Enquête sur la consommation de la prégabaline chez les sujets toxicomanes: Analyse des cas au niveau du centre antipoison de la wilaya d’Ouargla

Abstract

Pregabalin, although very effective as an antiepileptic, anticonvulsant and neuropathic analgesic, can lead to dependence and acute intoxications in cases of abuse or misuse, with a risk of death. This seven- year (2017-2023) retrospective observational study in Ouargla located in southeastern Algeria, examined cases of pregabalin intoxication admitted to the Poison Control Center. During this period, 152 cases of pregabalin intoxication were recorded, representing 10.8% of total acute intoxications. The incidence of pregabalin intoxication significantly increased from 0.8% in 2017 to 25.5% in 2023. The majority of intoxications were due to abusive use for substance abuse purposes (57.2%), followed by overdoses (34.2%), suicide attempts (5.3%), therapeutic errors (2.6%), and accidental intoxications in infants (0.7%). Men, with an average age of 24 years, constituted 90.13% of the cases. After medical treatment, 96.8% of patients recovered without sequelae, while the mortality rate was 3.3%. The sharp increase in intoxication cases over the years highlights the need to strengthen surveillance, awareness, and intervention strategies to reduce the risks associated with the inappropriate use of this medication.