Reactions 1438 - 9 Feb 2013

SPregabalin

Disturbance of consciousness and involuntarymovements in an elderly patient: case report

A 91-year-old man developed a disturbance ofconsciousness and involuntary movements during treatmentwith pregabalin [Lyrica] capsules for low-back pain.

The man had chronic low-back pain, suspected of sciaticneuralgia. Three days before admission, he had reported painand requested analgesics. He was prescribed pregabalin150 mg/day [route not stated], which he took the followingday. One day before admission, he exhibited somnolence andinvoluntary movements. He had repetitive twitching in hisfacial muscle and extremities. Upon arrival at the hospital, hewas unable to speak or follow orders.

The man received diazepam, and his condition improved.His involuntary movements ceased, and his consciousnessreturned to baseline. Of note, he stopped taking pregabalin theday after admission. His symptoms resolved completely anddid not recur.

Author comment: "After ruling out other aetiologies, anadverse effect of pregabalin was strongly suspected as thecause of his symptoms."Shimizu T, et al. Disturbance of consciousness and involuntary movements causedby pregabalin. BMJ Case Reports 2012: [3 pages], 28 Nov 2012. Available from:URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2012-007559 - Japan 803082912

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Reactions 9 Feb 2013 No. 14380114-9954/10/1438-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved