Epilepsy drug eases diabetic neuropathy pain

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A review of previous studies indicates that the seizure drug pregabalin (Lyrica) is safe and effective for relieving diabetic neuropathy, the pain that diabetics often experience in their feet and hands.

The analysis of data from seven studies of pregabalin, with dosages of 150, 300, and 600 milligrams daily and study durations from 5 to 13 weeks, is published in the journal Diabetes Care.

Dr. Roy Freeman of Harvard Medical School in Boston and colleagues report that "pregabalin significantly reduced pain and pain-related sleep interference" with all three dosages when divided into three pills taken throughout the day. Only the highest dosage was effective when divided into two pills.

With the 600 mg daily dose, it typically took 4 days for a sustained reduction in pain. With the 300 and 150 mg daily doses, it took 5 days and 13 days, respectively.

While the 600 mg dose was the most effective, it was also the most likely to cause side effects. Common side effects included dizziness, sleepiness, and swelling in the legs and arms.

Weight gain, which occurred in some patients, was directly related to the pregabalin dose and the duration of treatment.

"The underlying cause of the weight gain is not known," the authors note. However, the weight gain did not affect the patients' ability to control blood sugar levels.

SOURCE: Diabetes Care, July 2008.