Pregabalin in the discontinuation of long‐term benzodiazepines' use

OBJECTIVE: Tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects on cognitive functions are well-known consequences of long-term use of benzodiazepines (BDZ), especially at high doses, raising thorny therapeutic problems in their discontinuation. One promising pharmacological agent in BDZ discontinuation might be the newer anti-epileptic pregabalin, already successfully tested in the treatment of anxiety disorders. METHODS: We report on a sample of 15 patients with long-term, mostly high-dose dependence from BDZ, treated with pregabalin in an open-label study at doses 225-900 mg. RESULTS: All patients discontinued successfully BDZ in 3-14 weeks, moreover with a significant reduction of their previous anxiety levels under BDZ. In addition, patients showed also a significant amelioration in their cognitive functioning. Pregabalin's side-effects were mild and transient, lasting only during the first 2 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, our findings suggest that pregabalin may be one new promising agent in the treatment of BDZ dependence.