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Pregabalin abuse for enhancing sexual performance: case discussion and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2014

M. Osman  and
P. Casey
M. Osman*
Affiliation:
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: M. Osman, Department of Adult Psychiatry, Mater Misericordae University Hospital and University College Dublin, 63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Pregabalin is a γ-aminobutyric acid analogue that is primarily prescribed in psychiatry for management of generalized anxiety disorder. The belief in its low potential for abuse has placed it in a superior position to other anxiolytic agents. However, more recent, concerns have been raised about the addictive potential of pregabalin. This problem has not received much attention nor has the mechanism of its development. There is also a lack of understanding of the difference in the experience of abusing pregabalin in contrast to abusing other illicit drugs. We report the case of a 55-year-old patient with a background history of multiple psychoactive substances misuse who elaborated on his own personal experience of pregabalin abuse. He consumed a month’s supply of this medication over 2 days and realized an enhancement in sexual desire and excitement. This effect should be considered when prescribing pregabalin.

Keywords

Pregabalinpsychological sexual dysfunctionssexual behavioursubstance abuse detectionsubstance-related disorders
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 31 , Issue 4 , December 2014 , pp. 281 - 286
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2014 

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