Pregabalin for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychiatric problems. There are several treatment options available; one of which is pregabalin (brand name Lyrica), a non-benzodiazepine medication traditionally used to treat pain resulting from damaged nerves.

How Pregabalin Works

• Other bodily manifestations of anxiety (like gastrointestinal, respiratory, insomnia and autonomic symptoms) often accompany the anxiety, worry and tension associated with generalized anxiety disorder. Pregabalin is rapidly absorbed within the body (usually within one hour) and works by binding to subunit proteins within voltage-gated calcium channels (which regulate intracellular functions). In doing so, the medication effectively inhibits the release of excessive amounts of the neurotransmitters which are responsible for excitatory effects.

Other Uses of Pregabalin

• Using pregabalin to treat generalized anxiety disorder is an off label usage. The medication was originally prescribed to relieve the pain resulting from nerve damage (as a result of diabetes, shingles or fibromyalgia). Pregabalin is also an anticonvulsant, used to treat epileptic seizures. It effectively reduces your body's pain signals that it sends out from damaged nerves. Recent research has uncovered the medication's benefit when used to treat general anxiety disorder.

Clinical Research

• A 2007 study in Germany heralded the anxiolytic (antianxiety) effects of pregabalin. Results of the study indicated that pregabalin had comparable effects as velafaxine, alprazolam and lorazepam in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The study noted that pregabalin held promise for increased prevention of a patient's symptom relapses. The study showed pregabalin as a promising alternative to benzodiazepines, with minimal drug interactions and few side effects as compared with some of the other medications.
  A 2009 study at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania yielded similar results. The study supports the anxiolytic effects of pregabalin when given to patients who have generalized anxiety disorder.

Side Effects

• Clinical studies examining pregabalin's anxiolytic effects also indicate that pregabalin is generally well tolerated. Tell your doctor if you experience any severe, lasting side effects like dizziness, headache, tiredness, gas, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, elevated mood, concentration problems, difficulty speaking, confusion, memory issues, loss of balance, twitching, anxiety, increased appetite, weight gain, swelling of the extremities, back pain, weakness, allergic reaction, skin disruption, blurred vision, shortness of breath or muscle pain.

Considerations

• Pregabalin has a low incidence of drug interaction. To minimize your risk, be sure to tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking. Tell your doctor about all allergies and if you have kidney disease, diabetes or congestive heart failure. You may need a dosage adjustment to avoid experiencing any adverse reactions. Like many psychiatric medications, you may be at risk for increased thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you experience any new or worsening signs of suicidal thoughts and/or depression. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or nursing.