Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in partial epilepsy

Abstract

Pregabalin, the most recently approved antiepileptic drug, is a structural analog of GABA with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Pregabalin binds to the α2-δ subunit of a neuronal voltage-gated calcium channel and is believed to exert its anticonvulsant effect by modulating the release of specific neurotransmitters from hyperexcited presynaptic neurons. Animal models of epilepsy have suggested that this drug will be efficacious against partial-onset and generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Four pivotal, add-on clinical trials conducted in patients with partial-onset seizures demonstrated that pregabalin at daily doses of 150–600 mg is efficacious and associated with dose-dependent adverse events. Meta-analyses of efficacy and tolerability indicated that pregabalin is an efficacious and relatively well-tolerated antiepileptic drug.

Keywords::

• antiepileptic drug
• GABA
• pregabalin

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.