Acute Dystonia Due to Pregabalin Abuse in an Adolescent

Abstract

Pregabalin is a drug used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia. However, the number of reported cases of pregabalin abuse is steadily growing. This case showed dystonia, an effect not previously documented as a consequence of pregabalin administration. A 16-year-old male patient with no known pre-existing medical conditions was admitted to the pediatric emergency department for the first time, complaining of drowsiness caused by pregabalin abuse. During the patient's follow-up, dystonia was observed, and biperiden was administered at a repeating dose. Subsequently, he was moved to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for further tests and treatment. After three days of follow-up, the patient was discharged due to the absence of complaints. This case report presents dystonia resulting from pregabalin abuse, a condition that has not previously been documented in the literature.