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Pregabalin (Lyrica ®): Suicidal Ideation And Attempt
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7/20/2010
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During July Health Canada and through the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter, Volume 20 - Issue 3. reported receiving 16 reports of suicidal ideation and 1 report of suicide attempt suspected of being associated with the use of pregabalin (Lyrica). The Canadian product monograph for Lyrica lists suicide attempt under "less common clinical trial adverse drug reactions" and describes it as being infrequent.
Seven of the 16 cases included a positive dechallenge, and 1 case included a positive rechallenge.
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Pregabalin is indicated for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and pain associated with fibromyalgia in adults, and it may be useful in the management of central neuropathic pain.
Confounders identified in some of the cases included psychiatric disorders, history of depression and suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder and use of psychotropic medications. Patients with chronic pain are at increased risk of depression, which may lead to suicidal ideation and attempt, so the indication for taking pregabalin in these patients may also be a confounding factor.
Health care professionals should be aware of adverse reactions suspected of being associated with pregabalin. Health Authority- Abu Dhabi will continue to monitor adverse reactions and will communicate any new safety information.
For more information about this alert, please visit the following link:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/carn-bcei_v20n3-eng.php#adv
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