Abstract
Background: Pregabalin has been shown to be effective against neuropathic pain, but is associated sometimes with adverse events such as dizziness, peripheral edema, and weight gain. It is primarily eliminated unchanged by renal excretion, but because plasma concentrations of pregabalin are higher, patients with reduced renal function are at increased risk of adverse events. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess risk factors for adverse effects of pregabalin administration. Methods: To identify factors associated with adverse effects of pregabalin administration, we carried out a retrospective study at our pain clinic by using a cohort of patients prescribed pregabalin. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated increased plasma potassium (odds ratio: 6.668) as a significant independent risk factor for the appearance of adverse effects with pregabalin administration. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the appearance of adverse effects of pregabalin administration is more frequent in patients with higher concentrations of serum potassium.
