Case Series: Synergistic Effect of Gabapentin and Adjuvant Pregabalin in Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Gabapentin and pregabalin both exert high affinity to the α2δ subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channels which inhibits excitatory neurotransmitter release. The synergistic mechanism was described in rats given combinations of gabapentin and pregabalin. In this case series, we described 2 cases which may illustrate the synergistic effect of gabapentin and pregabalin in treatment resistant neuropathic pain. Low dose pregabalin was added to therapeutic gabapentin to achieve appreciable pain reduction in one case and improved quality of life in another case. Further research with more enrollment and longer study duration may help elucidate the appropriate dosing and potential associated side effects.

Keywords:

• Neuropathic pain
• gabapentinoid
• gabapentinoid synergy
• refractory pain

Declaration of interest

This research received no grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or non profit sectors. All authors have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial compares related to this study.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.