A New Threat in Adolescence: Pregabalin Abuse

Abstract

Pregabalin is a new generation gabapentinoid that exerts its effect by causing a decrease in release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P. It is currently used for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia treatment and has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects in some cases. Several case reports and epidemiological studies have raised concern about pregabalin's abuse potential since its use has increased substantially over the last decade. Drug abusers arousing it for recreational purposes since it has potential euphoric and dissociative effects when taken in excess of therapeutic doses. Despite the abuse potential, the mechanisms behind abuse are not fully known. Furthermore, the age limit has gradually decreased in cases of abuse. In this study, we present three adolescent patients with pregabalin abuse.

Keywords

• pregabaline
• abuse
• adolescence