Lyrica: Possible heart failure exacerbation associated with pregabalin: case dis

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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2008 Sep;9(9):922-5.

Possible heart failure exacerbation associated with pregabalin: case

discussion and literature review.

Page RL 2nd, Cantu M, Lindenfeld J, Hergott LJ, Lowes BD.

aDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Physical Medicine, University of

Colorado Denver, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, USA bDepartment of

Medicine Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Denver,

School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Pregabalin is an analog of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric

acid that exhibits analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic

properties. Owing to its pharmacologic properties, the drug has been

used worldwide in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy,

postherpetic neuralgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and social

anxiety disorder. Although central nervous system disturbances

account for the majority of pregabalin's side effects, dose-dependent

peripheral edema and weight gain have also been reported. Recently,

three case reports have been published documenting a possible

association between pregabalin administration and chronic heart

failure decompensation. We present three additional cases of possible

heart failure exacerbation in patients with clinically stable heart

failure who received pregabalin for neuropathic pain. Additionally,

we review the literature addressing the nature and possible etiology

for this adverse effect.