Efficacy of Pregabalin for Patients with Neuropathic Pain and Degenerative Lumbar Disease

Abstract

The anti-seizure drug, pregabalin, is used for treatment of neuropathic pain and degenerative lumbar disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin (150-300 mg/day) in patients with chronic lower back/leg pain. We assessed 47 patients (17 men and 30 women) with an average age of 65 years (range 20 to 81 years), and an average disease duration of 87 months (range 3 to 480 months). All patients were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100 mm), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS, 20-80 points), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0-100%). After 8 weeks, pregabalin improved lower back pain, leg pain, SDS and ODI significantly (P<0.01). Pain was improved significantly in the depression group as well as the normal group (P<0.01). Accepted sleepiness (51%), dizziness (19%), weight gain (16%) and rash (5%) were detected after medication. The use of the hypnotic agent was decreased in half of the cases after medication. Pregabalin is safe and effective for decreasing lower back pain and leg pain in patients with depression.