Seizures as an Adverse Effect of Pregabalin Consumption: A Systematic Review.

Background: Pregabalin (PGB), a gabapantinoid drug, which is commonly prescribed by physicians and some patients abuse it, can lead to seizure. Pregabalin-induced seizures (PGBIS) and their risk factors were systematically reviewed.

Methods: The databases were searched from January 1, 2011, to August 1, 2022. Studies that reported PGBIS were included. The records were assessed according to the PRISMA-P protocol.

Findings: From a total of 224 records, 11 studies were included, comprising four cross-sectional studies and seven case reports. The data from the cross-sectional studies were notably limited. Seven studies documented nine cases (five females and four males), with a median age of 51 years (ranging from 16 to 65). PGB was used for therapeutic purposes, abuse, and suicide attempts. One case had kidney dysfunction. A significant number of cases used PGB with other drugs. There was no difference between the ingested dose of PGB in men (2700 and 4200 mg) and women (3000, 1200, 3825, and 1200 mg). All cases had normal renal function, except for one case.

Conclusion: PGBIS is not common. However, it was reported for all purposes of PGB consumption. No specific risk factor for PGBIS was found. It was more commonly reported in females, patients who consumed high doses of PGB (>1200 mg), patients who ingested multiple drugs, and patients with renal insufficiency. The dosages used for therapeutic purposes were much lower than in the other two groups.