Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in essential tremor: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Author(s): Ferrara JM, Kenney C, Davidson AL, Shinawi L, Kissel AM, Jankovic J

Affiliation(s): Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Suite 1801, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Publication date & source: 2009-10-15, J Neurol Sci., 285(1-2):195-7. Epub 2009 Jul 25.

Publication type: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

We performed a double-blind, crossover-design study to assess the tolerability and efficacy of pregabalin (PGB) in patients with essential tremor (ET). Twenty patients (11 women; mean age of 62.2+/-12.7 years, mean ET duration of 25.5+/-14.9 years) with ET were randomized for treatment with PGB (150-600 mg/day) or placebo, titrated over 6 weeks. Identical assessments of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) (primary endpoint), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and a sleep hygiene questionnaire (HD-16) were made at the baseline, at the end of treatment periods for both drug and placebo, and following the 2-week washout period preceding crossover. We found no improvement in any of the TRS measures and a statistically significant worsening of QUEST scores while patients were taking PGB. Adverse events were similar in frequency to previously published studies of PGB, the most common being drowsiness and dizziness.