constipation is a known, but typically mild, adverse effect of pregabalin.
Observation:
- This study reports severe and disabling constipation in patients treated with pregabalin at a tertiary referral epilepsy center.
- Six out of 80 patients (7.5%) developed significant constipation within 1-2 weeks of starting pregabalin.
Findings:
- Severe constipation was the most frequent reason for pregabalin discontinuation (6.3% of patients).
- The severity of constipation was observed to be dose-dependent.
- The adverse effect resolved upon withdrawal of pregabalin.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for pregabalin to cause severe constipation.
- Recognizing this side effect can prevent unnecessary investigations and procedures.
- This highlights the importance of considering drug-induced constipation in patients presenting with new-onset severe constipation.
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