Background: Pregabalin is a treatment option for patients with persistent neuropathic pain. Its use has been associated with changes in mood and the development of depression and/or suicidal ideation.
Objective: Case presentations were reviewed of five patients reporting changes in mood, depression and suicidal ideation from the first 50 (approximately) patients commenced on pregabalin at the clinic.
Discussion: Although these patients had a history of depression, their mood had been stable before commencing pregabalin. Soon after commencement they reported changes in mood, and development of depression and/or suicidal ideation, which improved with dose reduction or cessation of pregabalin. Ultimately, all five patients ceased pregabalin treatment. Suicidal ideation is a recognised adverse effect of pregabalin. Patients should be warned of and monitored for deterioration in mood.