Pregabalin abuse in adolescence: a case series


ERSÖZ ALAN B., PEHLİVANTÜRK KIZILKAN M., AKGÜL S.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, vol.64, no.2, pp.357-363, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.24953/turkjped.2020.30
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.357-363
  • Keywords: adolescent, pregabalin, substance use disorder, prescribed drug addiction, MISUSE, GABAPENTIN, ALCOHOL, BENZODIAZEPINE, WITHDRAWAL, DRUG, ASSOCIATION, DISORDERS, ANXIETY
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background. Pregabalin is an inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and can be abused, especially by polydrug abuser adults. Drug abuse is one of the many risky behaviors that can be seen during adolescence. Here, three adolescents with pregabalin abuse were described. Case. These adolescents abused pregabalin to cope with their depressive and anxiety symptoms, become tranquilized, boost other drug effects, and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the risk factors should be assessed while pregabalin is prescribed to adolescents. Conclusions. The cases were reported in order to increase awareness concerning the abuse risk of pregabalin among adolescents.