Pregabalin for the treatment of social anxiety disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, causing a reduction of in the quality of life by impairing functioning in social situations. The lifetime prevalence of SAD is estimated to be 12%. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered first-line drugs for SAD. However, new effective therapeutic options are still needed. Pregabalin is a novel anxiolytic, which seems to be a promising therapy for SAD.

Areas covered: This review presents the results of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of pregabalin with placebo in patients with generalized SAD. The authors also discuss the long-term safety and tolerability data from an extension study.

Expert opinion: The results of the RCTs have demonstrated efficacy and safety with pregabalin at doses of 600 mg or 450 mg/d for treating generalized SAD. Thus, pregabalin may be an effective therapeutic option, especially for patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects or who demonstrate a lack of efficacy with SSRIs or SNRIs. In addition to being an alternative therapy to SSRIs or SNRIs, it may also have value as an add-on therapy, either to augment pharmacotherapy or in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Keywords:

• anxiolytic
• pregabalin
• review
• social anxiety disorder

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.