PREGABALIN

What is pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a medication that mimics gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the body. GABA is responsible for inhibiting neurons that produce an excitatory signal. In pain or seizures, neurons constantly fire, inducing an excitatory response. GABA works to calm these neurons and return them to normalcy. Pregabalin is commonly used for neuropathy (nerve pain) and those affected with partial seizures [1]. It is a controlled substance (C-V) and does have the potential for abuse if taken differently than prescribed.

Can pregabalin help with long-COVID?

Patients with long-COVID can display a variety of symptoms such as tremors or neuropathy in the fingers or toes. Although the mechanism behind this is still unclear, some theories point to damage of the nerve cells by COVID-19, causing an imbalance in excitatory versus inhibitory neurons [2]. Several providers have turned to therapies, such as pregabalin, to control these symptoms. In a guide created for primary care physicians regarding long-COVID, the use of pregabalin is warranted for neuropathic pain [2]. Additionally, a review study published in 2022 found that in patients with neuropathy from long-COVID, 61% were prescribed agents such as pregabalin for symptom management [3].

Pregabalin may be a helpful therapy for those suffering from neurological pain associated with long-COVID. It may offer symptom management and help restore a patient to pre-COVID baseline function.

References:

¹https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pregabalin/#:~:text=Pregabalin%20is%20used%20to%20treat,and%20shingles%2C%20or%20an%20injury

²https://www.jabfm.org/content/jabfp/34/6/1229.full.pdf

³https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acn3.51570

 Active Clinical Trials: Long COVID, pregabalin | Card Results | ClinicalTrials.gov